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Ultimate History of Pro Wrestling - A Time Line of Every Major Event in Pro Wrestling History - 1980

By: Karl Stern

The year in pro wrestling history 1980 is covered on the Long Form History of Pro Wrestling Podcast in four parts - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

1980

01-01-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN Ricky & Robert Gibson defeated The Assassins (Roger Smith & Don Bass) for the Southern tag team titles.

At a WWF TV taping in Allentown, PA Larry Zbyszko challenges his mentor Bruno Sammartino to a scientific wrestling match. Bruno Sammartino turns down the challenge saying it would be like wrestling his brother. Hulk Hogan wrestled a won multiple squash matches against such opponents as Angelo Gomez, Johnny Rivera, and Joe Mascara.

01-02-1980: In Miami Beach, FL at the Convention Center with a crowd of 5,318: Dusty Rhodes defeated Bugsy McGraw in a lights out, bullrope match… Leroy Brown & Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin) defeated Mike Graham & Manny Fernandez… Bubba Douglas defeated Sir Oliver Humperdink… Jerry Brisco & Don Diamond defeated Bryan St. John & Stan Lane… Johnny Valiant defeated Rick Oliver… Ron Slinker defeated Terry Taylor… Gordon Nelson battled Mike Nelson to a draw.

01-03-1980: In Lexington, KY at the Rupp Arena Jimmy Valiant defeated Jackie Fargo to win the Southern heavyweight title.

01-04-1980: Rimi Yokota (AKA: Jaguar Yokota) defeats Chino Sato in Tokyo to become the first All Japan Womens Junior champion.

St. Louis, MO: Kiel Auditorium: Attendance 11,055: Eddie Gilbert defeats Ron McFarlane… Ed Wiskowski & Bob Brown defeat Ronnie Etchison & Art Thomas… Lord Alfred Hayes wrestled Pat O'Connor - Time Limit Draw… World Women’s Tag Team champions Leilani Kai & Judy Martin defeat Winona Little Heart & Kandi Malloy 2 falls to 1… WWF Heavyweight champion Bob Backlund defeats Tom Andrews… NWA Missouri Heavyweight champion Kevin von Erich wrestled Dick Murdoch - Double DQ… NWA World Heavyweight champion Harley Race wrestled David Von Erich to a time limit draw splitting one fall each.

01-05-1980: Steve Travis wins the Georgia TV title from Austin Idol.

In Alexandria, LA at the Rapides Coliseum: Bill Watts defeated Mike George to win the North American title.

01-07-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN with a crowd of 4,689 The Assassins (Roger Smith & Don Bass) defeated Ricky & Robert Gibson to win the Southern tag team titles.

01-11-1980: Denver, CO: Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Nick Bockwinkel & Super Destroyer II (Sgt. Slaughter)… Jerry Blackwell beat Randy Morse… Dino Bravo beat Super Destroyer III (Neal Guay)… The Crusher beat Adrian Adonis by count out… Greg Gagne battled Jesse Ventura to a count out.

01-12-1980: Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) wins the NWA Georgia title from the Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie) in Atlanta, GA. Also on the show: Austin Idol regains the NWA Georgia TV title from Steve Travis.

WWF at the Philadelphia Spectrum with a crowd of 19,500: Jacques Rene Goulet defeated Johnny Rodz… Dave O’Hannon defeated Jose Estrada… Bulldog Brower defeated Mike Masters… Bobby Duncum defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund due to a blood stoppage… Hulk Hogan defeated Tito Santana… Pat Patterson defeated Lou Albano by count out… Larry Zbyszko defeated Hussein Arab (AKA: Iron Sheik)… Gorilla Monsoon defeated Swede Hanson… Ken Patera defeated Ivan Putski by count out.

01-13-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Ray Candy defeated Tom Shaft… Kevin Sullivan & Steve Travis defeated Austin Idol & Eddie Mansfield… Ken Patera battled Tony Atlas to a draw… Dick Slater battled The Sheik to a double DQ… Toru Tanaka & Killer Khan defeated Lars Anderson & Ole Anderson… Terry Funk defeated Bob Armstrong… Wahoo McDaniel & Tommy Rich defeated Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff by DQ… Abdullah the Butcher battled Dusty Rhodes to a no contest… The Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie) defeated Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) by count out.

AWA in St. Paul, MN: Nick Bockwinkel beat The Crusher… Jesse Ventura & Adrian Adonis beat Dino Bravo & Greg Gagne… Lord Alfred Hayes beat Bobby Heenan… Steve Olsonoski battled Super Destroyer Mark 2 (Sgt. Slaughter) to a draw… Super Destroyer I (Scott Irwin) beat Buck Zumhofe… Jerry Blackwell beat Ron Ritchie.

