Wrestler Bio: 'Double A' Arnold Adams

Wrestler Name: 'Double A' Arnold Adams
Real Name: Arnold Adams
Birthday: August 26, 1941
Hometown: Tunica, MS
Death Date: April 26, 2010
Where: Memphis, TN
Marital Status: Married (Ethel)
Alignment: Face
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 188
Theme Music: "Cold As Ice" by Foreigner
Wrestling Debut: February 3, 1960 (Mobile, AL)
MVW Debut: March 09, 1978 (Tupelo, MS)
Debut Opp: Jason James
Last Match: 3/31/90
Last Opp: ‘Excellent’ Xavier Cross
PriDistrict: MidAmerica
Style: Technician
Finishing Move: Adams Arm Dance (double chickenwing submission)
Favorite Moves: abdominal stretch, belly-to-back suplex, belly-to-belly suplex
Weapon: NONE
Notable Feuds: Jason James, A-Team
Managed: A.J. Adams, Andrew Adams, Aaron Adams
Image: Tommy Lee Jones

His Story:

Arnold was born on August 26, 1941, in Foley, AL. He is the oldest of Hector and Caroline Adams’ five children. He grew up watching his uncle Corey Terrell wrestle in the NWA’s Gulf Coast office in Mobile. Arnold played football at Foley High School, being selected to the All-State Team in 57-59. After graduating from high school, he began attending classes at University of South Alabama with a football scholarship.

Arnold’s grades didn’t allow him to keep the scholarship so he had to find another way to finance college. He turned to his uncle Corey. Corey talked with Lee Fields about a job for his nephew. Fields gave him a try-out match against future Alabama champion Don Fields. Both Fields were impressed with Arnold’s technical ability. His first official match was February 3, 1960 against Corsica Joe, one half of the NWA Southern Tag Team champions. He won the Panhandle Junior Heavyweight Title in 1963 and the NWA Gulf Coast’s version of the United States Tag Team Title with Joe McCarthy in 1964.

During his first stint in the Gulf Coast region, he worked alongside the Civil Rights Movement to make professional wrestling more open to African-Americans. Many of the feuds through the early and middle 1960s were caused by Arnold bringing African American wrestlers into the region. There were still several obstacles to remove the segregation in the very divided southern regions of Mississippi and Alabama. He met Medgar Evars early in his career. On the twentieth anniversary of Evars’ assassination, he organized an eight-man tournament showcasing the best African American wrestlers in America at that time. He repeated the tournament every five years.

From June 1964 to August 1966, he wrestled between Gulf Coast and Big Time Wrestling in Dallas. He feuded with Fritz von Erich, Billy Red Lyons and Pepper Gomez over the Texas Heavyweight Title during that time. He also teamed with Wahoo McDaniel to win the Texas Tag Team Titles in 1965. While wrestling in Houston, Arnold became friends with Frank Beard, future member of the band ZZ Top.

From 1968 to 1970, he wrestled with Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) in Tallahassee. During these two years, he feuded with Johnny Valentine and Jack Brisco. He teamed with the Missouri Mauler and Bronko Lubich on rare occasions. He held the Florida Junior Heavyweight Title the entire year of 1969. He left in late 1970 with after being injured by the Texas Outlaws. During his almost three years in the CWF, he began to establish relationships with people inside and outside the world of wrestling. While wrestling in Tallahassee, he met Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington, who had just formed the band Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Back in Gulf Coast, Arnold defeated Mike Boyette and Wrestling Pro in a triple-threat match for the City of Pensacola Heavyweight Title in 1972. He lost the title in late 1973. In 1974, Arnold embarked on a national tour: Gulf Coast (January), CWF (February-March), Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling (March-April), World Wrestling Association [Indianapolis] (May-July), Pacific Northwest (August-October) and Big Time Wrestling [San Fransisco] (November-December). In June 1974, Arnold tried out for the World Wide Wrestling Federation, but Vince McMahon didn’t want his type of wrestler in the ring, especially since he already had Dick Murdoch on the roster. The New York trip wasn’t a complete failure. Arnold met Lou Gramm from the newly created band Foreigner and Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin. All of these contacts and connections Arnold used to make the music used in the MVW less expensive. Also during this time, Arnold met Curtis Collins (Good Time Charlie) in WWA and challenged Jimmy Valiant for the WWA World Heavyweight Title. Arnold met Al Madril in Pacific Northwest and challenged Jimmy Snuka for the PNW Heavyweight Title. Arnold and Madril also challenged Snuka and Dutch Savage for the Tag Team Titles in PNW.

From May 1975 to January 1976, Arnold toured the middle of the country. He wrestled for the NWA in Kansas City, St. Louis and Minneapolis. Arnold met Lewis Losey (Mr. Missouri) and began tag teaming with him during this time. They defeated Ken Mantell & Ron Bass for the Central States World Tag Team Titles in controversial fashion, only to have the titles given back to the champions. He challenged Harley Race three times for the NWA Missouri State Heavyweight Title during this time. Arnold and Losey also challenged Crusher & Dick the Bruiser for the AWA World Tag Team Titles.

In 1977, Arnold went for another stint in PNW, hoping to team again with Al Madril, but Madril had already moved onto World Class Championship Wrestling. While he was in PNW this time, he met and became good friends with ‘Mr. Electricity’ Steve Regal. When Regal left the PNW, he became one of the original twelve wrestlers in MVW. Arnold spent two months in Oregon before going onto NWA Hollywood in Los Angeles. He teamed with L.A. Underground as a dominant six-man tag team. When their NWA Hollywood contracts expired, Arnold asked them to come to the MVW.

Arnold began putting the pieces together to begin running his own wrestling organization. During all his touring, his wife Ethel moved the family to Tunica, MS. In June 1975, Arnold became a booker for the Biloxi office of Gulf Coast. He pooled together many of his contacts throughout the country and established a solid lineup of experienced wrestlers and rookies for his own extended family. The MVW began with twelve wrestlers and worked through its thirty-year history with ninety-five wrestlers.

Arnold’s self-proclaimed “greatest moment” was when his grandchildren Arnold III and Amanda Adams began wrestling as the Angel of Death and Angel of Music. The MVW’s first third-generation wrestlers were almost God-sends for the early 1990s when things had begun to wane for the MVW in spite of the Monday Night Wars between the WWF and WCW.

Arnold retired from the ring March 31, 1990, after a match against ‘Excellent’ Xavier Cross. Thirty years in the ring was enough for him. He was ready to take a step away and simply manage the organization’s business affairs. He had one last hurrah against his nemesis Jason James in the final match in MVW history. The two of them bloodied each other almost senseless.

After the MVW folded, Arnold and Ethel retired back to Tunica. Arnold was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2010. He spent the majority of the month of April hospitalized at the Med in Memphis. He died on April 26 from complications from the cancer and the radiation treatments.

Match: 'Sensational' Seth Greeley vs Al Madril

March 23, 1978
National Guard Armory
Tupelo, MS

‘Sensational’ Seth Greeley vs Al Madril

Littleton climbs back into the ring and stands next to Gentz. He begins the introduction. “The following contest is set for one fall with a fifteen-minute time limit. The referee is Marty Gentz.”

Seth Greeley and a blonde woman come down to the ring to the cheers of the crowd. He climbs into the ring and plays to the crowd.

“Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by his sister Jessica, from Starkville, MS, weighing 236 pounds, here is ‘Sensational’ Seth Greeley!!!”

Seth ascends each of the four turnbuckles and receives the crowd’s cheers. Al Madril comes down to the ring to similar cheers. He steps into the ring as Littleton continues the announcement.

“His opponent, from San Bernandino, CA, weighing 231 pounds, is Al Madril!!!”

Gentz calls for the bell. Seth and Al circle each other. They lock up. Seth gains the advantage and arm drags Al across the ring. Al rolls back to his feet. Seth nails him with a flying forearm to the forehead. Seth moves Al into the corner and whips him across the ring. Seth charges the corner, but Al moves out of the way. Seth jumps onto the middle turnbuckle and comes off with a twisting cross body block. Al catches him and drops him in a backbreaker. Al bounces off the side ropes and drops an elbow across Seth’s chest. Al drags Seth by the arm into the middle of the ring and applies an arm scissors on Seth’s left arm.

Seth uses his slight weight advantage to get back to his feet. Al struggles to keep one shoulder off the mat as Seth tries to shift his weight into a pinning combination. Gentz continues to check Al’s shoulders. Seth shifts his weight over too much and falls on top of Gentz. Al rolls through and manages to keep the armbar scissored and sits on Seth’s shoulder. Seth tries to reach for the ropes, but his arm is a few inches short. Gentz recovers and asks Seth if he wants to submit. After almost two minutes of futile struggling, Seth finally taps out. Gentz calls for the bell. Al releases the armbar and helps Seth to his feet.

