Category: Memphis Wrestling

Tales From The Territories Episode Could Have Been A Dark Side Of The Ring One

The creators of Vice TV’s popular “Dark Side of the Ring” series have another show on the way with “Tales from the Territories.” While speaking to Chris Jericho on the “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, creators Evan Husney and Jason Eisener spoke about the process of selecting topics for the series, including what separates a “Tales from the Territories” entry from “Dark Side of the Ring.” One episode that could have found a place on either show was the installment detailing the famous feud between legendary Memphis wrestler Jerry Lawler and comedian Andy Kaufman.

“[Andy Kaufman and Jerry Lawler] could have been a ‘Dark Side of the Ring’ episode,” Husney said. He explained that the process for putting the show together consists of researching books, interviews, and podcasts of wrestlers from the era to find the best potential topics for episodes. “Obviously, when we’re getting into Memphis, it’s hard to ignore … the Kaufman-Lawler thing. … The Kaufman versus Lawler angle we actually built out into an entire episode.”

Hunsey would go on to explain that the people involved in the Lawler-Kaufman story made it an easy decision to base an episode around. “When we got there, we were filming with the guys, the chemistry was so good. It was like. ‘All right, let’s tell the Kaufman story,’ and they just went, and they went for hours,” Husney said. “It was cool because I had never really heard Lawler’s … top-to-bottom perspective on the whole angle.”

“Tales from the Territories” is produced by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and debuts tonight on Vice TV. Tonight’s episode is on Memphis wrestling. The episode on the Lawler-Kaufman feud premieres on Tuesday, October 11. 

Source: Wrestling Inc.

“Tales From The Territories” Debuts Tonight On Vice TV

“Tales from the Territories” is produced by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and debuts tonight on Vice TV at 10 PM EST. Tonight’s episode is on Memphis wrestling.

The premiere episode is titled Memphis: Where Wrestling Was Real. 

The episode will feature a round table discussion with Jerry Lawler, Jeff Jarrett, Jerry Jarrett, Jimmy Hart and more.

Promotional material for tonight’s premiere notes, “In Memphis, the Mid-South Coliseum’s unique blend of slow-burn, story-driven matches and pre-MTV music video vignettes captivated audiences every week.”

Vice TV will air a Dark Side of the Ring marathon in advance of the premiere.  The marathon schedule:

7 AM – Chris Kanyon.

8 AM – The Fabulous Moolah.

9 AM – The Plane Ride from Hell.

10 AM – Herb Abrams.

11 AM – Collission in Korea.

12 PM – Randy Savage & Elizabeth.

1 PM – XPW

2 PM – Dr. D David Schultz.

3 PM – Owen Hart.

4 PM – Bruiser Brody.

5 PM – Von Erichs.

6 PM – Chris Benoit

8 PM – Ultimate Warrior.

Kurt Angle On Memphis Wrestling HOF Induction, News From Jerry Lawler’s Wrestling Reunion

WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle was inducted into the Memphis Wrestling Hall of Fame this past weekend at Fitzgerald’s Casino Event Center in Tunica, Mississippi.

The ceremony was held along with the “Jerry Lawler’s Wrestling Reunion” meet & greet and wrestling event put on by WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler.

Other names inducted into the Hall of Fame were Scott Steiner, Downtown Bruno Lauer (aka Harvey Wippleman), Tommy Rich, Reggie B. Fine, and Tony Falk. For those who missed it, you can click here for video of Steiner’s match with Lawler at the event. Some of the other legends and Hall of Famers appearing for fans throughout the day were Ricky Steamboat, Bill Dundee, Randy Hales, Doug Gilbert, Koko B. Ware, Sgt. Slaughter, Jerry Calhoun, Arn Anderson, Lex Luger, and others.

Angle took to Twitter today and commented on being inducted.

“I was inducted in into the Memphis Wrestling HOF this past weekend. My 16th Hall of Fame that I’ve been inducted into. #MemphisWrestling has an amazing tradition with so many great names that went through their promotion.Thank you for this great honor. #memphiswrestlinghof,” Angle wrote.

The events drew a sellout of 800 fans plus some standing room crowd, according to PWInsider. Kevin Lawler, Jerry’s son who was previously known as Freddy Gilbert in ECW, ran the backstage portion of the show. Casino officials were said to be thrilled with the event, and with how many hotel rooms they booked, and are already talking about a return event in 2022.