Toronto, Ontario: Maple Leaf Garden: 14,000: Sweet Daddy Siki fought Chris Tolos to a draw… Klondike Bill defeated Joe Marcus… Pedro Morales defeated David Patterson… Greg Valentine defeated Johnny Weaver… WWF champion Bob Backlund fought the Destroyer (Dick Beyer) to a double count-out… Canadian Heavyweight champion Dewey Robertson & Ric Flair defeated Jimmy Snuka & Ray Stevens.

01-17-1980: Tiger Jeet Singh defeats Canek for the UWA World title in Mexico City.

In Greenville, MS: Mike Sharpe defeated Mike George to win the Mississippi title.

The Assassin (Jody Hamilton) wins the Central States title from The Avenger (Reggie Parks) in Kansas City.

01-18-1980: In Shreveport, LA at the Civic Center: Ernie Ladd defeated Mike Sharpe to win the Louisiana title.

WWF: Capital Centre, Landover, MD: Attendance 8,500: Davey O'Hannon defeats Johnny Rivera… Rene Goulet defeats Baron Mikel Scicluna… Bulldog Brower defeats Joe Mascara… The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) defeat Dominic DeNucci & Tito Santana… Hulk Hogan defeats Gorilla Monsoon by Count Out… Tony Atlas defeats Swede Hanson… WWF champion Bob Backlund defeats Ken Patera by Count Out… Parts of the Hulk Hogan vs. Gorilla Monsoon and Wild Samoans vs. Tito Santana & Dominic DeNucci matches aired during a local news segment on pro wrestling. Hogan and Monsoon were interviewed backstage. The news team attempted to interview the Wild Samoans but were told they couldn't speak English.

01-19-1980: In Alexandria, LA at the Rapides Coliseum: Mike George defeated Bill Watts to win the North American title.

01-20-1980: Karl Anderson is born.

01-21-1980: WWWF at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY: Attendance: 20,000: WWF champion Bob Backlund battled Ken Patera to a draw… Hulk Hogan defeated Dominic DeNucci… The Samoans (Afa & Sika) defeated WWF World tag team champions Ivan Putski & Tito Santana by count out… Larry Zbyszko defeated Great Hussein (Iron Sheik) by DQ… Pat Patterson defeated Lou Albano by count out… Kevin Von Erich defeated Johnny Rodz… Tony Atlas defeated Swede Hanson… Bobby Duncum defeated Mike Masters… Rene Goulet defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna… Davey O’Hannon defeated Angelo Gomez.

In Memphis, TN at the Mid-South Coliseum: Southern tag team champions The Assassins (Don Bass & Roger Smith) battled Ken Lucas & Steve Regal to a double DQ. As a result, the title was held-up… Bill Dundee beat CWA champion Jerry Lawler via DQ. As a result, the title was held-up.

01-25-1980: St. Louis, MO: Kiel Auditorium: Attendance 11,053: Eddie Gilbert & Tommy Sharpe defeat Ron McFarlane & Billy Howard 2 falls to 1… Takachiho defeats Kerry Brown… Pat O'Connor defeats Ed Wiskowski… David Von Erich & Art Thomas defeat Bob Brown & Lord Alfred Hayes… NWA Missouri champion Kevin Von Erich defeats Jack Brisco… King Kong (Bruiser) Brody & Dick Murdoch defeat Andre The Giant & Dick The Bruiser… 16 Man Battle Royal: Andre The Giant, Dick The Bruiser defeat Billy Howard; Tommy Sharpe; Kerry Brown; Ron McFarlane; Dick Murdoch; Art Thomas; Eddie Gilbert; Ed Wiskowski; Jack Brisco; Pat O'Connor; David von Erich; Takachiho; Bob Brown; Lord Alfred Hayes.

01-26-1980: San Francisco, CA: Cow Palace: Annual Battle Royal Show: Attendance 8,240: Ernie Ladd defeats Ron Starr… The Funks (Terry & Dory Funk Jr.) & T. John Tibbedeux defeat Gene Kiniski & Ed Wiskowski & Bruiser Brody… NWA San Francisco United States champion George Wells defeats Bob Sweetan… NWA World Heavyweight champion Harley Race defeats Ray Stevens by DQ… Ray Stevens wins an 18 man battle royal.

01-27-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Steve Travis defeated Charlie Fulton… Tony Atlas & Ray Candy defeated The Samoans (Tio & Tapu)… Dick Slater defeated Oki Shikina… Tommy Rich defeated Killer Khan… Bruiser Brody defeated The French Angel… Bob Backlund defeated Toru Tanaka to retain the WWF title… Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff defeated Ole & Lars Anderson… Kevin Sullivan defeated Austin Idol… Dusty Rhodes defeated Terry Funk… In a Shackle Match: Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie).

