Championship Wrestling from Florida

[gentlemanjeff]

1959 Year in Review

President: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Big News: Fidel Castro overthrows the Batista government in Cuba
Space Race: Russian Luna 2 is the first spacecraft on the moon
Local Flavor: Busch Gardens opens in Tampa
#1 at the Box Office: Ben Hur
#1 on the Charts: "The Battle of New Orleans" by Johnny Horton
World Series: The Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the Chicago White Sox
NFL Championship: The Baltimore Colts beat the New York Giants
NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Pat O’Connor (def. Dick Hutton, January 1959)
Inside the Squared Circle: On April 15, a Verne Gagne & Hans Schmidt vs. Boris & Nicoli Volkoff match set off a small riot at Milwaukee Arena before a crowd of 3,434; the Arena-Auditorium board bars wrestling for nearly a year in its aftermath

[gentlemanjeff]

January 1, 1960 – Miami Beach Auditorium – Miami Beach, FL

Tito Carreon pinned Angelo Poffo with the Flying Bodypress in 0:12:15.
Rating: ** 1/4

The Mexican flyer, Tito Carreon, scored a big upset win over veteran Angelo Poffo in 1960’s opening bout. Tito is said to be gunning for the Red Menace’s newly won Southern championship.

Haystacks Calhoun defeated Buddy Austin by countout in 0:06:27.
Rating: 1/2*

“Killer” Buddy Austin has ice running through his veins, but you could tell he wasn’t happy having to face the big boy from Morgan’s Corner, Arkansas. Calhoun’s six hundred and one pound frame took Buddy’s normal “beat them into submission” gameplan away from him; after bouncing off Haystacks a few times, Austin called it quits and walked out.

The Red Menace pinned Ray Villmer after hitting him with a foreign object in 0:14:44.
Rating: ** 1/2
(The Red Menace retained the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title.)

The Red Menace defeated Ray Villmer, a well-respected scientific grappler, multi-time Southern champion, veteran of the Florida wrestling circuit, and long-time training partner of Lou Thesz, back in December of ’59 under shady circumstances. Unfortunately, things wouldn’t improve much here, as the masked Cuban took advantage of a momentarily stunned referee to brain Villmer with the flag of the Cuban Revolution that he carries everywhere. The fans were out for the Red Menace’s blood after this latest injustice.

Dick the Bruiser and Iron Mike DiBiase defeated Don Curtis and Mark Lewin when Bruiser pinned D. Curtis with the Top Rope Knee Drop in 0:15:27.
Rating: ***

Don Curtis and Mark Lewin, two athletic, babyfaced idols—one a well-respected veteran and the other a hot young newcomer—have been tearing up the East Coast lately, trading the Capitol Wrestling U.S. tag team titles back and forth with the Golden Grahams. They faced stiff competition tonight, though: Dick the Bruiser is probably the toughest man in professional wrestling at the moment, and Iron Mike DiBiase is fresh off a tour of bloody brawls all across the Southwest. Curtis and Lewin kept the snorting monster off balance, but eventually the wily experience of DiBiase and the brutality of Bruiser proved too much.

Hans Schmidt and Dory Funk battled to a double countout in 0:15:16.
Rating: ****

“The Teuton Terror” Hans Schmidt has only recently arrived in Florida after years spent packing arenas to capacity throughout the Midwest. The quiet, cold-hearted German faced off with “The Outlaw” Dory Funk, who may be on the wrong side of forty, but can still brawly wildly with the best of them. The imposing Schmidt hasn’t faced someone who could stand toe-to-toe with him in awhile, but the veteran out of Amarillo, TX proved more than able. The ring couldn’t hold these two and officials had to separate them long after the bell was rung.

Two-out-of-three-Falls Match:
Johnny Valentine and Eddie Graham drew Antonino Rocca and Miguel Perez:
x A. Rocca beat E. Graham via a flying dropkick in 0:15:21
x J. Valentine beat M. Perez via the Brainbuster Elbow in 0:24:54
x double disqualification (E. Graham and A. Rocca) in 0:37:06
Rating: **
(Antonino Rocca and Miguel Perez retained the NWA World Tag Team Titles.)

Antonino Rocca and Miguel Perez have been holding the world tag team titles since 1957, and during that span the acrobatic and agile duo have been the biggest draw in all of professional wrestling. The Miami Beach crowd was frantic with excitement for the electric “Argentina” Rocca and his partner, the Puerto Rican Perez, especially since they were going up against two of the most hated men in wrestling today: “Bloody” Eddie Graham and “The Villain” Johnny Valentine. Graham and Valentine know every dirty trick in the book and they showed that tonight, nearly ending the Rocca and Perez’s three-year title reign. Once again, the passions in this contest boiled over, and senior referee Herbie Freeman was forced to disqualify both teams for ignoring the tag rules.

Card rating: ** 3/4

The Grapevine:

Championship Wrestling from Florida kicked off 1960 with a bang, and looks like it could be a pivotal year in the history of Cowboy Luttrell’s venerable promotion. Rumor has it that Eddie Graham, the man that wrestling fans all up and down the East Coast love to hate, has signed a ten-year deal with Luttrall’s promotion and moved his residence to the Tampa area. Luttrall is sparing no expense this season to bring the biggest stars in the world—Rocca, Schmidt, the Bruiser, Valentine—to Florida, and there is talk of some of the National Wrestling Alliance’s top talent visiting Florida for the first time later this year. You won’t want to miss 1960 in the CWF.

[gentlemanjeff]

Get to know your Florida grapplers:

"Argentina" Antonino Rocca - The dominant draw in the Northeast throughout the 50s, an acrobatic wrestler and part of the long Capitol Wrestling/future WWWF's "ethnic superstar" lineage; a smiling, baby-kissing face. Rumor has it his performance has suffered as of late due to alcoholism.

Dick the Bruiser - The original cigar-chomping bar room brawler; a very hot commodity in the late 50s; a particularly big draw in the Midwest.

"Bloody" Eddie Graham - Joined the flashy, well-muscled Golden Graham clan and part of one of the biggest drawing acts with Dr. Jerry Graham; abandoned his full-time gig in Capitol Wrestling for a ten-year contract/equity arrangement with Clarence P. "Cowboy" Luttrell; looking to stake his claim to the Florida territory as both a wrestler and businessman.

"The Teuton Terror" Hans Schmidt - One of the biggest draws of the 1950s; a tall, imposing, able-bodied grappler in the ring; curious for his refusal to play the popular Nazi stereotype, choosing instead to be more of a militant, World War I-style German.

"The Villain" Johnny Valentine - Never set roots down in one promotion, but one of the biggest draws of the 50s and 60s; multi-time Southern champion from the 50s; one of the most hated men in wrestling. Known for his calculated, methodical performances.

Haystacks Calhoun - Big fat special attraction, battle royal and handicap match specialist. 601 lbs of hillbilly.

Dory Funk - Innovator and (hitherto) undefeated king of the Texas Death Match; runs the Amarillo territory.

Angelo Poffo - Guinness record holder for consecutive situps and capable, versatile journeyman. Has yet to set roots down in Lexington, KY.

Miguel Perez - A capable babyface whose Puerto Rican background allows him to play second-fiddle in the Rocca/Perez "ethnic stars" tag team.

Iron Mike DiBiase - A well-traveled veteran of hardcore brawls in the Southwest; respected journeyman.

"Killer" Buddy Austin - A genuine sadist in and out of the ring.

"The Buffalo Bomber" Don Curtis - Clean cut, athletic, trains-at-the-YMCA type. The Curtis-Lewin tag team is one of the most popular in the East.

Ray Villmer - An old school hooker-type, former sparring partner of Lou Thesz, multi-time Southern champion; an aged but experienced local presence on the Florida circuit.

The Red Menace - A dependable local veteran hotshotted under a Cuban mask to capitalize off of Castro's revolution.

Chief Big Heart - A solid veteran Native American based out of Georgia. Master of the Tomahawk chop.

Mark Lewin - The junior partner in the Curtis-Lewin tag team; another clean cut, athletic, babyface.

Big Ike Eakins - An aged but local tough-guy veteran of the Florida circuit.

Chief Little Eagle - Another Georgia-based Native American; master of the, uh, Tomahawk chop.

Tito Carreon - Enthusiastic journeyman from Mexico. Like Tito Santana. Solid fundamentals complemented with, for its day, advanced aerial technique. Like Tito Santana.

Georgia Boy Harry Smith - A Junior Mr. America; recently moved to Tampa from Atlanta; a fan-favorite muscleman.

[JoshiQ]

I'm really going to enjoy this circuit. I've always had a fascination with Championship Wrestling from Florida, but I never knew much about it. I hope you stay with it long enough to see Kevin Sullivan.

I don't know enough of the current roster to make too many comments on the first card, but it was a fun read. Slightly surprised that Carreon beat Poffo, but that may be because I know a lot more about Poffo than I do about Carreon.

Haystacks Calhoun is going to be a guy that I enjoy, I can already tell that.

Anyways, good job so far. Love the notes about the current roster.