You can see Angle’s full tweet below, along with some photos from the events:

https://twitter.com/RealKurtAngle/status/1439992827228925960
https://twitter.com/KiLynnKing/status/1439760212207063047

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Rock N’ Roll Express, Tony Atlas, Wildfire Tommy Rich & More Named to Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame 2021 Class

The 2021 class of the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame has been revealed, with Rock N’ Roll Express, Tony Atlas and more set to be inducted. The Hall of Fame announced the following names as 2021 inductees, per PWInsider:

* Pioneer Division: Mad Mountain Dean & Paul Bowser
* TV Era Division: Tiger Conway Sr. & Jose Lothario
* Modern Era Division: Tony Atlas & Wildfire Tommy Rich
* Womens: Judy Martin & Juanita Coffman
* International: Leo Burke
* Executive: Don Owen
* Tag Team Division: Rock ‘n Roll Express (Robert Gibson & Ricky Morton)
* Territory Era: Skandor Akbar
* Referee: Ronnie West

The induction weekend is currently scheduled for May 13th through the 15th and would be when both the 2020 and 2021 classes are inducted. Details on that event are still to come as they work towards a resolution for an event that is safe in the face of the pandemic.

Source: 411Mania

Tracy Smothers Passes Away At Age 58

Pro wrestling veteran Tracy Smothers has passed away at the age of 58.

Smothers announced in November 2019 that he was battling lymphoma. The Eat Sleep Wrestling website noted on Monday that they talked to Smothers via phone call and it looked like his first bout with cancer was going to be “a squash match” compared to this second round. The update from Monday also noted that Smothers suffered heart damage from the heavy chemotherapy in his first battle with cancer, which led to Smothers being hospitalized a few times. Smothers underwent surgery for a hernia just 11 days ago.

“Tracy’s ready to fight this cancer as hard as he did last fall, but the heart problems have delayed the cancer treatments and the hernia issue has delayed doctors from treating the heart issues. He’s in a real battle. Tracy is in it to win it, and he sends his love to all his friends and his wrestling family, and he is asking for prayers,” ESW wrote on Monday.

A GoFundMe had been launched at this link to help with Smothers’ medical expenses, and an indie event was planned for this weekend in Bartonville, IL to help raise more money. Smothers also asked ESW to plug his book, which you can find here.

Smothers began his pro wrestling career back in 1982 and wrestled for numerous promotions, including WWE, WCW, ECW, SMW, TNA and Memphis Wrestling, among others. He held the ECW World Tag Team Titles once with Little Guido, and held the WCW United States Tag Team Titles once with Steve Armstrong.

In an update, Timothy Denison noted on Facebook that Smothers passed away this morning at around 4:24am, due to his fight against cancer.

Funeral arrangements and a “Celebration of Life” will be announced in the near future for Smothers’ family, friends and fans. Denison noted that Smothers is survived by his mother, sister, two brothers, two sons, and his girlfriend.

Several promotions, wrestlers and WWE Hall of Famers are paying tribute to Smothers on social media today.

Tracy Smothers passes away

WWE is saddened to learn that Tracy Smothers passed away today at the age of 58.

A native of Springfield, Tennessee, Smothers teamed with Steve Armstrong, as his career began in Florida Championship Wrestling. The duo competed in WCW as The Southern Boys and The Young Pistols and were engaged in a long rivalry with The Fabulous Freebirds tandem of Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin.

After another stint on the independent wrestling circuit, Smothers began wrestling in WWE as Freddie Joe Floyd. Smothers shared the ring with icons such as Triple H and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin during his time with WWE. Later, the wrestling veteran had a memorable run with ECW.

WWE extends its condolences to Smothers’ family and friends.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Tracy Smothers Hospitalized

Tracy Smothers, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, has been hospitalized as he continues to battle with lymphoma and other health issues. Former ECW and WWE, Memphis Wrestling, Smoky Mountain Wrestling Superstar The Blue Meanie posted the following update on Smothers, saying,

“My mind and heart are with Tracy Smothers tonight as I’m hearing of his battle with cancer and other complications have him hospitalized. This hurts my heart. I am who I am in wrestling because he helped mold me and countless others. I love you man! Keep fighting!”

We send our best wishes to Smothers and his family.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF3XDOTl3Rg/?utm_source=ig_embed

Source: ewrestlingnews

Jerry “The King” Lawler 50th Anniversary Celebration Event 9/26/20

There will be a huge event to celebrate Jerry “The King” Lawler’s 50 year career in the wrestling business on Saturday, September 26th at The Ball Park in Jackson, Tennessee at 7:30 PM. Call (731) 234-5883 for tickets.

There will be a big list of wrestling Superstars in attendance including, Lex Lugar, Sgt. Slaughter, Scott Steiner, Bill Dundee, Jimmy Hart, Jim Ross and many more.

Below is a Facebook post about the event from Jerry’s son Kevin Lawler:

Wrestling Legend Kamala Passes Away At Age 70

Former WWE star Kamala (James Harris) has passed away yesterday at age 70.

