Central States Wrestling
Sept 23, 2013 2:54:39 GMT
Post by jackknight on Sept 23, 2013 2:54:39 GMT
Toward the end of 1984 a definite change seemed to be in the air for Central States Wrestling. The sport was moving forward and the product had begun to grow stagnant at a time when other promotions were picking up momentum and thriving through the use of new talent and maximizing the use of their television time. To an outsider, it became apparent that CSW was at a point in the company's history where it was time to adapt or die.
Long the face of Hearts of America Sports Attractions, Harley Race was in the midst of a long reign with the Missouri Championship. While he was still fighting off all comers in the form of old rivals "Bulldog" Bob Brown and Dr. Luke Graham is was becoming increasingly obvious that Race was becoming tired and one had to ask just how much gas he had left in the tank?
On the Heavyweight scene "Avanlanche" Buzz Tyler was busy making waves by not only defeating Ted Oates to win the belt for the fourth time on August 11th; but followed it up with a devastating defeat over Gypsy Joe to win the TV Title as well a mere three weeks later on September 2nd. While beating Oates earned Buzz the ire of the CSW fans; his defeat of Joe proved dangerous for the double Champion who in doing so earned the full attention of Gypsy's manager and head of the International Wrestling Alliance; Sheik Abdullah the Great.
Having sworn a Jihad on Tyler, Sheik Abdullah has put his considerable forces to work in defeating Buzz for the belt including Dr. Luke Graham, MEB, The Mongols; and Iranian newcomer The Iron Sheik. And as if Buzz Tyler didn't already have enough on his plate, there have been rumblings within the NWA Championship Commitee itself that he may not be entitled to hold onto both Titles for long. Clearly the Central States Heavyweight Champ has his work cut out for him.
The Tag-Team Titles have all been about one team whose names have been on the lips of everyone in the Kansas City area; and that is the Uptown Boys. Since defeating the Grapplers for the belts on August 23rd, the popular group has defeated all-comers for their Titles usually with their signature finisher The Spandex Splits. Since arriving on the scene the group has ignited the imaginations of the fans with their innovative high-flying style. And word on the street is several popular tandems are now on their way to Central States to challenge the young upstarts for the belts. Will the Uptown Boys thrive with this influx of competition? Or prove themselves to be merely big fish in a small pond?
One of the many promised newcomers to the area who quickly began to make a name for himself was Sgt. Slaughter. The All-American won over the fans almost immediately at house shows with his recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance before shows, stomping out local heels while blowing on his trademark whistle; and ending many a match with his devastating finisher The Patriot Clutch. Many began predicting Championship gold in the immediate future of this Detroit Michigan native. But as of yet he seems content on beating down those maggots foolish enough to step in his way. Does Slaughter have what it takes to win the CSW Heavyweight Championship?
And more importantly will these new faces re-ignite the floundering promotion which once was the flagship of the NWA? Can newcomers like Sgt. Slaughter, Jim Brunzell, Koko B. Ware; and the Iron Sheik bring Central States Wrestling back to it's former glory. Or would it simply wither on the vine and fade away?
Got it.
