Tag: Eddie Graham

Vol. 11: Championship Wrestling From Florida

Posted on by Seth Zillmann

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It was one of the most famous territories in all of wrestling history. From the 1960s into the mid-1980s, Eddie Graham’s Championship Wrestling From Florida was a beacon of wrestling talent. Seth and Crazy Train are joined by a special guest, former NWA World Tag Team Champion Chris Nelson to discuss the legendary promotion. Hear some of the names on the laundry list of alumni who all made their names in Florida before achieving legendary status on international levels. Gordon Solie, Jake Roberts, The Brisco Brothers, Hulk Hogan, Blackjack Mulligan, and many more are among those names. Also talked about is arguably the most definitive angle in the company’s history, the babyface turn of “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. Yes, Dusty was a heel for years before becoming “The Dream” we all loved. In the final segment, Nelson talks about the tragedy of the final year of the promotion, which was the fallout of Eddie Graham’s passing. Plus other memorable angles from the promotion’s history. If you want to check out a TON of Championship Wrestling From Florida, check out the 106 N Albany YouTube Page! Tell ’em Classic Wrestling Memories sent you…

Vol. 7: Booking 101 – The Art of Storytelling In Pro Wrestling

Posted on by Seth Zillmann

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Have you ever wondered how magicians learn their craft? Have you ever wondered how storytellers get their style? Or more appropriately, have you ever wondered how wrestlers have gotten over with the crowd? Or why do some get put in certain places on the card? Well, the latter two fall under the Booking. Join Seth and Crazy Train as they pull back the curtain a little to explain some of the psychology behind booking a wrestling show. Plus, they mention seven famous bookers and why they were considered to be so great.

George Scott – Most famous for booking Jim Crockett Promotions and a lot of the early “Rock ‘n Wrestling” “Hulkamania Era” for WWE.

Eddie Graham – Widely considered one of the greatest minds for the business and had a very successful run in Florida.

Kevin Sullivan – A very well-respected wrestler and booker who had success in multiple territories. Also worked under Eddie Graham.

Bill Watts – Known for booking the Mid-South territory and for a brief stint running WCW. Also had tutelage under Eddie Graham.

Paul Heyman – The main booker and promoter of ECW.

Gary Hart – Helped book World Class Championship Wrestling in Texas for Fritz Von Erich. And yes, learned from Eddie Graham.

Dusty Rhodes – “The American Dream” had as much success, if not more, behind the scenes as he did in the ring. He booked arguably the greatest period of Jim Crockett Promotions,. And, you guessed it, learned under Eddie Graham.

As mentioned during the show, here is an example of George Scott utilizing a hot up-and-coming star in Sting and a grizzled veteran in The Iron Sheik.