The word of his passing first came from WWE Hall of Famer Koko B. Ware.

The cause of Kamala’s death has been reported by Jason King from Bleacher Report.

King shared on Twitter that he reportedly spoke with Kamala’s wife, who revealed that her husband went into cardiac arrest and passed away yesterday afternoon.

Also according to Jason King, Kamala had tested positive on Wednesday for COVID. He was then hospitalized on Wednesday night.

https://twitter.com/JasonKingBR/status/1292650848288485376

Kamala made his WWE debut in 1984 and would make his RAW in-ring debut in 1993. During his WWE career, he feuded with Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Hulk Hogan, and The Undertaker.

He also wrestled in such promotions as Mid-South Wrestling, WCW, USWA, WCCW, and NWA Tri-State.

In recent years, Kamala had a number of health issues including a battle with diabetes that required his legs to be amputated. In 2015, he released an autobiography called “Kamala Speaks.”

Kamala was inducted in the Texas Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012.

WWE has released the below statement about his passing.

WWE is saddened to learn that James Harris, known to WWE fans as Kamala, has passed away at age 70.Under the frightening face paint of Kamala, the 6-foot-7, 380-pound Harris battled the greatest Superstars in sports-entertainment history, including Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker and Andre the Giant.

He terrorized opponents and thrilled audiences in Mid-South, World Class Championship Wrestling, WCW and WWE until 2006.

WWE extends its condolences to Harris’ family, friends and fans.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jerry Lawler Talks AEW’s Tribute To Memphis Wrestling

Memphis is getting lots of love from pro wrestling to kick off 2020 as SmackDown took place from there last week and AEW is visiting the city this week. During WWE’s trip to Memphis, they also recorded 205 Live where Ariya Daivari offered a tribute (or a shot) to The King of Memphis Wrestling, Jerry Lawler, by staging a fist drop from the second rope.

Lawler was asked about the spot when he joined Cerrito Live.

“Well, he took a little too long up there. I watched it and I never would give my opponent that much time to recover while he was lying there waiting for me to drop a fist on him,” said Lawler. “He took a little too long as a matter of fact he acted like he was wearing two straps. He was dropping two straps. Then by the time he finally dropped down on his opponent, the guy raised his feet up right in his face and it didn’t work out too well for him.”

The removing of the strap and second-rope fist drop didn’t work out in terms of functionality, but Lawler was still honored by the acknowledgement.

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” stated Lawler.

He was then asked about tonight’s AEW’s show which is being billed as a tribute to the legends of Memphis Wrestling. Lawler won’t be on hand due to his WWE ties, but many greats will be there including “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant and The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express.

“I have talked to some guys and I think they’re gonna have quite a few guys who were well known in Memphis,” Lawler said before rattling off the names of Memphis wrestlers who he knows will be on hand. “Dave Brown will be there. I talked to Dave and we have lunch every Thursday. Yeah, he’s gonna be there.”

While this will be a trip down nostalgia lane, Lawler thinks there is a more pertinent reason for AEW to bring out the Memphis legends.

“They’re looking to sell some tickets and pop the crowd,” stated Lawler. “I think a tribute to Memphis Wrestling is actually the last thing on their minds. They’re looking to sell some tickets and pop the crowd.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Wrestling Legend Tracy Smothers Reveals He’s Battling Cancer

Former Florida Championship Wrestling, Continental Wrestling Federation, WCW, Smoky Mountain Wrestling, USWA (Memphis Wrestling Territory) WWE and ECW star “The Wild-Eyed Southern Boy” Tracy Smothers posted yesterday on Facebook that on November 14 he was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer.

Smothers explained in his post that he’s on his third treatment of chemotherapy. He also wrote about how the doctor told him he had a heart attack a while ago without even realizing it.

He wrote, “To all concerned I was diagnosed Nov.14 w Lymphoma cancer which now am on my 3rd treatment 3 to go Of Chemo which is shrinking the rapid growing tumors. Doc told me yrs ago I have blockage in my artery so here we are an have lost 45 percent of my heart use. Also he said I have lots of head, body trauma. Doc said I had a heart attack some time back an didn’t know it. I have felt bad for a while now but thought I was getting old, lol. This is not fatal as it’s between my Pancreas, Colon, neck. A big TY to all of u but I look at it as getting a tune-up, overhaul, tires rotated, oil change,etc.all in one lol. Remember LIFE is a BATTLE an I’m in it to win it so don’t hesitate in trying to be tough by putting off getting checked out in this day an age u never know?? GOD BLESS EVERYBODY..”

Smothers also wrestled in NWA, Juggalo Championship Wrestling and recently has been wrestling for a independent promotion in Indiana – New Focus Wrestling.

Below is Smothers’ post: