November-December, 2005. Various events.
I have chosen to combine the last few months into two commentaries. Boy, these last few months have been busy! November had me flying to Rockford, IL to work with Rockin Randy on a show that featured Jerry Lawler and WWE Talent head Tommy Dreamer. Again, this was a trip driven by business goals which I accomplished. I had a successful meeting with Dreamer and even refereed his match that night. Posistive feedback was given and I flew to Raleigh, NC for my next show the following night in Sanford, NC, where I worked for Live Action wrestling. I reffed the opening contest on this card as well as Scotty Matthews' match which was televised on the Dec. 3 edition of LAW TV.I would also like to take a moment here and mention the passing of Eddie Guerrero. Eddie is the first guy I have ever worked with in the business to pass away. I am not claiming to know the man, but I did cross paths with him when I worked WWE in August, two nights after his spectacular ladder match with Rey Mysterio at Summerslam. While eating in catering that August day in Greensboro, I sit and watched Eddie and Rey as they set together and reviewed the tape of their match. I clearly recall from a distance a seemingly deep conversation Eddie had with referee Charles Robinson, ending with an embrace from the two. Eddie had a light his eyes and a child-like quality in his presence that truely lit up a room when he entered. He was nice to me and one heck of a performer. Eddie will be missed. Rest in peace.
November 19 was a big date for old-time Mid-Atantic fans. CCW held a huge supercard at the legendary Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, "Tribute to Starrcade," a card that I had the pleasure to officiate. The show featured nearly every legend in the book: Mick Foley, Harley Race, Terry Funk, Dusty Rhodes, Tully Blanchard, Jerry Lawler and scores of others. I reffed 4 matches on the card, including the 6-man tag with the original Midnight Express (w/Jim Cornette)against Lawler, Brad Armstrong and Jeff Hardy. This was a pleasure to be a part of. I also had the honor of officiating the revival match of an old mid-atlantic feud in George South v. Rocky King. To my knowledge, this is the first time these two have locked up since the old Crockett days, some two decades ago! It was great to be a part of this historic event, in such a historic venue in front of the 2100 rabid fans!
I refereed on Thanksgiving this year which was another goal to cross off my list of "things I want to do in the business." I want to work every night of the week and, so far, I am just missing Sunday right now. The next weekend sent me out on the road again to Raleigh that morning, Wilmington that night and Columbia, SC later that night, early Sunday. I stopped in Raleigh to pick up some old time wrestling posters, reffed a toys for tots show in Wilmington with my old friend Oliver Evans (my referee protogee') and headed to Colubia, SC for the Smackdown Tapings that Sunday night. I didn't get a chance to referee this time with WWE, so I will have to wait until January. I was very much looking forward to ending my year at yet another old Crockett building, the former Independence Arena (now Cricket arena)in Charlotte. I am looking forward to the time off the road and to spend some time with family during the Christmas season. A note on the Independence Arena show to demonstrate how funny the circle turns in a year, in Dec. 2004 I bought a ticket to get into that building to see WWE and now, one year later, I am being paid to work in that same building, wow!
I had some offers to work Christmas day, which would be cool, but I am too tired and to work Dec. 30, which I also turned down. As I said, I am looking forward to enjoying the Holiday season and playing with my new Ipod! Next on the books for me in 2006 are my two WWE shows in January in Raleigh and Charlotte. I am currently scheduled to be on hand and it remains to be seen if I will be used or not. Keep your fingers crossed for me! Be safe and Merry Christmas!
September-October, 2005. Various events.
I have been on the road on average two days a week since August refereeing. On Sept. 10, I returned to Carolina Championship Wrestling for the first time since January to work a card at the historic Shelby Rec Center in Shelby, NC. This is a public works building in Shelby with a lot of Mid-Atlantic wrestling history; Jim Crockett promotions used to run matches there frequently and used the building for tv tapings too. Off hand, I can add the Shelby Rec Center to my list of buildings worked that were old JCP havens along with: Cricket Arena (formerly Independence Arena), the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, the Spindale House, Greensboro Coliseum and North Pitt High School (JCP spot show venue in the 70s and 80s.)
The end of Sept. found me en route to Eldon, MO, home of the legendary Harley Race for participation in a 4 day camp that featured a visit from WWE hauncho Johnny Ace. This was a trip with business in mind, needless to say! I got posistive feedback and feel like a goal was accomplished. Since my last entry, I have probably worked with my mentor, Mr. #1 George South well over half a dozen times. It is always a pleasure to get into a ring with George. He always has something up his sleeve for a referee to keep us on our toes! Working George's touching Wahoo McDaniel Tribute show on Oct. 4 in Mooresville was fun too! If you can, check out the dvd as my commentary is featured! Oct. 8 saw my return to the North American Wrestling Federation in Robersonville, NC for the annual fundraising event there. Thanks to all the guys at the EMS for their hospitality. Worked with Honky Tonk Man and King Kong Bundy which was cool.
I closed out the month of Oct. with a show I look forward to each year, the annual Ward Family show in Waynesboro, VA. Each year Marvin Ward, the promoter, takes better care of me than anyone else, does great work for a great cause and throws one heck of a show to boot! This years event featured Roddy Piper, Bob Orton, Dusty Rhodes, Jerry Lawler and numerous others. I worked along side of these legends, which was an honor. This event was also a learning experience for me as I worked under the most publicized referees in history, the famous Hebner twins, Dave and Earl. I look forward to the series of shows Marvin has on the books for 2006. The Oct. 29, 2005 event is available on DVD at highspots.com My November and December entries are included above!
August, 2005.
I only worked a couple of shots in August, so I deceided to combine them into one report. I had the pleasure once again on August 13 to step into the ring with not only my mentor George South, but another man who has helped me out tremendously in my wrestling career since 2002, Mr. Bobby Fulton of the Fantastics. South v. Fulton, wow, what a classic! It happened in Knightdale, NC for an upstart promotion and was an enjoyable match to referee between these two legends. In the end, I was knocked down and unable to make the three count when Fulton rolled up South. Fulton's young son, Dylan Fulton was watching nearby and ran in when his Dad called and adminstered the three count for his father. It was neat to be in the ring with two generations of Fulton wrestlers!
The last half of August was very hectic for me as I was in attendence all three days at the NWA Legends Fanfest in Charlotte, NC and then was on the road the following two days in Richmond, VA and Greensboro, NC watching the WWE Smackdown shows in those respective areas. The latter part of 2005 is picking up here beginning Sept 10 in Shelby as I have many dates booked over the next several months. Be sure to check out my appearances section and I hope to see you at the matches!
July 9, 2005. Exodus Wrestling Alliance.
Winston-Salem, NC. Glen View Baptist Church.
After several off-and-on shots since February, I have returned to the business as full time as one can be in indy wrestling. This show was very special to me for many reasons. I accomplished a small goal with this show: to one day work for my mentor, Mr. #1 George South. To me, this was a full circle, coming of age acceptance, so to speak, for the once 17-year old kid who knew nothing about the business and went from being beat up by South as part of a school project to now, 5 years later, is working for the man who once tried to "old school" me out of the business! This show was a big deal to me. Me, Tommy and George: 
The first time I ever stepped into a professional wrestling ring was with George on July 8, 2000. So, it is ironic how this show was nearly 5 years to the day that I came full circle and now worked for my mentor. To me, this was the ultimate acceptance. But, to top it all off, George goes and does the unthinkable for me! He brings in Mr. NWA himself, Tommy Young. So now, I was a nervous as heck working in front of the greatest referee off all time. Not only did I get to work in front of him, but Tommy refereed the main event that night (South v. Jason Jones) so I got to work under him and share a locker room with him as well. Tommy gave me the nod and said he approved of my work! What an honor! George said he brought Tommy in just for me. It was truely a pleasure and an unforgettable evening. Thank you George and thanks to the boys at Glen View! Here is a shot of me in the ring with Tommy Young: 
January 7, 2005. New Generation Wrestling.
Spindale, NC. The Historic Spindale House.
Recall that just two months ago, I became the first referee in nearly 25 years (and possibly the first since Tommy Young) to officicate pro wrestling in the Spindale House. The two shows I worked in the venue were special and will always be memorable to me. Here I was in the ring with Les Thatcher, Tully Blanchard, Ricky Steamboat, George South, and the Original Midnite Express. They were truely magical times. I refereed with Jamie Tucker, a good friend and a heckuva referee. I also worked with my mentor, Mr. #1, George South. It is always rewarding to step back in the ring with George.
What is interesting to note about this match, George wrestled his long time rival Chief Jay Eagle. Any school Mid Atlantic Wrestling fans will recall the battles these two waged on the indy wrestling circuit in the late 70s and early 80s. Back then, South wrestled as "Iron Mike Thunder." Recently, George confirmed that this was the first time nearly two decades that the two had locked up; once again, I was the referee for Mid Atlantic History!
Due to a computer glitch, the 2004 archives are lost.
"Sex, Love and Money," the name of Hunter and Alexander's team, prevailed and, despite constant cheating, were able to become the first ever Tag Champions for our company. There was also a special added attraction to this card: the first ever UWC Women's match. This match featured two of the fastest-rising women in the world of pro wrestling: Persephone and Alexis Laree. These divas went at it in a highly competitive lady's championship qualifying match at the Armory. Alexis Laree came out on top and I look forward to the impact these two will have on this new division in the UWC.
Styxx was seriously injured during his opening bout on the 15th with partner Matt Magnum as they fought Terminator X and Anarchy. Repeated abuse of Styxx's leg against the steel ring post has confirmed nerve damaged to the leg and a possible fracture. Numerous congrats to Spank for finally winning championship gold, the coveted Television Championship, in the UWC.
Another impressive debut was made by Mike Yamaha who fought the diminutive Giant Vermillion. Against the cheating odds of the Giant, Yamaha was unable to come up with the pinfall. After reviewing the tape, I see that Vermillion secured his victory by having Mike pinned to the canvas with Giant's feet using the ropes for additional leverage. I consulted with him backstage following the matchup. Spank kicked off his year with a bang with his shocking victory over the big man, Otto Schwanz. The TV title was on the line, but Spank managed to persevere and, despite the size advantage of Schwanz, get the pinfall.
Unfortunately, Big Willie Johnson was unable to compete in the hardcore matchup scheduled for this card due to an injury. I wish him a speedy recovery. Spank pulled double duty when he put his TV Championship on the line later that night along with Apollo's US belt in a ladder match in Goldsboro. As an official, let me say, this was one heck of a matchup. Kid Cas and Karma put up a great effort but an injury to Cas during the match left Karma with the disadvantage as Apollo and Spank retained their belts in what is sure to be a legendary match in UWC history. If you attended the event, you know Apollo and Spank had trouble getting the belts down from the rope tied to the ceiling; the belts were stuck even though both men clearly had their competitors beaten and a clear shot the get them down. As an official, I deceided to call for the bell, end the match and claim them as the champs; they had cleary won despite not being able to get the belts down due to circumstances beyond anyone's control. It was a great match.
The main event featured Brad Hunter and Shawn Alexander defending their newly-acquired tag team belts agains the first-time challengers of Flex Phenom and Corporal Kaos. I got a little more involved in this matchup than I cared too; I was knocked out by a frog splash from Kaos. Hunter chose to capitalize on this by attempting to knockout his opponents with one of the tag belts. However, the plan backfired and Phenom and Kaos ended up with the gold in their debut match...certianly an impressive showing!
Congratulations are also in order for Apollo Steed, who became the winner of the second annual Johnathan Lightning, Sr. Memorial Cup tourney. Apollo had great battle with Vax and Kid Cas to become the the winner of this annual event. Kudos to Apollo who finally seems to be rising to his full potential in our company. For his reward for winning, Apollo requested an impromtu tag team match following the main event which pitted Apollo and Norman vs Brad and Cas. Norman found revenge and Hunter and Cas found a beating on the other end!
New UWC Tag Team champions were crowned when the tandem of Perrish and Anarchy defeated Styxx and Vinnie Vain in a brutal tag team ladder match. The very physical bout proved the duo as worthy Champions and also served to prove Styxx and Vain as viable contenders. Giant Vermillion also returned to action against Shawn Alexander. These two UWC superstars battled to a double count-out when the Giant could not focus on his match and ignore his fixiation with Alexander's lovely valet, Brandi. Seymour Snott made his UWC debut in an entertaining bout against Karma, mystery man of the UWC. Not much is known about Snott, more on him later.
Kid Cas advanced to his bout with Apollo in the Tournament with normal, underhanded tactics. The controversial win over Spank was won when the newly-named commissioner of the UWC, Brad Hunter, stopped the match just as Cas was about to tap to a Boston Crab-like submission which Spank had just applied. The ensuing decision by Hunter brings shame to Cas' advancement in the Tournament. Brad asked Spank to "guess" how many fingers he held behind his back, one or two. Spank (correctly) guessed two, but Brad insisted he held one finger. My (forced) final decision was that Cas had to advance as deemed by the commissioner. Yet another trick up the sleeves of the Number One Stunners...
In other matches, Perrish topped Vinnie Vain while two newcomers faced each other in thier respective debuts. Hangtime debuted against Deacon. An impressive showing for both combatants, with Deacon coming out on top in his first UWC bout. Nite Stic Eddie Brown returned to the UWC to take on one of the sport's fastest-rising stars in Spank. The two had a great fight until I was forced to disqualify Brown for blatant cheating when he unfairly used his dreaded nite stic on Spank.
The highly promoted return bout between Kid Cas, leader of the Number One Stunners and Apollo Steed, former Stunner, did not dissapoint. This best 2/3 falls event was an instant UWC classic. Steed immediately gained the momentum by winning the first fall. Cas quickly countered, however, during the must-win second fall by making the big Apollo tap to a Cas submission. In the end, Steed defeated all odds, and his opponent, when he outsmarted the Stunner frontman by reversing a cradle to capture the third and final fall.
In the main event, Shawn Alexander teamed with Goldsboro native Flex Phenom to represent the UWC and battle the invading Ring War wrestlers from Canada. The tag match was paced with the advantage see-sawing throughout the bout. Finally, Flex and Shawn gained the victory for themselves and the UWC.
I know it has been a while since I have posted here. I apologize, things have been busy as of late for this UWC representative. Our anniversary super show marked a huge night in the history of our company, and we did not disapoint! All the UWC stars were on hand to help celebrate this historic night. Cas and his cronies chose to ruin the opening festivities for Spank and the returning UWC Girls. However, when Apollo came to the rescue the crowd was fired up and I hadn't even rung the bell yet for the first match! I enjoyed the unique stipluations for the boxing match that took place in the first fall of the best of three falls matchup between Cas and Apollo. Even though I ended it in a count out, Cas suffered a KO in the first round from a devestating right hand by Apollo. Several newcomers made their debut on this night and are sure to have a future impact on our cards. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming shows!