[gentlemanjeff]

January 19, 1960 – Fort Homer W. Hesterly Armory – Tampa, FL

Hans Schmidt and Angelo Poffo defeated Dory Funk and Ray Villmer when H. Schmidt defeated D. Funk by disqualification in 0:18:50.
Rating: ** 1/4

Hans Schmidt and Dory Funk may have begun a terrible and compelling feud on New Years in Miami Beach. The German and Texan repeated their act tonight and tore through Tampa like a tornado; referee John Henning attempted to restore order but was shoved out of the way by a bloodthirsty Funk, forcing the disqualification. CWF officials have resorted to drastic measues to settle this grudge: Schmidt and Funk will meet at our big Miami Beach Convention Hall show next month in a “Lights Out” match, wherein the arena lights will be turned off momentarily after the final match of the evening to signify that the next contest is UNSANCTIONED! Nothing will stop Schmidt and Funk from settling their business next month!

The Red Menace pinned Big Ike Eakins after hitting him with a foreign object in 0:13:49.
Rating: DUD
(The Red Menace retained the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title.)

Big Ike Eakins has had a storied career in Florida as a big tough son-of-a-gun. This evening he took on the masked Menace for the Southern title, which Eakins has never held. Menace traded blows with Eakins in what amounted to a street fight but, once again, the decision came down to a momentary distraction of the referee, allowing the Red Menace to blindside Eakins with his flagpole in yet another underhanded win for the Cuban.

Don Curtis and Mark Lewin defeated Johnny Valentine and Eddie Graham when D. Curtis defeated E. Graham by disqualification in 0:24:55.
Rating: **

Graham and Valentine claimed that they were robbed of their chance to become world tag team champions two weeks ago when their match with Rocca and Perez ended in a double disqualification. The bionic blonds tried to take their anger out on the dynamic duo of Curtis and Lewin, but their arch rivals from battles up and down the East Coast weren’t about to be upstaged. In a frustration move, “Bloody” Eddie dragged Curtis to the outside and slammed a chair across his back, drawing the disqualification. Graham and Valentine continued a violent assault until additional officials forcibly restrained them.

Tito Carreon pinned Buddy Austin after a double leg cradle in 0:12:58.
Rating: * 1/2

No easy way to say it—Buddy Austin beat the hell out of Tito Carreon in this match. Austin called for his dreaded Indian Deathlock submission, but Carreon somehow summoned a final burst of life and tackled Austin for the surprise cradle and pin! An enraged Austin put the boots to Carreon, but Tito escaped ringside, nursing his wounds. In addition, we have learned that Carreon will challenge the Red Menace for the Southern title next month in our return to Miami Beach!

Two-out-of-three-Falls Match:
Antonino Rocca and Miguel Perez beat Dick the Bruiser and Iron Mike DiBiase 2 falls to 1:
x A. Rocca beat M. DiBiase via the Argentine Backbreaker in 0:17:54
x Bruiser beat A. Rocca via countout in 0:26:50
x M. Perez beat Bruiser via the Sunset Flip in 0:33:35
Rating: ** 3/4
(Antonino Rocca and Miguel Perez retained the NWA World Tag Team Titles.)

Dick the Bruiser came to Tampa looking to “knock [Rocca’s] smug little head right off his shoulders.” But taunting Rocca is easier than catching him, as the agile Italian-Argentinean used his arsenal of dazzling stunts to avoid the wrath of the Bruiser. Rocca and Perez worked together seamlessly, as is their modus operandi, allowing Rocca to score the first fall a quarter of an hour in when he locked DiBiase in the famed Argentine Backbreaker. Bruiser responded by ignoring the thirty second rest period and bulldozing Rocca to the floor, where he rammed Antonino back-first into the ringpost. Bruiser left Rocca for dead as senior referee Herbie Freeman made the obligatory ten count, giving Bruiser and DiBiase the second fall.

DiBiase and Bruiser then turned their attention to the young Miguel Perez. Perez showed a lot of heart but the numbers were not on his side. Rocca, however, conjured up enough strength to provide a momentary distraction, allowing Perez to sneak in a quick Sunset Flip and hold the Bruiser’s big shoulders down for just barely long enough to get a three count. An enraged Bruiser spent the next several minutes cursing at the fans who witnessed his defeat. The Bruiser continued his rampage after the show, claiming that Rocca could never actually pin him in a man to man fight. Word has it that Rocca has accepted the Bruiser’s challenge, meaning that the ultimate test of speed and guile versus mean and vicious brawn will take place next month in Miami Beach!

Card rating: **

The Grapevine:

Things got out of hand in Tampa! Championship Wrestling from Florida officials are concerned with the current level of sportsmanship in the promotion, but they’re hoping that many of these personal issues can be put to rest next month in Miami Beach. We are approaching the end of the season, meaning that the snowbirds are returning north and the CWF is nearing its usual summer hiatus. But we’ve got a lot of action before June, including the biggest show of the year from the Miami Beach Convention Hall!

LIGHTS OUT MATCH – Hans Schmidt vs. Dory Funk
TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS – Dick the Bruiser vs. Antonino Rocca
SOUTHERN TITLE – The Red Menace (c) vs. Tito Carreon
TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS – Don Curtis & Mark Lewin vs. Eddie Graham & Johnny Valentine
HANDICAP MATCH – Haystacks Calhoun vs. Buddy Austin & Angelo Poffo
Mike DiBiase vs. Ray Villmer

[snabbit888]

I enjoy this thoroughly. Fun mix of talent, an easy read, and everything is logical. You're running this booked I assume, yes?

I had used the Rocca/Perez team in early GCW, and they're a lot of fun to write. It's weird how little love they get today for being a great tag team, but they were huge in their heyday.

I wish this circuit had been around when I started GCW. I would have liked some of these exports.

Will be reading.

[gentlemanjeff]

February 5, 1960 – Miami Beach Convention Hall – Miami Beach, FL

Iron Mike DiBiase pinned Ray Villmer after hitting him with the brass knuckles in 0:10:54.
Rating: ** 1/2

Iron Mike showed up to CWF’s big Convention Hall show with an extra pop in his step, proudly wearing the NWA Brass Knuckles Championship he won recently while competing out west. DiBiase tried to go hold for hold with Villmer, a true scientific grappler, but the old hooker proved too much for DiBiase—until Iron Mike punched Villmer with a pair of brass knuckles he had hidden in his tights. DiBiase celebrated his ill-gotten victory by with a few cheap shots after the bell, drawing Florida veteran Big Ike Eakins out from the back! Eakins, a true brawler, chased the Brass Knuckles champion right out of the ring. These two will meet next month in Iron Mike’s first Florida defense of his title.

Handicap Match:
Haystacks Calhoun defeated Buddy Austin and Angelo Poffo when Calhoun pinned B. Austin with the Big Splash in 0:05:19.
Rating: * 1/4

Austin and Poffo are two tough, smart wrestlers, but trying to wrangle the massive Haystacks is less science than art. The two kept Calhoun off balance at first, but it wasn’t long before Calhoun got the crowd rocking with a comeback, catching Poffo with a big slam and following it up by dropping his considerable tonnage right onto the body of Buddy Austin. Austin and Poffo may have had the numbers, but you have to remember: when you’re dealing with Haystacks Calhoun, gravity is his tag partner. A huge win for Haystacks.

Two-out-of-three-Falls Match:
Johnny Valentine and Eddie Graham beat Don Curtis and Mark Lewin 2 falls to 1:
x D. Curtis beat E. Graham via a flying dropkick in 0:21:54
x J. Valentine beat D. Curtis via a mounted elbowsmash in 0:28:25
x E. Graham beat M. Lewin via a figure-four leglock in 0:38:30
Rating: ***

The hot Miami Beach crowd was ready to see our first main event of the evening and another chapter in the biggest tag team war on the east coast. The clean-cut Curtis and Lewin looked to use their fast-paced teamwork to wear down their larger opponents, but when your opponents are Eddie Graham and Johnny Valentine, you’re always only moments away from chaos. After trading falls in the first half hour, the third fall spilled to the outside. Valentine illegally slammed Don Curtis head-first into the guardrail, but the referee missed it because of a well-timed distraction by Eddie Graham! Graham applied the figure-four to Lewin who, trapped in the middle of the ring and with his partner incapacitated, was forced to submit. The win catapults Valentine and Graham back into top contention for Rocca and Perez’s NWA World Tag Team Championship.

The Red Menace pinned Tito Carreon with the Cuban Backbreaker in 0:12:21.
Rating: * 3/4
(The Red Menace retained the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title.)

Tito Carreon came into this match looking to cap off his exciting run with a victory over the Red Menace and the Southern Heavyweight Title. Carreon was a house of fire and even attempted to pull the Cuban’s mask off, much to the crowd’s delight. Referee Bob Morrow warned Carreon, but the distraction gave Menace the sliver of opportunity he needed to sneak in an unseen low blow that enraged the crowd and gave Menace full control of the match. Menace finished off Carreon with the Cuban Backbreaker, then waved his flag at the near-riotous crowd.

Two-out-of-three-Falls Match:
Antonino Rocca beat Dick the Bruiser 2 falls to 1:
x Bruiser beat A. Rocca via the Top Rope Knee Drop in 0:15:48
x A. Rocca beat Bruiser via a flying sunset flip in 0:23:32
x A. Rocca beat Bruiser via disqualification in 0:31:54
Rating: **** 1/4
[Eddie Graham interfered against Antonino Rocca.]

The competitors in tonight’s main event could not be more different: “Argentina” Rocca, a high-flying, sharp dressing, man-about-town who is arguably the most popular wrestler in the whole world; and Dick the Bruiser, a swearing, belching, monster of a man and son of a bitch. Bruiser told Rocca he would break him over his knee, but Rocca showed up tonight with a gameplan—strike, move, and avoid tying up with the Bruiser. Rocca had the Bruiser off-balance, but Bruiser caught Rocca with a thunderous powerslam. Bruiser dropped the big knee across Rocca’s back and rolled him over for a three count and the first fall. Bruiser pounded Rocca in the second fall, beating the agile champion into near oblivion. Bruiser went for the flying knee again, but this time Rocca escaped, leaving Bruiser sprawled on the mat. Rocca raced to the top turnbuckle and caught Bruiser for the pinfall with the same maneuver used by his tag partner last month.

Evening the score gave Rocca a second wind and the Argentine grappler continued to press Bruiser. The Miami Beach crowd was rabid for Rocca, cheering with every punch landed on a stumbling and increasingly lost Bruiser. Finally, Rocca delivered a beautiful dropkick that put Bruiser on his back. The crowd lost it when Rocca signaled for the Argentine Backbreaker, wondering how he could possibly lift the hulking Bruiser. Rocca positioned a groggy Bruiser and heaved—but just as Rocca elevated the Bruiser, Eddie Graham slid into the ring and shattered a wooden folding chair across Rocca’s back! Senior referee Herbie Freeman called for the bell as Graham did his damndest to stomp Rocca flat, trying to soften up the one-half of the iconic tag team champions. Graham took a moment’s break to pose for the crowd, but as he turned back to Rocca—boom! Right in the kisser with another gorgeous dropkick. Graham hit the mat and rolled out of the ring, slamming his fists on the apron while a beaten and weary, but triumphant, Antonino Rocca played to the crowd! Rocca might have won his battle against the Bruiser, but it looks like the fight between Graham and Rocca has just begun.

[Lights Out Match]: No-Time-Limit-No-Countout-No-DQ-Match:
Hans Schmidt pinned Dory Funk after hitting him with the spiked army helmet in 0:19:46.
Rating: *** 1/4

Fans were told that the official card for tonight was over and that any subsequent bout would not be taking place under the sanction of Luttrell Promotions or Championship Wrestling from Florida. To mark this, the lights were turned off for thirty seconds. When they came back on, referee John Henning took to the ring in street clothes. Hans Schmidt, the Teuton Terror, was introduced first. The cold German grabbed the microphone from the timekeeper’s table and told the crowd in his sharp accent, “Tonight I fight cowboy. But I’m not steer. I’m not Indian. I’m strong, dirty fighter. And after I beat up cowboy, I beat up his horse. And then I beat up fancy man Rocca. And then I beat up Lou Thesz. And then I beat up Pat O’Connor. And then I beat up each and every one of you.”

Well, that was enough for Dory Funk, who came stomping down to the ring. Hans Schmidt grabbed his vintage military helmet and tried to drive the spike through Funk’s head, but Funk dodged and whipped Schmidt from pillar to post. The “contest” earned its Lights Out rating as Funk and Schmidt threatened to fight their way straight into the Atlantic Ocean. Returning to the ring, a bloody Funk staggered right into a blunt shot to the face from Schmidt’s helmet. Funk dropped to the mat and the Teuton scored the unofficial win. Schmidt soaked in the boos, standing tall over a fallen Funk. It could be awhile before we see Dory Funk again—but those are the risks of competing in a Lights Out match.

Card rating: ***

The Grapevine:

Cowboy Luttrell may have sent a lot of Northeasterners home angry, but there’s no doubt that the biggest show of the season lived up to the billing. Next up is the fallout: Hans Schmidt demanded a bigger challenge before Funk’s blood had even dried on him and Luttrell delivered—Schmidt will face Haystacks Calhoun in Jacksonville next month. But our main event will be Graham and Valentine challenging Rocca and Perez for the NWA World Tag Team Titles!

WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE 2/3 FALLS MATCH – Antonino Rocca & Miguel Perez (c) vs. Eddie Graham & Johnny Valentine
Haystacks Calhoun vs. Hans Schmidt
BRASS KNUCKLES TITLE – Mike DiBiase (c) vs. Ike Eakins

[snabbit888]

Brass Knuckles Title defense on the next card should be good. Don't see DiBiase losing the gold after just winning it.

Poor Austin & Poffo. I know it was the norm for Haystacks to wrestle in handicap matches, but handicap matches always just bury wrestlers. I like Haystacks so it's all good.

Big win for Valentine/Graham, and with what went down with Graham's involvement in the Rocca/Bruiser match, they've established themselves as a serious threat to end the lengthy reign of Rocca/Perez.

I like the Red Menace. It's such an old-timey heel gimmick. Wonder who the American will be to eventually give him his comeuppance.

Lights Out match was well done, and a good way to write Dory Funk out. I didn't have a good grasp of what the Lights Out concept was, but it makes sense now. Cool little touch. Hans Schmidt is probably my favorite wrestler you have right now.

[JoshiQ]

I really enjoyed the Lights Out match. It really got across the fact that it was a no holds barred match. Hans Schmidt vs. Haystacks Calhoun will be an interesting match since I have no idea who you will put over. I'm a Calhoun mark, but Schmidt has so much momentum right now.

[gentlemanjeff]

March 10, 1960 – National Guard Armory – Jacksonville, FL

Brass Knuckles Match:
Iron Mike DiBiase pinned Big Ike Eakins with the Top Rope Knee Drop in 0:15:42.
Rating: * 1/2
(Iron Mike DiBiase retained the NWA Brass Knuckles Title.)

Last month in Miami Beach, Iron Mike couldn’t out-wrestle Ray Villmer, so he laid a railroad track on his face with a pair of brass knuckles. In Jacksonville, however, DiBiase met “Big” Ike Eakins, one of the toughest brawlers in the Sunshine State and a man perfectly at home when it comes to brass knuckles—and because DiBiase was defending his newly won brass knuckles championship, that very weapon was now legal! Eakins busted DiBiase wide open, but DiBiase recovered and swung wildly at Eakins, brass knuckles in hand, knocking the barrel-chested Eakins to the mat. DiBiase stumbled up to the top turnbuckle to grab the victory, his face running red all the while.

Chief Big Heart and Chief Little Eagle defeated Georgia Boy Harry Smith and Ray Villmer when Big Heart pinned H. Smith after the Double Tomahawk Chop in 0:11:02.
Rating: * 3/4

Chiefs Big Heart and Little Eagle are two veteran fan-favorites who took a short trip south from their stomping grounds in Georgia to face the young, muscular Harry Smith and grizzled veteran, Ray Villmer. Smith and Villmer were game, but the tag team of experience of Heart and Eagle carried the day. Following their success in Georgia, Big Heart and Little Eagle might have their sights set on the competitive Florida tag team division.

Don Curtis defeated The Red Menace by disqualification in 0:15:39.
Rating: ** 1/2
(The Red Menace retained the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title.)

The energetic all-American, Don Curtis, knew his shot at singles gold in Jacksonville was the chance of a lifetime, and Curtis did everything he could to end the reign of the Red Menace. Menace recovered from Curtis’ initial onslaught to take control of the match, taunting the fans every time he landed another elbow or drove another headbutt into their favorite. The Cuban pulled Curtis up for the Backbreaker, but Curtis countered with a headscissors takedown, shocking the Menace! Curtis stalked Menace and looked to apply his signature sleeperhold, but just as he did so Menace reached back and, in full view of senior referee Herbie Freeman, gouged Curtis in the eyes! Freeman called for the bell as Menace stomped on his helpless opponent. Mark Lewin, Curtis’ long-time tag team partner, charged the ring and chased out the cowardly Red Menace, who marched backstage with his flag and belt held high.

Dick the Bruiser defeated Mark Lewin by countout in 0:05:22.
Rating: * 1/2

Mark Lewin helped Curtis back to his feet, but it looked like Menace’s attack had distracted the young competitor. And distractions are not what you want against the man-beast, Dick the Bruiser. Bruiser, a veteran of recent run-ins with the Curtis/Lewin duo, seemed to enjoy the opportunity to punish the younger half of the team. Bruiser pounded, beat, and bludgeoned the young Lewin, and showed the ultimate disdain by discarding Lewin from the ring like common household trash. Bruiser posed in the ring while a beaten Lewin was counted out. Antonino Rocca may have gotten the best of Bruiser in Miami Beach, but sympathy for whoever forgets that Dick the Bruiser is one of the toughest son-of-a-guns in wrestling today.

Hans Schmidt defeated Haystacks Calhoun by disqualification in 0:05:24.
Rating: -1/4*
[Dory Funk interfered against Hans Schmidt.]

Hans Schmidt arrived in the ring in his full pseudo-military garb, seemingly unprepared to wrestle. Schmidt called for the house microphone, dragging its long cord into the ring. Haystacks stood befuddled as the Teuton Terror spoke in his thick German accent: “I am professional wrestler. I do not fight fat hillbilly. I do not fight for the amusement of American fans. I fight respected athletes. I here to say good day.” Schmidt stepped halfway through the ropes while the crowd booed, expecting to see a match. Haystacks turned to referee John Henning, frustrated, but as he exposed his back, Schmidt charged and began beating on Haystacks! Henning had the bell rung but the assault was on! Fatigues went flying as Schmidt disroped into his fighting wardrobe, pounding all the way. Calhoun, however, does not go down easy! Finally, Schmidt resorted to tying the big man up in the ropes. Schmidt grabbed his spiked army helmet and measured up Haystacks, looking for the killing blow, when all of a sudden—DORY FUNK came marching down the aisle! Funk’s face was bandaged from his brutal Lights Out match with Schmidt last month in Miami Beach. Bullwhip in hand, Funk charged into the ring and began whipping the startled German! Schmidt bailed to the aisle, but made the mistake of trying to taunt Funk—the Texan stormed out of the ring as quickly as he had come in, forcing Schmidt to retreat, we’re told, all the way back to his stately Mercedes in the parking lot! Dory Funk should probably stay out of action a bit longer, but good luck to the doctor who tells him that.

Two-out-of-three-Falls Match:
Antonino Rocca and Miguel Perez beat Johnny Valentine and Eddie Graham 2 falls to 1:
x A. Rocca beat E. Graham via a jack-knife leg cradle in 0:8:40
x J. Valentine beat M. Perez via the Brainbuster Elbow in 0:25:42
x A. Rocca beat J. Valentine via disqualification in 0:29:25
Rating: ** 3/4
(Antonino Rocca and Miguel Perez retained the NWA World Tag Team Titles.)

Eddie Graham stated his intentions in the form of a shattered wooden chair across the back of Antonino Rocca in Miami Beach: Graham has seen enough of the happy-go-lucky superstar. This might be less about the tag team championship and more about Rocca’s spot as “the guy” in professional wrestling. Rocca, as always, sees his job as pleasing his fans first and foremost, and that usually means taking on all comers and beating them. Graham and Valentine, a veteran tag team in their own right, brought all the hustle and gamesmanship they could muster against the well-traveled Latin firecrackers, but that couldn’t keep Rocca from stealing the first fall with an expertly executed leg cradle! Graham was livid at the quick pinfall, and the bionic blonds spent the better part of ten minutes punching, choking and pulling the hair of the champs. Valentine drilled Perez between the eyes with his devastating elbow, evening up the score. Valentine and Graham had all the momentum, but Antonino Rocca has the heart of a champion, and soon the Argentine mounted another one of his famous comebacks. Rocca dropkicked Valentine to the outside, then lifted Graham for the Argentine Backbreaker…when suddenly there was Valentine with one of the NWA world tag team titles! Valentine blasted Rocca, drawing the DQ.

Graham pounded the mat in frustration and surprised the crowd by shoving Johnny Valentine. Valentine grabbed Graham by the hair, and it looked like we were about to see a brawl between the two tag partners when cooler heads prevailed. The two, united in a common cause once more, pounded on Miguel Perez and ejected him from the ring when the Puerto Rican tried to bail out his tag partner. Graham and Valentine then took turns delivering the Atomic Kneedrop and Brainbuster Elbow to Rocca, respectively. Graham and Valentine left Rocca a crumpled heap in the middle of the ring.

Card rating: * 3/4

The Grapevine:

CWF officials were furious with the unsportsmanlike conduct of Eddie Graham and Johnny Valentine. Suspensions were on the table, but Antonino Rocca insisted that he and Graham face each other next month at the big Miami Baseball Stadium show! Rocca’s not just happy with the tag team titles: He wants to make Graham respect him as a man, too. Also, tonight saw the shocking return of Dory Funk—Cowboy Luttrell doesn’t know how to keep Schmidt and Funk apart, but he’ll try one more time next month in Miami with a Texas Death match! Funk innovated the Texas Death match and, according to lore, has never lost one. We’ll see what fate holds in Miami.

TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS – Antonino Rocca vs. Eddie Graham
TEXAS DEATH MATCH – Hans Schmidt vs. Dory Funk
SOUTHERN TITLE – The Red Menace (c) vs. Don Curtis
Dick the Bruiser & Johnny Valentine vs. Chief Big Heart & Chief Little Eagle
BRASS KNUCKLES TITLE – Mike DiBiase (c) vs. Tito Carreon

[snabbit888]

Very happy to see this circuit back.

Like Mike DiBiase retaining the titles. He would have been a fun character to use, I think. Unfortunately he's not alive a great deal longer.

Nothing too spectacular about the tag match. Don't think you'll do face vs. face for the titles, but stranger things have happened.

Don Curtis got the crap kicked out of him. Lewin makes the save... I liked the continuity of Lewin being distracted against Dick the Bruiser because of this. Bruiser is not a man you want to be distracted against.

Hans Schmidt officially rules. A great heel promo, followed by the back attack on Calhoun. Such a simple, yet wonderful character. Dory Funk's not done with him either. If the Lights Out match was brutal, I can only imagine how it will escalate with the Texas Death match.

Didn't think Rocca/Perez would lose, but didn't think it would result in a potential break between Graham & Valentine. I still think they should have gotten suspended though.

Glad to have this back. Now don't make this circuit disappear for months!

[gentlemanjeff]

Haha. Thanks, Ryan. Work killed me over the summer, so I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. Appreciate the viewership. I caught up on GCW the other day--I love crazy man heel Snuka. It's one of the things we missed out in real life because of Snuka's, uh, "demons." Playing the wild Fiji islander against good ol' Bob Backlund puts their personalities in stark contrast.

DiBiase's got another nine years! But yeah, DiBiase's death is one of those inescapable ones when running a historical circuit. You can say, "Bruiser Brody wouldn't have been in Puerto Rico in this timeline," but its a bigger stretch to say "This guy's heart wouldn't have given out as early in this timeline."

I love Schmidt. Read more about the guy--interviews, his entry from The Heels pro wrestling fall of fame book. Seems like he has that ideal level of self-awareness to make it in a kayfabe sport without taking himself too seriously.

[gentlemanjeff]

April 16, 1960 – Miami Baseball Stadium – Miami, FL

Al Ritchie, the promoter for Championship Wrestling from Florida events at Miami Baseball Stadium, welcomed the fans in attendance to a wonderful night of NWA wrestling action under the lights. Ritchie introduced Al Vincent, the new manager of the Miami Marlins baseball club. Vincent told fans that he was excited for the upcoming seasons of the Triple A Marlins and their parent club, the Baltimore Orioles, who opened up play against the Washington Senators in just three days.

7-Man Battle Royal:
Haystacks Calhoun won a 7-man Battle Royal:
x A. Poffo threw out H. Smith after a punch in 0:03:06
x B. Austin threw out R. Villmer after an eye gouge in 0:04:02
x Calhoun threw out I. Eakins after a bearhug in 0:07:48
x M. Lewin threw out A. Poffo in 0:11:09
x B. Austin threw out M. Lewin in 0:13:07
x Calhoun threw out B. Austin after a punch in 0:14:47
Rating: ** 1/4

The crowd loves Haystacks. The country boy had the crowd rocking from the second he stepped out of the home team’s dugout. Poffo and Austin made a go of it, trying to cut off the fan favorites one-by-one, but Mark Lewin sabotaged their plans when he caught Poffo with a dropkick and tossed him out of the ring and onto the grass. The Killer knocked Lewin towards second base, but Austin, a man confident in his own abilities, made the mistake of going toe-to-toe with the massive man from Morgan’s Corner. Haystacks hammered Austin with a right that knocked him clean out of the ring.

Brass Knuckles Match:
Iron Mike DiBiase pinned Tito Carreon after hitting him with the brass knuckles in 0:10:31.
Rating: ** 1/2
(Iron Mike DiBiase retained the NWA Brass Knuckles Title.)

DiBiase is earning a reputation as one of the toughest men in wrestling, and he added to that tonight by getting the best of Mexican favorite, Tito Carreon. Tito is no stranger to a good fight and gave DiBiase his worth, at one point chasing Iron Mike into the outfield. DiBiase collected his wits, however, and was able to catch Carreon with a vicious shot that sealed the pinfall and victory.

Don Curtis made The Red Menace submit to the Sleeperhold in 0:13:47.
Rating: ****
(Don Curtis won the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title.)

The Red Menace addressed the crowd from home plate before the match began, telling them in his thick Spanish accent that Mickey Mantle was a bum, Ted Williams a phoney, and that the best baseball players all live and play in Cuba. The Cuban expats booed Menace mercilessly. Curtis stormed the field and attacked Menace, dragging him into ring. Curtis kept the tempo high-paced, looking to prevent Menace from getting himself purposefully disqualified like he did last month. The masked champion rebounded and grabbed his flagpole, looking to take a swing at Curtis, but Curtis ducked out of the way, whipped the Menace around, and slapped on the sleeper! The Menace dropped his revolutionary flag as the crowd roared! Referee Herbie Freeman checked on the Menace…and called for the bell! Don Curtis had won the Southern Heavyweight championship! The Menace has been complaing to anyone who would listen that Curtis used an illegal choke hold to win the match; the new champ had enough of the Menace’s griping and accepted his challenge to a rematch with NO sleeperholds allowed! Curtis and Menace will do it again in Tampa, but this time Curtis will have to go without his signature hold.

Texas Death Match:
Dory Funk pinned Hans Schmidt after a piledriver in 0:36:53.
Rating: *****

This match was a stark contrast to the jubilation that came with Don Curtis’ title victory. Hans Schmidt and Dory Funk entered the ring before a hushed crowd that knew they were to witness less a match and more a war. Dory Funk, the grizzled, forty-one year old veteran of Amarillo, Texas; innovator of and undefeated in the infamous Texas Death match. Hans Schmidt, the snarling, thirty-five year old; cold as steel, out of Munich, Germany. Funk wanted vengeance for losing a Lights Out “match” to the German at the February Convention Hall show; Schmidt wanted to end the Texan’s streak.

And what a war they had. Schmidt used his strength and relative quickness to dominate Funk in the ring, wearing him down with submissions and holds. Funk raked Schmidt’s eyes (because tonight was about survival, not honor) and turned the tide, throwing Schmidt to the outside and bashing him against the ringpost. The two tore into each other like angry wolves at ringside, demolishing a good chunk of the stadium’s elaborate baseball setup. Schmidt and Funk brawled through the crowd, into the outfield, into the infield, up the stairs and into the bleachers—but they kept coming! Schmidt rolled Funk back into the ring and delivered a thunderous Teuton Backbreaker to score the fall, but Funk stumbled to his feet before the ten count like a determined drunk! Schmidt lifted his vintage spiked military helmet high in the air and swung, but Funk threw a rabbit-punch and socked the kraut right in the jaw! Schmidt was knocked to the mat and Funk applied the dreaded Spinning Toehold! Schmidt refused to submit, but his shoulders were on the mat, forcing the referee to count the pinfall. Schmidt got to his feet, slowly, clearly in debilitating pain after the hold. Funk took to it like a shark to blood, driving Schmidt’s head straight into the mat with a piledriver that got him the three count and, as Funk stumbled against the ropes with dried blood ringing his face, the ten count too. Funk had done it! And he had done it in what is undoubtedly the single most barbaric encounter in Florida wrestling history. A huge win for Dory, but neither man will be the same after tonight.

A brief, ten minute intermission was held to clean up the ringside area.

Dick the Bruiser and Johnny Valentine defeated Chief Big Heart and Chief Little Eagle when Bruiser pinned Little Eagle after a double foot stomp in 0:13:21.
Rating: * 1/2

Chiefs Big Heart and Little Eagle were looking to carry their momentum through Miami, but Dick the Bruiser and Johnny Valentine, though not exactly consummate tag team technicians, were simply too much. Valentine’s underhanded tactics and Bruiser’s savage bulk overwhelmed the valiant Indians, who took the loss after Bruiser planted both feet onto Little Eagle’s sternum.

Two-out-of-three-Falls Match:
Antonino Rocca beat Eddie Graham 2 falls to 1:
x A. Rocca beat E. Graham via an airplane spin in 0:14:34
x E. Graham beat A. Rocca via countout in 0:32:22
x A. Rocca beat E. Graham via a roll away in 0:37:48
Rating: *** 1/4

Argentina Rocca prides himself as a man who always delivers a show for his fans and this contest was no different. Eddie Graham, who earned his “Bloody Eddie” moniker tonight, came at Rocca like an uncaged lion looking to reassert his rightful place in the jungle. Rocca, however, kept him off-balanace with a mix of aeriel moves and psychology. Rocca used Graham’s reckless rage to his advantage, eventually scooping him up in an airplane spin and making so many revolutions that only a man of Rocca’s natural balance could stay standing. Rocca dove onto the disoriented Graham and stole the first pinfall, much to the locals’ delight. Graham woozily regained his footing, then leapt across the ring and struck Rocca flush in the moneymaker, knocking the showmanship right off of Rocca’s face. Graham took over, and just as he likes it, the bout degenerated into a wild brawl. It wasn’t long before Graham’s face was pouring blood all over the infield. Graham gave as good as he got though, bashing Rocca into the guardrail and leaving him outside the ring for the countout fall. Graham returned to the ring, soaking in the boos as the blood continued to run. Graham hammered on Rocca, then went up top for the Atomic Kneedrop, but Rocca moved! Graham crumpled up in pain, holding his knee, as Rocca seized the moment for the final fall!

Rocca stood victorious while Eddie Graham solemnly remained in the ring, shaking his head and eyeing Rocca. The two men stared bullets into one another, but Rocca took the initiative and extended his hand to Graham. Eddie contemplated it, breathing heavily after the hard fought match, but before he could accept Johnny Valentine and Dick the Bruiser emerged from the visitor’s dugout. Bruiser shoved referee Bob Morrow out of the way and backed Rocca into a corner while Valentine poked Graham in the chest and and yelled in his face. Valentine shoved the unresponsive Graham and joined Bruiser in cornering a weary Rocca. Bruiser raised his arm to mash Rocca, but there was Graham! Bloody Eddie jumped Bruiser and Valentine, wailing away on both men! Bruiser and Valentine bailed to the outside, while inside the ring Graham stuck his hand out and congratulated the winner, Antonino Rocca. Rocca raised Graham’s hand high in the air while Bruiser and Valentine stomped to the back.

Card rating: ***

The Grapevine:

The fans in attendance at Miami Baseball Stadium tonight were treated to a show for the ages! It took beating him one-on-one, but Antonino Rocca looks to have finally earned the respect of Eddie Graham, as Eddie Graham saved Rocca from a potential career-ending beating at the hands Johnny Valentine and Dick the Bruiser. Like him for his drive or hate him for his remorselessness, but Eddie Graham is a competitor, and he knows a fellow competitor when he meets him in the ring—and that was Argentina Rocca tonight. Valentine and Bruiser, though, are FURIOUS and have demanded to get their hands on “the turncoat,” Eddie Graham. Graham, who it seems like fans can finally cheer for without being ashamed of their own bloodlust, was happy to accept their challenge. Also, Dory Funk extracted a measure of revenge against Hans Schmidt when he defeated the Teuton Terror in a brutal, whirlwind Texas Death match that people will be talking about for a long time. I think we can also expect Schmidt to be nursing his wounds from that match for awhile. And of course, Don Curtis is the new NWA Southern champion, but even in defeat Menace is fighting dirty, so Curtis will have to defend his belt in a match where the sleeperhold is illegal! Join us for CWF’s last show before our summer break in Tampa!

Eddie Graham, Antonino Rocca & Miguel Perez vs. Johnny Valentine, Dick the Bruiser & a MYSTERY PARTNER!
SOUTHERN TITLE 2/3 FALLS MATCH/SLEEPERHOLD IS ILLEGAL – Don Curtis (c) vs. The Red Menace
Mark Lewin vs. Buddy Austin
Angelo Poffo vs. Ray Villmer

[snabbit888]

No question that Haystacks was going to win the battle royal. That's what he does.

Mike DiBiase keeps winning, which is a good thing. I have no idea who is going to step up to be a real challenge for his title.

Curtis winning the Southern Title was a great moment. Between the pre-match promo to how he won the gold, it was done perfectly. I can see the Red Menace winning the title back at the next show, but for now, this is great.

Funk vs. Schmidt sounded brutal. The exact kind of match you'd want to see end such a vicious feud like this. Again, the result was never in doubt, but that doesn't take away from how you got there.

I like Bruiser/Valentine as a team. They were on different sides of feuding teams in GCW, so it's a bit weird seeing this grouping for me, but it works.

Eddie Graham is a face now, which makes sense because it is Florida. Those respect angles are very simplistic, but effective, and Valentine/Bruiser are good foils for Graham's first feud as a face.

All in all, this was a great show.

[JoshiQ]

You totally threw me off with the Miami Marlins to begin the show. I was wondering what the heck you were doing introducing them in 1960 when they just recently changed their name in real life.

I love the idea of holding the event in a baseball stadium.

Haystacks is a favorite of mine so glad to see him to go over in the battle royal. Thankfully we are still in the time period where the big guys win the battle royals instead of being used as a cheap pop for their elimination.

The Schmidt/Funk match was great. You definitely did the five star rating justice.

Graham and Rocco forming a bond is nice way to end their feud. Not sure who you are going to bring in for the mystery partner, but I can't wait to see who the next guy you bring in to the circuit is.

Good show, Jeff.

[gentlemanjeff]

May 10, 1960 – Fort Homer W. Hesterly Armory – Tampa, FL

Angelo Poffo pinned Ray Villmer with the Italian Neckbreaker in 0:13:00.
Rating: ***

47-year old Ray Villmer is a Florida stalwart and a true throwback to the days of Lou Thesz, but Angelo Poffo is a devious, capable man. Poffo took a couple of dishonorable shortcuts that allowed him to put away Villmer for the three. Poffo leaves Florida for the break with a big victory.

Chief Big Heart and Chief Little Eagle defeated Tito Carreon and Georgia Boy Harry Smith when Big Heart made T. Carreon submit to the Bow and Arrow in 0:16:10.
Rating: ** 1/4

Chiefs Big Heart and Little Eagle ran into the human walls that are Dick the Bruiser and Johnny Valentine at last month’s baseball stadium show, but they recovered tonight against local favorites Carreon and Smith. The Mexican and the former Junior Mr. America were game, but the tag team experience of the Indians proved too much.

Buddy Austin pinned Mark Lewin after a piledriver in 0:08:43.
Rating: * 1/4

Mark Lewin has been trying to find his stride since his tag team partner, Don Curtis, won the NWA Southern Heavyweight title. The young babyfaced idol has held tag championships up and down the east coast and has the technical skills to make it in the singles ranks, but he lacks the killer spirit and downright meanness of a ring veteran like Buddy Austin. Austin seemed to enjoy punishing Lewin and is said to be gunning for Curtis and his Southern belt next.

Haystacks Calhoun defeated Iron Mike DiBiase by disqualification in 0:07:24.
Rating: * 1/4

Country Boy Haystacks wasn’t challenging DiBiase for his Brass Knuckles championship, but DiBiase wasn’t about to take on the 600-pounder in a fair fight. DiBiase pulled the brass knuckles out of his trunks and walloped Haystacks, drawing the DQ. The big southerner from Morgan’s Corner, AK, powered back, however, knocking DiBiase to the mat. Haystacks went to drop his bulk on DiBiase with a big splash, but DiBiase rolled out of the ring, clutching his brass knuckles and title belt. Iron Mike loses but escapes.

[Sleeperhold Is Banned]: Two-out-of-three-Falls Match:
The Red Menace beat Don Curtis 2 falls to 1:
x Red Menace beat D. Curtis via a roll up in 0:08:53
x D. Curtis beat Red Menace via a dropkick from the second rope in 0:14:03
x Red Menace beat D. Curtis via disqualification in 0:22:02
Rating: ***
(The Red Menace won the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title.)

The Red Menace claims that it took an illegal chokehold to beat him last month in Miami. Don Curtis wanted to settle this once and for all, so for tonight’s rematch the sleeperhold was illegal! The Menace caught Curtis in a sneaky roll-up, tights and all, to capture the first fall. Curtis recovered and took the second fall with a perfectly placed dropkick to the chest. The Buffalo Bomber kept the advantage during the third fall, rocking the Cuban with blow after blow, but during the melee referee John Morrow was sandwiched and went down. While Curtis checked on the referee, The Menace reached into his bag of tricks and blinded Curtis with a fistful of white powder! Menace came off the ropes looking for a big clothesline, but Curtis blindly grabbed Menace in the Sleeperhold! The Tampa Armory crowd went beserk as Menace was put out, but not before Morrow recovered and called for the bell! Curtis had been disqualified! A groggy Menace was awarded the Southern Championship outside the ring while Curtis looked on in disbelief.

[Mystery Partner Revealed!]:
Antonino Rocca, Miguel Perez and Eddie Graham defeated Johnny Valentine, Dick the Bruiser and Dr. Jerry Graham when E. Graham defeated J. Valentine by countout in 0:24:35.
Rating: * 3/4

Eddie Graham showed Argentina Rocca that he respected him as a man last month in Miami, but that was too much for the dastardly Bruiser and Valentine. Bruiser and Valentine have been calling Graham a weakling and a coward to anyone who would listen, and promised Graham a big surprise at the season-ending show in Tampa. The Florida mat scene was abuzz: who would it be? Edouard Carpentier? Ray Stevens? Gorgeous George? Buddy Rogers? The crowd was shocked when it turned out to be…Dr. Jerry Graham! Valentine told everyone that Jerry Graham blamed Eddie Graham for being the weak link in their famed Golden Graham tag team, costing them their U.S. tag team titles last month in Chicago. Valentine told everyone that The Good Doctor had joined Bruiser and Valentine because “blood may be thicker than water, but $10,000 is thicker than the both of them.” Valentine looked positively giddy while Eddie stared bullets back into him.

This grudge match wasn’t a technical classic by any means, with lots of posturing and trash talking. Dr. Jerry Graham spent most of it on the apron soaking up boos while Valentine and Bruiser refused to lock up with Eddie. Bruiser and Valentine wore down the world tag team champions, Rocca and Perez, instead. Finally, Jerry Graham was tagged in. The Doctor stormed the ring, delivered a single boot to a downed Rocca…and tagged back out! The crowd was delirious with rage. Eddie jumped into the ring to chase after Jerry, but Bruiser and Valentine cut him off as the match lost all semblance of control. Valentine and Bruiser cleared the ring and held down Bloody Eddie, inviting Jerry to come take a free shot. Dr. Jerry slapped Eddie, measured him up…and clobbered Bruiser with a mighty clothesline! Valentine was stunned, but before he could escape the Doctor smashed him to the mat with a swinging neckbreaker! IT WAS A SETUP! Bruiser and Valentine rolled to the outside, furious at the Golden Grahams. Rocca, Perez, and the Grahams taunted Valentine and Bruiser as they marched to the back, their pride hurt and their egos bruised.

Card rating: **

The Grapevine:

The snowbirds may have all flocked home, but what a way to end the wrestling season here in South Florida! Johnny Valentine and Dick the Bruiser thought they had the ultimate trump card in Dr. Jerry Graham, but the Golden Grahams played them for fools. Dr. Jerry told The Grapevine, “Who am I to turn down $10,000? Of course, I guess Eddie expects me to split it with him.” Antonino Rocca, meanwhile, seems to have been left out of the loop, telling The Grapevine with a sheepish grin, “I wish someone would have told me the fix was in.” Bruiser, Valentine, Eddie, and Jerry will all be heading north for the next few months, but I can only imagine what will be in store when they all return for CWF’s next show in September.

Also, Cowboy Luttrell and other CWF officials held an emergency meeting the night of The Red Menace’s title victory, REVERSING the decision! It was decided that in light of the controversial finish, the Southern title could not change hands on a disqualification as the deciding fall. Unfortunately, The Red Menace was long gone with the title belt! Curtis may still be the champion, but The Red Menace will be returning to Cuba with the NWA Southern title belt as his prize! Maybe they can settle this in four months in Tampa!

GRUDGE MATCH – “Bloody” Eddie Graham vs. “The Villain” Johnny Valentine

[snabbit888]

Like that you're working with the "off-season" in certain territories they did during this time frame.

Poffo with a pretty standard win to kick us off.

Same to be said for the Indians.

Knowing what Mark Lewin becomes in terms of a hardcore brawler, it's strange seeing him as a pretty boy babyface at this point. When he develops that killer instinct, look out.

Good call, DiBiase. Haystacks will crush you otherwise. Use your knux, run away, live to fight another day.

Red Menace wins the title back in cheap fashion. Wait, no, nevermind. I like the decision being reversed by the board, but Menace still having possession of the physical belt. Makes for an interesting story when you return in September.

Fun angle to end the show. The heels getting outsmarted and swindled out of their cash is a good feel-good moment leading into the break. I hope the Golden Grahams know what they're getting into though.

Good stuff - I want more, Jeff!

[gentlemanjeff]

September 13, 1960 – Fort Homer W. Hesterly Armory – Tampa, FL

The familiar Tampa crowd packed the armory for the first big event from Cowboy Luttrell’s boys since the summer heat descended in full force on the Sunshine State. Fans barely had time to settle in their seats before “The Teuton Terror” Hans Schmidt was announced. Schmidt, having taken the summer to heal up from his vicious Texas Death match with Dory Funk, appeared to be in good spirits, and was accompanied by two dangerous, barrel-chested individuals dressed in black tights and sashes adorned with the Iron Cross of Germany. Schmidt was also accompanied by an older, weasly figure in a rumpled suit who walked with the aid of a cane.

Schmidt grabbed the house microphone and declared that beginning now, Germany would reign supreme in the National Wrestling Alliance. Schmidt told the crowd that he would pulverize Pat O’Connor, the world heavyweight champion, next time he showed his face in Florida, and that he brought Kurt and Karl Von Brauner, and their manager “Gentleman” Saul Weingeroff, from Europe to be his backup and protect him from the many cowards and crazy fools in the NWA. Weingeroff, in a nasally German accent, told the crowd that the Von Brauners had been banned from competing in Europe for excessive violence, but intended to capture gold and help Schmidt do the same in Florida.

The Von Brauners (Karl Von Brauner and Kurt Von Brauner) and Hans Schmidt defeated Big Ike Eakins, Tito Carreon and Georgia Boy Harry Smith when Karl Von Brauner pinned H. Smith with the Big Stomp in 0:12:34.
Rating: **
[Saul Weingeroff interfered against Georgia Boy Harry Smith.]

The Von Brauners made an instant splash in their debut match, laying into the local favorites with devastating elbows, forearms, nerve holds and bearhugs. Schmidt was content to spend most of the match lauding his new allies from the ring apron. Even manager Saul Weingeroff got involved, despite the Germans appearing to have the contest well in hand, by bashing Harry Smith across the back with his supposedly necessary walking cane. The Von Brauners especially riled up the Tampa crowd by goose stepping across the ring at one point. Despite the crowd’s wishes, however, the Von Brauners took the match after Karl Von Brauner, the somewhat smaller and more animated of the two, came crashing off the second turnbuckle with a pair of boots to Smith’s sternum. If Schmidt is serious, World Champion Pat O’Connor is going to have to watch his back next time he’s in Florida.

Don Curtis pinned Angelo Poffo after a dropkick in 0:12:40.
Rating: *
(Don Curtis retained the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title.)

Don Curtis continues to be recognized as the Southern champion despite lacking the title belt, which, word has it, the Red Menace spent the summer parading around Cuba. The wily Angelo Poffo, no stranger to championships in his own right, brought the stalling, psychological tactics of his Ohio Valley stomping grounds with him, but it was a quick dropkick to the face that stunned Poffo enough for Curtis to score the three count.

Buddy Austin made Ray Villmer submit to the Indian Deathlock in 0:10:31.
Rating: * 1/4

Ray Villmer, the old hooker and four-time former Southern champion in his younger days, had Austin tied up in a variety of holds for most of the bout. Austin’s cold masochism and disregard for the rules, however, tilted the balance in his favor. Austin took advantage of an eye gouge unseen by the referee to lock on his Indian Deathlock in the middle of the ring and pick up the submission win. Austin continues his march up the Florida pecking order.

The Red Menace pinned Mark Lewin with the Cuban Backbreaker in 0:14:17.
Rating: ** 3/4

The Red Menace came out with his two favorite accessories—the flag of the Cuban communist revolution and the Southern heavyweight title belt. Rumor has it Fidel Castro himself congratulated the Menace on his acquisition of the title, whatever the means may have been. Mark Lewin, the gifted young speedster and tag partner to the man the Menace stole the title from, Don Curtis, was more than a match for the Menace, even threatening to de-mask him at one point. Menace, however, fought back and pulled his signature maneuver out of nowhere to steal the victory. Menace waved the flag in delight, but that quickly brought Curtis storming to the ring. The Menace beat a hasty retreat but retained possession of Curtis’ title belt.

Two-out-of-three-Falls Match:
Antonino Rocca and Miguel Perez drew Dick the Bruiser and Iron Mike DiBiase:
x Bruiser beat M. Perez via the Top Rope Knee Drop in 0:07:58
x A. Rocca beat M. DiBiase via an airplane spin in 0:15:58
x double countout (A. Rocca and Bruiser) in 0:26:37
Rating: *** 1/2
(Antonino Rocca and Miguel Perez retained the NWA World Tag Team Titles.)

“Argentina” Rocca and the Puero Rican Perez spent the summer defending their world tag team titles in New York and the Northeast, but they probably didn’t encounter a team as tough and strong as the Bruiser and Iron Mike. Bruiser picked up the first fall with a devastating flying knee drop, but Rocca came back and knocked DiBiase loopy with his famed airplane spin. The battle between the two teams continued with all four men eventually spilling hopelessly outside the ring. Senior referee Herbie Freeman had no choice but to throw the match out. You can bet they’ll be doing it again next month on Miami Beach!

Eddie Graham defeated Johnny Valentine by disqualification in 0:23:26.
Rating: ** 1/4

Eddie Graham and Johnny Valentine used to be allies and tag partners, but Valentine didn’t like the shine Eddie Graham was taking to the fans and their favorites like Antonino Rocca. Valentine and Bruiser teamed together to take on Graham, and even tried to bring his own brother, Dr. Jerry Graham, to Florida to fight the now popular “Bloody Eddie,” but the Golden Grahams duped Valentine and Bruiser last May in this very arena. Since then, Graham has been chasing Valentine up and down the East Coast and throughout the Midwest.

“The Villain” finally agreed to face Graham one-on-one in Tampa, and what a hard hitting contest it was. Valentine methodically dismantled Graham, busting him open and cutting off the short bursts of offense Eddie was able to muster. Valentine made a strategic misstep when he went for a flying elbowdrop, however, as Graham rolled to the side. Graham scooped up Valentine for a massive atomic drop that sent Valentine careening through the ropes and to the outside. Graham followed Valentine out onto the dangerous concrete, but there Valentine smashed an already bloody Eddie in the face with a chair! Valentine continued his vicious attack long after referee Bob Morrow called for the bell and disqualified Valentine. Graham gets the win, but I doubt Valentine much cares.

Card rating: ** 1/4

The Grapevine:

Summer is receding in South Florida, which means Cowboy Luttrell and Championship Wrestling from Florida are back in action! The Von Brauners and their German Jewish manager Saul Weingeroff have been the subject of controversy on radio waves and TV stations across the state, but no one challenges that the Von Brauners are one of the more successful tag teams in the United States and Europe, and should prove a strong hole card for the ever-calculating Hans Schmidt. Schmidt, for his part, stated his intention to go after Pat O’Connor and the NWA world championshop. Luttrell confirmed that O’Connor is in tentative talks to defend the world title in Florida in early 1961, so we will see what the future holds for Hans Schmidt.

Eddie Graham finally had an opportunity to get his hands on Johnny Valentine after months of pursuit, but Valentine knows Graham well and left Eddie a bloody mess. Graham was furious at the result and tore apart the locker room afterwards. Since then, Eddie Graham issued, by way of an interview with Gordon Solie, a challenge for Johnny Valentine to face him in an unsanctioned Lights Out Match. The very next week, Valentine told the young Solie he’d beat Eddie Graham and chase him right out of Florida. They'll meet next month in Miami!

LIGHTS OUT MATCH – Eddie Graham vs. Johnny Valentine
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES 2/3 FALLS MATCH – Antonino Rocca & Miguel Perez (c) vs. Dick the Bruiser & Iron Mike DiBiase
SOUTHERN TITLE 2/3 FALLS MATCH – Don Curtis (c) vs. The Red Menace
Hans Schmidt vs. Ray Villmer
Buddy Austin vs. Big Ike Eakins
Angelo Poffo vs. Dory Funk
The Von Brauners vs. Chief Big Heart & Chief Little Eagle

[snabbit888]

CWfromFL is back! And I am a happy man.

Big foreign heels are just great during this time period. The Von Brauners look tough in the tag division too. Pat O'Connor is in a heap of trouble.

The Red Menace has had Curtis' belt for awhile now. Haha. We clearly have a big showdown forthcoming with those two.

Villmer's a good gatekeeper. Austin on his way up!

I love the Red Menace. Such an awesome heel here. Curtis tries to get the belt but can't get a hold of it. That rascal!

Rocca/Perez still being the tag champs makes me happy. Looking forward to another battle with Bruiser/DiBiase too.

Brutal main event. I am a big Johnny Valentine fan, and it's nice to see him hurting people like he does best. This issue with the Grahams can't be done.

Glad to see this back, Jeff. Don't disappear so long this time!

[gentlemanjeff]

Thanks Ryan-snab! My job can occasionally go into supreme overdrive, but I've had a real hankering to get back in the swing of things. I've been lurking to keep up to date on the GCW Multiverse in the meanwhile.

I've been looking forward to the Von Brauners since I began. They were the mainstays of CWF in the early 60s. Hope they stick around.

I'm still running TNM7 for the above while I continue to noodle the "replacing TNM" route, in case anyone's curious.

[gentlemanjeff]

October 7, 1960 – Miami Beach Auditorium – Miami Beach, FL

It’s wrestling season on Miami Beach! The snowbirds are down from New York, Boston and Chicago, and they packed the Auditorium to see their Florida favorites and some familiar faces from back home. Tonight’s official main event pitted Don Curtis against the Red Menace in a battle to see who the true Southern champion and who the pretender were, but the crowd was truly abuzz for the unsanctioned “Lights Out” match between “Bloody” Eddie Graham and “The Villain” Johnny Valentine slated as the night’s unofficial finale.

The Von Brauners (Karl Von Brauner and Kurt Von Brauner) defeated Tito Carreon and Chief Little Eagle when Kurt Von Brauner pinned Little Eagle with the Big Stomp in 0:13:37.
Rating: * 1/4
(Chief Big Heart no-showed.)

The Miami wrestling faithful were introduced to the Von Brauners and manager “Gentleman” Saul Weingeroff for the first time tonight, and they were none too popular. The Von Brauners and their manager have no qualms about digging their fingers into the lingering wounds of World War II, and the Miami Beach crowd—including a significant number of Jewish attendees—couldn’t wait to see the goose-stepping Germans get their comeuppance. They’ll have to keep waiting though, as the Von Brauners stomped, choked and gouged their way to another victory.

Dory Funk made Angelo Poffo submit to the Spinning Toe Hold in 0:14:16.
Rating: *** 1/4

“The Outlaw” made his return to Miami after last defeating Hans Schmidt in a brutal Texas Death match back in April. The crowd was pumped for the Amarillo cowboy, who took on the athletic and game Poffo in a wild brawl that ended with Funk’s famed submission hold.

Buddy Austin pinned Big Ike Eakins after a piledriver in 0:07:07.
Rating: 3/4*

You can’t expect many wrestling holds when “Killer” Buddy Austin takes on Big Ike. The two brawlers traded blows back and forth before Austin delivered a devastating piledriver to Eakins. Austin, despite the referee’s protests, gave Eakins another before covering for the fall. Officials had to help Eakins to the back, and it looks like his neck might keep him out of action for awhile. Make no mistake, Austin wanted this victory to be a statement.

Two-out-of-three-Falls Match:
Antonino Rocca and Miguel Perez beat Dick the Bruiser and Iron Mike DiBiase 2 falls to 1:
x M. Perez beat M. DiBiase via a back elbow in 0:11:38
x Bruiser beat A. Rocca via the Top Rope Knee Drop in 0:22:12
x A. Rocca beat Bruiser via a flying cross body press in 0:31:26
Rating: ****
(Antonino Rocca and Miguel Perez retained the NWA World Tag Team Titles.)

The first of the night’s double main event saw the popular New York-based duo of Argentina Rocca and Miguel Perez defending their coveted world tag team championship, which they have held for over three years now, in a rematch against the tough tandem of Dick the Bruiser and Iron Mike DiBiase. Rocca and Perez had the crowd on their feet in a match that proved to be a flurry of action, seizing the early momentum and scoring the first fall when Perez stunned DiBiase out of the ropes with a vicious elbow to the head. The tables were soon turned, however, when Dick the Bruiser, a veritable human roadblock, countered the acrobatic pairing with his clubbing offense of fists and forearms. Bruiser and DiBiase cut the ring in half, allowing Bruiser to score a rare pinfall over Rocca with his dreaded kneedrop from the top. Bruiser and DiBiase kept control of the match until a well-placed leaping kick put Bruiser off balance, allowing Rocca to race to the top rope and hit Bruiser with a perfectly executed crossbody. Bruiser catapulted Rocca off a millisecond after the three count—too little too late, as Rocca and Perez retained the NWA World Tag Team titles in one of their toughest challenges to date.

Hans Schmidt pinned Ray Villmer after a swinging neckbreaker in 0:16:31.
Rating: ****

The calculating Schmidt and the wily, experienced Villmer transitioned the crowd’s interest from the hard-hitting, fast-paced action of the tag team championship bout to a quintessential exhibition of scientific wrestling. Schmidt may be most infamous for his villainous antics, but the Teuton Terror is also a world class technical wrestler and he clearly approached Villmer, an old hand of the grappling scene in the same mold as Lou Thesz and World Champion Pat O’Connor, with a healthy amount of respect. Schmidt and Villmer went hold for hold for a quarter hour in a wrestling classic before Schmidt caught Villmer with a neckbreaker to seal the victory.

Prior to the officially scheduled main event for the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship, Chris Dundee, the promoter for wrestling shows on Miami Beach, informed the audience that “The Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers, perhaps the single biggest draw in professional wrestling today, would be appearing at next month’s show at the Miami Beach Convention Hall. He’s scheduled to face Florida’s own “Bloody” Eddie Graham, assuming Graham is medically cleared following tonight’s unsanctioned closing bout.

Two-out-of-three-Falls Match:
Don Curtis beat The Red Menace 2 falls to 0:
x D. Curtis beat Red Menace via pinfall in 0:08:22
x D. Curtis beat Red Menace via the Sleeperhold in 0:11:28
Rating: ***
(Don Curtis retained the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title.)

Don Curtis is the NWA Southern Champion, but the Red Menace has had wrongful possession of Curtis’ title belt for six months now. The Buffalo Bomber wanted to be done with the infuriating masked Cuban once and for all and came out of his corner a house of fire, pummeling the Menace from pillar to post. The Menace was barely able to stay in the bout and decided discretion was the better part of valor, taking the title belt and walking away. Curtis, however, was not to be escaped, chasing the Menace down outside the ring. Curtis slammed Menace back in over the top rope and scored the first fall. Curtis had the crowd rocking as he continued his barrage, locking the Menace in the sleeperhold and knocking the Cuban out in the middle of the ring to win in two straight falls! Curtis reclaimed his Southern Heavyweight title and did the Red Menace one better by draping the fallen communist’s own Cuban flag over his incapacitated body, much to Miami crowd’s delight. A great day for Don Curtis!

It was announced that the official card for tonight had concluded and that any subsequent bout would not be sanctioned by Championship Wrestling from Florida, Luttrell Promotions or the National Wrestling Alliance. The lights were then turned off for thirty seconds to signal the conclusion of the sanctioned show. When the lights returned, Milo Steinborn, retired strongman, former grappler and occasional CWF representative took to the ring in street clothes with the difficult assignment of maintaining some level of order in the unofficial main event.

[Lights Out Match]: No-Time-Limit-No-Countout-No-DQ-Match:
Eddie Graham defeated Johnny Valentine when Valentine passed out in a figure-four leglock in 0:31:33.
Rating: *** 3/4

Tonight’s Lights Out match was a pure war of attrition between two former partners and friends who have come to hate each other. Johnny Valentine, unquestionably one of the toughest men in pro wrestling today, entered the ring in street clothes with taped up fists. Graham, still smarting after being bested by Valentine and his dirty tactics last month in Tampa, stormed the ring with a steel chair in tow. The two men exploded, exchanging blow after blow and brutalizing each other with chairshots and whips to the steel barrier at ringside.

Before long, both men were busted open and fighting in the ringside seats. Valentine pressed Graham up against the barricade and measured him, nailing the fan favorite with a series of Brainbuster Elbows to the skull. Graham gushed blood and collapsed to the floor. Despite Steinborn’s protests, Valentine wrapped the microphone cable around Graham’s neck and choked him mercilessly. Graham fought to escape back into the ring, but Valentine pursued and continued the assault, choking Graham against the ropes. Things looked grave for Graham, but the bionic blond has a past as one of the dirtiest players in the game, and Eddie turned the tide with a desperation low blow to Valentine. Graham capitalized with an atomic drop that sent Valentine bouncing to the mat and slapped on the figure four leglock! Valentine fought like a caged tiger, grasping for Graham and swinging vainly in the air. Valentine refused to give up, but the pain was too much: Graham grabbed the ropes for leverage, squeezing the consciousness right out of Valentine! Steinborn called the match and broke the hold. Eddie Graham stood bloody and triumphant over a fallen Johnny Valentine!

Card rating: *** 1/4

The Grapevine:

Florida wrestling fans may love Eddie Graham, but he remains capable of being one of the dirtiest wrestlers in the business, and it took every trick Graham had to defeat Johnny Valentine in a bloody and brutal Lights Out match—not that Valentine was going to give Graham any quarter himself. Valentine may have lost the fight, but he denied Graham the satisfaction of hearing him submit or pinning him to the mat. Graham himself was said to be furious at the same, and you could hardly tell he was tonight’s victor as he coldly packed himself up in the locker room. I have a feeling things aren’t yet settled between these two proud and deadly men.

The Von Brauners are making a big splash and the fans are none too happy. The two burly Germans from the Black Forest are a force to be reckoned with, but you have to wonder how long it’ll be before they incite a riot with their controversial attitudes and actions. At least the fans have Don Curtis, who took back his rightful championship title in impressive fashion tonight!

But, looking forward, what an announcement! “The Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers hasn’t seen a Florida ring in years, but the infamous grappler, possibly the hottest ticket in wrestling today, will be taking on Eddie Graham next month at CWF’s big Convention Hall show on Miami Beach! It’ll be standing room only at the 12,000 seat Convention Hall, as its the height of wrestling season here in Miami and Cowboy Luttrell is pulling out all the stops. But first, a stop later this month in Milo Steinborn’s home territory of Orlando!

TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS – Hans Schmidt and The Von Brauners vs. Eddie Graham, Dory Funk and Ray Villmer
SOUTHERN TITLE 2/3 FALLS MATCH – Don Curtis (c) vs. Buddy Austin
The Red Menace vs. Mark Lewin
8-MAN BATTLE ROYAL – Featuring Haystacks Calhoun!

[snabbit888]

No way the Von Brauners are suffering some losses yet.

Poffo looks like he's going to be fodder for awhile. That's fine, as the Funks rule.

Stone Cold Buddy Austin with what was definitely a statement win.

Tough battle for the tag champs. Looked like Perez wasn't holding his weight in that match.

Great match with Schmidt and Villmer. Schmidt might be tremendously unpopular, but as your top heel, he needs to be kept strong as the top guy.

Not only did Curtis get revenge on The Red Menace, but he did so in dominant fashion. He can only go up from here.

With it being in Florida, and his upcoming World Heavyweight Title match, Eddie Graham was going to win this match. It was a damn good fight though and a great way to end the show.

Next card looking big. A World Title match is always a big deal.

[JoshiQ]

Wanted to say that I really liked the way you handled the time off between cards. Takes some skill to explain what everyone was up to during the months that CWF wasn't around.

The Von Brauners are a fun new team that look to be the next big heels.

Everything is going good here. Love the writing style, and you've captured some amazing details that fit this timeframe. Stuff like the official main event before the unofficial one is a great touch.

Can't wait to read more.

[gentlemanjeff]

Yeah, Buddy Austin definitely had the Stone Cold vibe. He was a midcard/upper midcard journeyman in the late 50s and 60s; big drawback on him is that he appears to have been a real genuine jerk. Anyhow, Big Ike gave notice, so out he goes.

Perez is a tough one to write, right? He must have been capable and charismatic, but he's completely overshadowed by Rocca. The tag team is basically "Rocca plus one."

Villmer needs to move back up the card. He's been jobbing too much for his ordained gatekeeper role. Has been putting on pretty good matches for a 47-year old, though. Anyhow, Villmer's style is a good warmup for Pat O'Connor...

Yeah, Menace has been a lot of fun to write. Definitely one of those guys who, in your head at least, takes off more than you were expecting.

Buddy Rogers hasn't won the world title yet; he's just a huge draw and perennial regional/U.S. champ at this point. He's at that stage where CLEARLY he should be world champ but the powers that be prefer the Thesz/O'Connor types, not the new generation showmen like Rogers. Rogers gets the big belt in '61, assuming Graham doesn't drop him on his head or something. Man, talk about an alternate history boondoggle if Rogers gets his career ended in 1960 in Miami.

[carking2007]

Hello there:

I am looking for photos and videos on the cuban wrestler called the red menace (aka Pedro Godoy) in the time era of the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Can you advice me where to get this?