Littleton announces, “The winner of the match by submission, in a time of 4:25, is Al Madril!!!” The crowd cheers loudly.

Wrestler Bio: Jason James

Wrestler Name: Jason James
Real Name: Jason James
Birthday: February 15, 1953
Hometown: Vicksburg, MS
Marital Status: Married (Melissa)
Alignment: Heel
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 263
Theme Music: "Ain't It a Shame" by Fats Domino
Wrestling Debut: August 13, 1971 (New Orleans)
MVW Debut: March 09, 1978
Debut Opp: Arnold Adams
Last Match: 5/31/92
Last Opp: A.J., Andrew & Aaron Adams
PriDistrict: Delta
Style: Technically Skilled Brawler
Finishing Move: Trojan Horse (inverted atomic drop)
Weapon: chair
Notable Feuds: Norsemen, Arnold Adams
Relations: Executioner, Odin & Loki’s first cousin.
Managed: Argonauts (3/9/78-5/31/92)
Image: Chris Harris

His Story:

Jason Russell James was born on February 15, 1959 to Russell and Gwendolyn (Saratz) James in Vicksburg, MS. He is the oldest of four children. His three brothers (Thomas, Russell Jr. & Jonathan) are 3, 5 and 9 years younger than Jason.

Jason grew up on the family farm outside Vicksburg. He learned the cotton farming industry adequately. His brothers were the better businessmen. Jason graduated 8th in his class from Vicksburg High School in 1971. He played football and basketball in high school. He was an all-State linebacker in his junior and senior years. He received a scholarship to play football at Tulane University. He began taking courses during the summer term of 1971. He majored in Political Science and English.

While studying, he became a fan of Bayou Championship Wrestling (BCW). Looking for a way to pay for college, Jason had a try-out match with BCW on August 13, 1971 in New Orleans against the promoter Don Duffy. Duffy was impressed with his ring presence, but his natural wrestling ability was rather limited. Duffy offered Jason a wrestling contract provided that he be willing to be taught more about the art and skill of wrestling. Jason readily agreed. By his senior year at Tulane, Jason had held the Bayou Heavyweight Title on four separate occasions, once for over ten months.

After graduation, Jason moved to Baton Rouge, LA. His Political Science degree helped him to land a job as a paralegal at Keogh, Cox & Wilson LTD. Jason continued to wrestle in BCW until it closed in March 1977. The partners in the law firm weren’t thrilled with Jason’s wrestling. In November 1976, John Keogh informed him that he would be fired if he continued to wrestle and tarnish the firm’s reputation among its clients. Jason said he would wean out of the wrestling business.

When the BCW folded, Jason went looking for another place to focus his love for wrestling. The perfect opportunity came when he visited his third-cousin Arnold Adams in Gulfport for a week in late 1978. Arnold pitched the idea for beginning a new wrestling organization in Mississippi. Both men could trace their family lineage back to the Thorson clan in Tupelo. They thought it would be the best place to set up this new business. It would also give the CWA some competition in its smallest Tupelo market.

Jason took his paralegal experience and began looking for a job in the Tupelo area. He finally found a job as a paralegal for Teller, Hassell & Hopson LLP in his hometown of Vicksburg. He brought the idea for the MVW to Landman Teller Jr. for his legal opinion. Teller gave Jason the go-ahead to provide the MVW’s legal services during his time.

On August 13, 1976, Jason married his girlfriend of three years, Melissa Blevins. Melissa graduated from Tulane University the next year with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. After they moved to Vicksburg, Melissa began graduate work at the University of Mississippi. She graduated in 1979 with a Master’s in Social Work. She worked as a social worker for the state of Mississippi from 1980 until 2007 when economic struggles in the state forced her to take severance at age 51.

When the MVW opened, Jason was placed as the primary heel in the organization. He played the role to a T. He retired from the ring May 31, 1992, after more than twenty years in the wrestling business. He continued to work as the MVW’s main legal counsel until it closed in 2008. Jason continues to work as a paralegal for Teller, Hassell & Hopson LLP today.

Match: Jason James vs Mr. Mississippi

March 23, 1978
National Guard Armory
Tupelo, MS

Jason James vs Mr. Mississippi

Littleton climbs back into the ring. Gentz climbs into the ring as well. Littleton puts the microphone to his mouth.

“The following contest is set for one fall with a ten-minute time limit. The referee for this match is Marty Gentz.”

Jason James makes his way to the ring. The crowd boos terribly.

“Introducing first, from Vicksburg, MS, weighing 263 pounds, here is Jason James!!!”

Jason climbs into the ring. The crowd continues to boo terribly. The boos change to cheers as Mr. Mississippi emerges from the other side of the arena.

“His opponent, from Jackson, MS, weighing 258 pounds, is Mr. Mississippi!!!”

As soon as Mississippi gets to the ring apron, Jason charges him with a flying kneelift. Mississippi crashes to the floor. Jason steps through the ropes and crashes across Mississippi’s shoulders with a double axe handle. Jason rolls Mississippi into the ring. Jason climbs onto the ring apron and then ascends the turnbuckle. Jason waits for Mississippi to get to his feet. He comes off with a flying dropkick to the chest. Gentz calls for the bell.

Jason applies a front face lock. He headbutts Mississippi’s shoulder and starts to work on the mask. Mississippi fights to get away and rolls out of the ring. He fixes his mask. Gentz warns Jason about messing with the mask. Jason climbs the turnbuckle and starts yelling at Mississippi. Jason drops off the turnbuckle. Mississippi climbs onto the ring apron. Jason runs into the opposite ropes. Mississippi steps through the ropes. Mississippi hip tosses him over the top rope. Jason lands on the ring apron. Jason blocks a right hand from Mississippi and snaps his neck over the top rope.

Jason climbs back on the ring apron and jumps onto the top rope. He comes off with a flying clothesline. Jason rolls into the opposite ropes and bounces into a flying bulldog. Jason rolls Mississippi over and covers him … one … two … Mississippi kicks out! Jason crawls over to the corner. He reaches into his tights and pulls out a pair of brass knuckles. Mississippi gets to his feet. Jason nails him in the jaw with the brass knuckles. He slides them back into his tights and covers. Gentz gets down to count … one … two … three!! Gentz calls for the bell.

Littleton announces, “The winner of the match, in a time of 1:48, is Jason James!!” The crowd boos terribly. Jason is forced to run back to the dressing room to avoid a fan riot.

Match: Mr. Tennessee vs 'Double A' Arnold Adams (3/23/78)

March 23, 1978
National Guard Armory
Tupelo, MS

Mr. Tennessee vs ‘Double A’ Arnold Adams

Littleton climbs into the ring. Andrew leaves the ring and A.J. takes his place. Littleton begins the announcement.

“The following contest is set for one fall with a ten-minute time limit. The referee for the match is A.J. Adams.” The fans cheer lightly.

The cheers fade as Mr. Tennessee stomps to the ring.

Littleton continues, “Introducing first, from Nashville, TN, weighing 274 pounds, here is Mr. Tennessee!!”

Tennessee climbs into the ring and starts to badmouth the fans in the ring. He looks at A.J. and steps right into his face. He grabs the microphone away from Littleton.

Tennessee yells into the microphone, “There is no way I’m going to wrestle with this piece of Mississippi trash as the referee.” The crowd boos. “Get a REAL referee out here and not some punk kid who doesn’t know an elbowdrop from a sleeper. I want a referee that’s been trained in Tennessee. You know, the state that has the best wrestling in the world!!” The crowd boos louder.

Tennessee isn’t phased. “Secondly, I’m not going to have one of Adams’ punk kids refereeing a match where I’m taking on their old man. Adams, you get him out of here or I’ll do it for you!!” Tennessee slams the microphone back into Littleton’s hand.

The crowd starts to cheer when Arnold walks down the aisle. He climbs into the ring. Littleton begins to lift the microphone to his lips, but Arnold takes it away from him.

“Mr. Tennessee, I hold your wrestling career in my hands,” Arnold says. “You’ll wrestle with my son as the IMPARTIAL referee or you won’t wrestle PERIOD!!”

Tennessee looks unimpressed with Arnold’s threat. He walks to stand in Arnold’s face and takes the microphone away from him.

“If that’s the way it’s got to be,” Tennessee says, “I’m going to enjoy watching him count your shoulders to the mat after the Rocky Top!!” Tennessee slams the microphone back into Littleton’s hands.

Arnold and Tennessee back away from each other. Littleton takes this as a cue that he can continue with the introduction. “His opponent, from Tunica, MS, weighing 188 pounds, is ‘Double A’ Arnold Adams!!!” The crowd cheers loudly.

Littleton leaves the ring. A.J. calls for the bell. Tennessee and Arnold circle each other. They lock up. Arnold takes advantage with a side headlock. Tennessee shoots him into the ropes and takes him down with a shoulderblock. Tennessee gets into A.J.’s face and claims Arnold pulled his mask. A.J. asks Arnold, but Arnold denies it. A.J. instructs the wrestlers to return to fighting. They lock up again. Tennessee gains the advantage with an arm wringer. Arnold returns the favor. Arnold goes for the Adams Arm Dance, but Tennessee blocks it. Arnold twists on the arm wringer again. Tennessee grunts in pain. Tennessee releases himself from the hold with an arm drag. Arnold tumbles into the corner. Tennessee runs to the opposite corner and charges Arnold. Arnold rolls out of the way as Tennessee slams into the bottom turnbuckle pad with his knee.

Arnold grabs Tennessee in a front face lock. Tennessee reaches for the ropes, but Arnold drags him away. Arnold hooks Tennessee’s arm around his neck and goes for a suplex, but Tennessee blocks it. Arnold goes for a suplex again, but Tennessee blocks it again. Tennessee buries a forearm smash into Arnold’s stomach. Arnold releases him. Tennessee runs into the side ropes. Arnold drops to the mat. Tennessee skips across the ring. Arnold leapfrogs over Tennessee. As Tennessee comes off the ropes a third time, Arnold goes for a hip toss, but it’s reversed by Tennessee. Arnold blocks Tennessee’s hip toss. Tennessee goes for a short clothesline, but Arnold ducks it.

Arnold whips Tennessee into the turnbuckle. Arnold pulls him out of the corner and whips him across the ring. Arnold goes for a backdrop, but Tennessee nails him with an elbow to the back of the head. Tennessee sets up for the Rocky Top piledriver, but Arnold counters it with a backdrop. Arnold runs into the ropes, but Tennessee stops him with a shoulderblock to the midsection. Tennessee sets up again for the Rocky Top and spikes Arnold into the mat. Tennessee drags him into the middle of the ring and drops a leg drop across his throat. He yells at A.J. to count. A.J. reluctantly obliges … one … two … thr … Arnold gets his shoulder up!

Tennessee jumps to his feet and gets right into A.J.’s face. He complains about a slow count. Arnold gets back to his feet. Tennessee goes for a lariat, but Arnold ducks it. Arnold goes for a belly-to-back suplex, but Tennessee grabs onto the top rope. A.J. kicks Tennessee’s hands. Arnold and Tennessee fall backwards in a back suplex. Both men’s shoulders are down. A.J. counts … one … two … Tennessee gets his shoulder up! … three!! A.J. calls for the bell, shaking his head. Littleton comes over to get the official verdict.

Littleton announces, “The winner of the match, in a time of 5:26, is Mr. Tennessee!!” The crowd boos terribly. A.J. starts to leave the ring, but Tennessee grabs him by the arm. Tennessee insists that A.J. raise his hand. A.J. steps back into the ring. He raises Tennessee’s hand high in the air. A.J. starts to leave the ring again, but Tennessee stops him again. Tennessee demands that A.J. raise his hand again. Arnold gets back to his feet and tackles Tennessee. The crowd cheers greatly as Arnold pummels Tennessee on the sides of the head. Arnold gets up and tosses Tennessee out of the ring. A.J. raises Arnold’s hand. The crowd cheers greatly. A.J. and Arnold leave the ring.

Match: Argonaut #1 vs Travis Canby (3/23/78)

March 23, 1978
National Guard Armory
Tupelo, MS

Argonaut #1 vs Travis Canby

Littleton climbs into the ring. He puts the microphone to his mouth and begins the introduction.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Tupelo National Guard Armory!! Tonight you’re here to watch the only wrestling organization with true Mississippi roots!” The crowd cheers wildly. “Tonight’s matches are sanctioned by Mississippi Valley Wrestling. Tonight’s officials are Marti Gentz, Tom Jackson, A.J. Adams and Andrew Adams.”

Andrew Adams climbs into the ring. Several laughs break out from the audience at his youth. Littleton begins speaking again.

“Our first match of the evening is set for one fall with a ten-minute time limit. The referee for this match, making his officiating debut, is Andrew Adams!!”

Jason James and one of the Argonauts walk down the aisle to the ring.

Littleton continues, “Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Jason James, from Mount Olympus, weighing 301 pounds, is Argonaut #1!!!” The crowd boos terribly.

Both of the Canby Twins walk down the aisle from the other side of the arena.

Littleton continues, “His opponent, accompanied to the ring by his brother Troy, from Holly Springs, MS, weighing 242 pounds, is Travis Canby!!!” The crowd cheers greatly.

Jason stays on the outside of the ring. Both Canbys stand in the ring in front of the larger masked wrestler. Andrew tries to maintain order in the ring. He backs #1 towards one corner. He orders Troy to get out of the ring. Troy complains, but he concedes to the referee’s wishes.

Once Troy steps off the ring apron, Andrew calls for the bell. Travis starts to circle the ring, but #1 steps in front of him. Travis bumps into him. #1 shoves him backwards. Travis staggers back into the ropes. #1 charges with a clothesline, but Travis moves out of the way. #1 catches himself. Travis runs into the far ropes. As #1 turns around, Travis nails him with a flying forearm. #1 catches himself so that he doesn’t fall out of the ring. Travis runs into the side ropes and comes off with a cross body block. #1 catches him and drops him across his knee with a backbreaker. #1 picks Travis back up and lifts him high over his head in a military press. #1 steps out from under Travis. Travis drops facefirst on the mat.

#1 bounces off the side ropes and drops an elbow across Travis’ chest. #1 goes for the pin. Andrew gets down to count … one … two … Travis kicks out! #1 complains about a slow count. Jason climbs onto the ring apron and complains about Andrew’s “slow” count. Travis takes advantage of the situation and grabs #1’s ankle. Troy climbs onto the ring apron. He jumps onto the top rope and comes off with the Canby Drop on #1. Travis slides out of the ring as Troy hooks #1’s leg. Travis tells Andrew to keep his eyes on the match. Andrew turns around and sees the pin attempt. He gets down to count … one … #1 tosses Troy into the air with the kickout! Troy lands on his feet. He runs into the ropes. Jason trips him.

Andrew warns Jason about interfering in the match. The crowd starts chanting “Travis!!” #1 drops a knee into Troy’s back. #1 pulls back on Troy’s back in a modified surfboard. Andrew asks Troy if he wants to submit. Troy refuses. Travis starts to get the fans behind his brother. #1 releases the hold. He throws Troy out of the ring. He complains to Andrew to get his ears checked. Jason slams Troy’s head into the ring apron. Travis tries to get Andrew’s attention. Jason picks Troy up in a fireman’s carry and drops him in the Trojan Horse (inverted atomic drop). Jason slams Troy’s head into the ring post as #1 and Travis argue with each other. Andrew tries to keep Travis and #1 away from each other. Jason rolls Troy into the ring. He yells to #1.

#1 turns around and drops an elbow across Troy’s chest. Travis tries to keep the crowd behind Troy. #1 picks Troy up and plants him in the corner. #1 drapes Troy’s right leg over the middle rope. #1 steps onto Troy’s right thigh. Andrew tries to get between the wrestlers after #1 refuses to release the hold. Andrew manages to back #1 to the middle of the ring. Troy gets his leg off the middle rope. Troy hobbles along the ropes. #1 charges Troy and takes him over the top rope with a clothesline. Troy lands on his head. Travis rushes around the ring to check on his brother. Andrew tells Travis to get away. Travis reluctantly backs away from his brother.

#1 steps through the ropes. Andrew tries to keep him in the ring. Travis moves back to drag Troy towards the corner. Andrew and #1 continue to brawl with each other. Travis rolls Troy around the corner and under the ring apron. Jason and #1 try to tell Andrew what’s going on. Travis rolls into the ring. #1 picks Travis up by the hair and backs him against the ropes. #1 whips him across the ring. Travis bounces off the ropes. #1 goes for a clothesline, but Travis grabs his arm and swings around in a crucifix. #1 backs to the ropes. Troy crawls out from under the ring apron and grabs #1’s feet. #1 stumbles Travis rolls through into a pinning combination. Andrew gets down to count … one … two … Jason drags him out of the ring!

Andrew gets into Jason’s face. Jason shoves Andrew. Andrew shoves Jason. #1 reaches over the top rope and grabs Andrew by the hair. Travis runs into the opposite ropes. He nails #1 from behind with a flying kneelift to the back of the head. #1 tumbles over the top rope. Travis hops to the top rope. He comes off the ropes with the Canby Drop onto #1 and Jason. Andrew just barely gets out of the way. Travis rolls #1 back into the ring. Travis slides into the ring and crawls into a pinning combination. Andrew slides into the ring and counts … one … two … three!!

Littleton announces, “The winner of the contest, in a time of 8:48, is Travis Canby!!!”

Match: Mississippi State Heavyweight Title (3/16/78)

March 16, 1978
National Guard Armory
Tupelo, MS

Mississippi State Heavyweight Title
‘Excellent’ Xavier Cross (C) vs ‘Sensational’ Seth Greeley

Littleton climbs into the ring. Jackson takes Gentz’s place in the ring as Gentz helps the Canby Twins back to the dressing room. Littleton grabs the microphone and begins the introductions.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached the main event of the evening!!” The crowd cheers wildly.

Littleton continues, “Tonight’s main event is set for one fall with a one hour time limit. It is for the Mississippi State Heavyweight Title. The referee for this match is Tom Jackson.”

Seth walks down the aisle and climbs into the ring.

Littleton continues, “The challenger, from Starkville, weighing 236 pounds, is ‘Sensational’ Seth Greeley!!” The crowd cheers greatly.

Xavier walks down the aisle behind him.

Littleton continues, “His opponent, from Oxford, MS, weighing 257 pounds, is the Mississippi Heavyweight champion … ‘Excellent’ Xavier Cross!!” The crowd gives him a huge pop also.

Seth and Xavier circle each other in the ring. Jackson holds up the Mississippi State Heavyweight Title belt and shows it to the crowd on all sides. He hands the belt to Littleton as he steps out of the ring. Jackson calls for the bell. Seth and Xavier lock up. Xavier gains the advantage with a side headlock. Seth shoves Xavier into the ropes. Seth goes for a backdrop, but Xavier nails him with an elbow to the back of the head. Xavier hooks Seth up for a suplex, but Seth counters it with an inside cradle. Xavier kicks out before Jackson can get into position.

Seth rolls to his feet first. He charges Xavier with a running lariat, but Xavier ducks it. Seth bounces off the ropes. Xavier takes him down with a hip toss. Seth holds onto Xavier’s arm and arm drags him onto the mat. Xavier rolls to the ropes. Seth gets back to his feet, ready to fight again. Xavier looks at the challenger with a bit of frustration in his face. Xavier takes his time getting to his feet. They circle the ring again. Seth goes to lock up, but Xavier grabs his arm and applies an arm wringer. Seth howls in pain. Xavier wrings the arm again. Seth struggles to find the ropes, but Xavier keeps pulling him away just before he reaches them. Xavier ducks down to pick Seth up in a fireman’s carry. Xavier spins Seth around in an airplane spin. Xavier drops Seth after six rotations. Xavier himself lunges to the ropes to keep his balance.

Xavier steps away from the ropes and goes for an elbowdrop, but Seth rolls out of the way. Seth gets up to his feet just before Xavier, but Xavier strikes first with a kneelift to the head. Seth lands against the ropes. Xavier whips him across the ring. Seth comes off with a cross body block, but Xavier catches him and drops him across his knee with a backbreaker. Xavier drops a quick elbow across Seth’s chest and covers him. Jackson counts … one … Seth kicks out!

Xavier pulls Seth up by the arm and whips him into the turnbuckle. Xavier charges in, but Seth moves out of the way. Xavier crashes into the corner. Seth tries to take him over with a school boy rollup, but Xavier rolls right through it. Xavier drives a knee into the side of Seth’s head. Xavier grabs Seth’s right leg and drives the knee into the mat. Xavier scissors Seth’s right leg with his legs. Jackson asks Seth if he wants to submit. Seth refuses. Xavier twists Seth’s foot. Seth screams in pain. Jackson asks again if he wants to submit, but Seth refuses. Xavier wrenches back on Seth’s leg. Seth screams again. Jackson asks again if he wants to submit, but Seth refuses again.

Xavier releases the leg scissors and drags Seth to the ropes. He drapes Seth’s right leg over the middle rope. Xavier reaches under the middle rope and pulls back on Seth’s leg. Jackson counts … one … two … three … four! Xavier releases Seth’s leg. Seth scoots to the middle of the ring. Xavier grabs Seth’s right leg again. He goes for a spinning toe hold, but Seth kicks him off. Xavier bounces off the far ropes. Seth trips him, and Xavier falls out of the ring. Seth scoots to the opposite ropes and gets to his feet. Xavier climbs onto the ring apron. Seth charges him with a forearm smash, but Xavier blocks it. Xavier staggers him backwards with a headbutt.

Xavier steps through the ropes. Seth charges him and rolls him over with an inside cradle. Jackson gets down to count, but Xavier kicks out before one. Seth gets back to his feet, but Xavier knocks him down with a clothesline. Xavier grabs his legs and tries to turn him over into a Boston crab. Seth fights with all the he has, but Xavier is finally able to turn him over. Seth scrambles to reach the bottom rope. Jackson orders Xavier to release the hold. Xavier gives a clean break and moves to the opposite side of the ring.

Jackson checks on Seth. Seth gets back to his feet with the help of the ropes. Jackson asks him if he can continue. Seth nods his head. Seth circles the ring, keeping a hand on the top rope. Xavier goes for a leg sweep, but Seth manages to move out of the way. Xavier slides under the bottom rope. Xavier grabs Seth’s feet and trips him. Seth hits facefirst on the mat. Xavier drags him out to the floor. The crowd gets into the action as Seth turns around and nails Xavier with a forearm smash. Seth slams Xavier’s head into the ring apron. Xavier punches Seth in the stomach and whips him into the guardrail, but Seth reverses it. Xavier crashes into the guardrail.

Seth charges him, but Xavier backdrops him over the guardrail. The crowd scatters and starts to cheer. Xavier steps over the guardrail. Jackson tries to stop him. Seth gets to his feet. He nails Xavier with a back brain kick. Xavier’s head hits the side of the guardrail. Jackson orders Seth to get back into the ring. Seth climbs over the guardrail. Xavier gets back to his feet. Seth grabs a chair. Jackson goes to take it away from him. Xavier climbs onto the ring apron and comes off with a spinning heel kick. Seth moves out of the way and Xavier nails Jackson through the chair. The back of Jackson’s head hits the ringpost.

Xavier checks on Jackson. Seth nails him with a running kneelift to the face. Seth turns around and shoves Xavier’s shoulder into the ringpost. Seth rolls him into the ring. Seth climbs the turnbuckle and waits. Xavier gets to his feet. Seth comes off with the Sensational Sunset. Seth looks around, but Jackson is still on the floor. Seth rolls out of the pinning position and crawls towards Jackson. Jackson gets to his feet against the ring apron. Xavier gets back to his feet. He charges Seth in the corner, but Seth backdrops him over the top rope. Xavier lands on his feet on the ring apron opposite Jackson.

Xavier punches Seth, but Seth blocks it. Seth goes for a forearm smash, but Xavier ducks it. Jackson slides into the ring behind Seth. Xavier shoves Seth. Seth trips over Jackson. Xavier drops off the ring apron and runs around the corner. Xavier drags Seth by the arm to the edge of the ring apron. Xavier climbs onto the ring apron and leg drops Seth across the throat. Seth drops to the floor. Jackson tells Xavier to get into the ring. Xavier rolls Seth back into the ring. Xavier slides into the ring. He waits for Seth to get to his feet. Xavier picks him up in a suplex, bounces him off the top rope and drills him into the mat with a powerslam. Xavier hooks Seth’s right leg. Jackson slides down to count … one … two … three!!

Littleton grabs the microphone. “The winner of the match, in a time of 18:36, and STILL Mississippi State Heavyweight champion … ‘Excellent’ Xavier Cross!!!”

The crowd gives a huge pop. Jackson receives the title belt from Littleton. Xavier takes the title belt from Jackson. He climbs the turnbuckle and displays the belt to the fans. The fans pop in reaction. Seth gets back to his feet. Xavier steps off the turnbuckle. Seth charges the corner. Xavier turns around. Seth dropkicks him in the face. Seth grabs the title belt and displays it to the crowd. The crowd has a mixed reaction.

Seth motions to Littleton for the microphone. Littleton hands it over. Seth says, “Cross, I’ve had you beat for two weeks now! Somehow you continue to get the best of me. Not again, I’m challenging you to another match. Next week, put the title up again. You won’t get lucky again.”

Xavier gets back to his feet. He rips the title belt from Seth’s hands. He begins to walk out of the ring, but Seth grabs him by the arm. Seth says, “Don’t walk out on me! You’ve got to give me another title shot!”

Xavier wrenches his hand free. He grabs the microphone from Seth. “I’ve beaten you twice now. There are other more worthy competitors. Much more worthy than you.”

Xavier backflips over the top rope onto the concrete floor. Seth continues to spout demands for a rematch, but Xavier ignores him.