The show kicked off with a great crowd; thanks to all who attended. Due to a knee injury suffered at the anniversary show, Johnathan Lightning, Sr. called in during the show and demanded that I strip Styxx of the US Championship since he would not be able to defend. The title was vacated and put up for grabs in the main event, a ladder royal for the US belt! Shawn Raines was able to hang on to his TV Championship despite having the odds stacked against him in a 3-way round robin match against Kid Cas and Perrish. Styxx was notably upset about the lack of team cooperation this night amongst the New Power Generation and of his being stripped of the title. However, a small victory was scored when I was injured by a vicious elbow from Cold Cash D in the match preceding Cas v. Raines v. Perrish. A last minute contract was agreeded upon by the office and Styxx. The agreement allowed Styxx to see some action, despite being injured....as the guest referee for the match! The much anticipated return of Norman Simley was haulted when Norman was defeated in a handicap match against Johnny Lightning and the newest Stunner, Shawn Alexander. The Championship picture was changed during the main event when Firestorm climed the ladder and grabed the belt, staking his claim as the new US Champion of the UWC. **Please note, I was informed after the show that Shawn Raines had actually grabbed the belt and thus was the new champion. However, I was knocked down by a missed clothesline from Raines earlier intended for another wrestler. I was unable to see Raines grab the belt and when I came to, I saw the belt in the hands of Firestorm. As a referee, I am only human and do the best I can. Thus, I am to enforce the rules and can only call what I see. If I do not see it, I can not make a call on it, plain and simple. That is what the official rule book states. I DO NOT advocate the use of instant reply and I feel the decisions should be left up to the offical in charge of the match and that decision is final...right or wrong. As I stated, I do the best I can.
Coming off of a two-month hiatus, the last show of 2002 offered many surpizes,most notably, the return of Disco Inferno to defend his World Championship. This final show of the year was special to me for many reasons. First, I had authorization from Mr. Lightning to move forward as the official promotor of the event; this show was my baby. Secondly, I organized the event to benefit a cause very dear to me, the American Cancer Society. It is a thrilling feeling as an entertainer that you can go out an organize an entertainment event like our show and be able to give back to the community. I am honored to be able to give back, if only in some small part, to help fight the deadly disease. Thirdly, we were able to bring another official on board to the staff to help ease some of my officiating duties. Mr. Nick Crockett did a tremendous job considering his limited experience inside the ring as an official. You might have recognized him from his normal seat as the UWC ring announcer. I am proud to have Nick on the staff and I know he has a bright future. After all, wrestling runs in his family...with a name like Crockett, you can't go wrong in wrestling.
As for the show itself, a capacity crowd pack into the Sports Connection, the second largest show in the history of our company. Unfortunately, two of our title holders, TV champ Shawn Reigns and US champion, Firestorm, were unable to make the show due to injuries and I was forced to strip them of the belts as deemed by Mr. Lightning. The card was re-organized into a quasi-tournament, qualifying round where the winners will advance to compete in a double ladder match for the gold at our first show of the new year in January. Styxx, Cold Cash D, Perrish and Kid Cas all have qualified. The defending Hardcore champion, Terminator X, was not in his element on this night as he found himself walking away from the ring with less hardware and more bruises than when he first entered. Big Willie Johnson wound up through a table but somehow still managed to capture the UWC's hardcore crown. Early in the night, it looked as if Kid Cas and Apollo might have reconciled their past differences, but that thought was short lived when Kid Cas and Cold Cash D paid no attention to Apollo's pleas and viciously attacked him. I am sure this most definitely ends any assiociation between Apollo and the Stunners. The main event featured the rematch between Disco and Brad, and what a thriller it was. The aforementioned need for another official was witnessed when I went down near the end of the match and was unable to make the final decision. Nick assisted in the match, but I had to reverse his decision when he declared Brad the winner. The official decision was that Brad won the match, but not the Championship as I deceided the match ended in a disqualification when Disco used the belt as a weapon against his opponent. We had a ladder match scheduled for the final bout, but the ring had inadequacies and I deemed it unsafe for further competition and I had to call the final match. However, a ladder match WILL take place in January! Check back for more information and have a great Thanksgiving Holiday!