01-28-1980: WWF: Baltimore, MD: Civic Center: Attendance: 11,400: Rene Goulet pinned Baron Mikel Scicluna… Bulldog Brower pinned Johnny Rodz… Hussein Arab (Iron Sheik) fought Larry Zbyszko to a draw… The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) defeated Tito Santana & Gorilla Monsoon… Ken Patera defeated Ivan Putski via count-out… Hulk Hogan pinned Dominic DeNucci… WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Bobby Duncum when the match was stopped due to blood loss.

In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 5,287: Ricky Morton beat Jerry Bryant… Sonny King drew Paul Ellering… Ricky & Robert Gibson beat Sugar Bear Harris (AKA: Kamala) & Buddy Wayne… The Assassins (Don Bass & Roger Smith) beat Ken Lucas & Steve Regal in a no DQ match to win the held-up Southern tag team titles… Jackie Fargo & Bill Dundee beat Jerry Lawler & Jimmy Valiant via DQ.

02-01-1980: Tatsumi Fujinami, the WWF Junior heavyweight champion, wins the NWA International Junior title from Steve Keirn.

In Shreveport, LA at the Civic Center: Ted DiBiase defeated Mike George to win the North American title.

AWA in Denver, CO: The Crusher & Lord Alfred Hayes & Mad Dog Vachon beat Nick Bockwinkel & Bobby Heenan & Super Destroyer II (Sgt. Slaughter)… Adrian Adonis beat Dino Bravo… Greg Gagne beat Jesse Ventura… Jerry Blackwell beat Steve Olsonoski.

02-03-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Dutch Mantel battled Steve Travis to a draw… Toru Tanaka defeated Tommy Rich… Abdullah the Butcher defeated Tony Atlas… Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff battled Ole & Lars Anderson to a double DQ… In a Boston Street Fight Match: Kevin Sullivan defeated Austin Idol… In a handicap match: Andre the Giant & Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated Killer Khan & Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie) & Great Mephisto… In a Texas Death Match: Dusty Rhodes defeated Terry Funk… In a No DQ, Steel cage match: Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated The Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie).

AWA in Minneapolis, MN: Attendance 9,100: The Crusher beat AWA World heavyweight champion Nick Bockwinkel in non-title steel cage match… Jesse Ventura & Adrian Adonis beat Mad Dog Vachon & Greg Gagne… Jerry Blackwell beat Steve Olsonoski DQ… Super Destroyer Mark II (Sgt. Slaughter) beat Super Destroyer Mark III (Neil Guay)… Chris Markoff drew Buck Zumhofe.

02-08-1980: Stan Hansen defeats NWF champion Antonio Inoki for the title in Tokyo, Japan.

02-09-1980: In St. Petersburg, FL at the Bayfront Center: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Manny Fernandez.

AWA in Chicago, IL: Ricky Hunter drew with Steve Olsonoski… Art Thomas beat Black Saint… Moose Cholak beat Bobby Van… Dino Bravo beat Adrian Adonis by DQ… Super Destroyer II (Sgt. Slaughter) & Bruiser Brody beat Mad Dog Vachon & Greg Gagne… Nick Bockwinkel battled Dick The Bruiser to a double DQ.

WWF: Philadelphia, PA: Spectrum: Attendance: 14,235: Televised on the PRISM Network… Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Joe Mascara… Bulldog Brower defeated Angelo Gomez… Davey O'Hannon defeated Mike Masters… WWF champion Bob Backlund pinned Bobby Duncum… The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) defeated Tito Santana & Gorilla Monsoon via count-out… Cowboy Lang & Lone Eagle defeated Dirty Morgan & Little Tokyo… Hulk Hogan pinned Dominic DeNucci.

WWF: Boston, MA: Boston Garden - Attendance: 19,000+: Jim Duggan defeated Fred Marzino… Jose Estrada defeated Joe Crugnale… Steve King defeated Pete Doherty via DQ… Rene Goulet defeated Johnny Rodz… Ivan Putski defeated Swede Hanson… WWF Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson defeated Capt. Lou Albano via count-out in a non-title match… Larry Zbyszko defeated Hussein Arab (Iron Sheik) via count-out… Bruno Sammartino defeated Ken Patera via DQ.

02-11-1980: Ron Starr, managed by Skandor Akbar, defeats Les Thornton in a tournament final in Tulsa, OK to win the vacant NWA World Junior heavyweight title with former NWA World champion Pat O’Connor as special referee.

02-15-1980: In Hollywood, FL at the Sportatorium: Star Wars ‘80: Dusty Rhodes defeated NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race by DQ in a steel cage match… Mike Graham defeated Tatsumi Fujinami for the International Junior heavyweight title… Andre the Giant & Bill Watts defeated Ernie Ladd & Bad Leroy Brown… Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin) defeated Manny Fernandez by DQ… Tommy Rich defeated Bugsy McGraw by DQ… Jack & Jerry Brisco & Jimmy Garvin defeated Bryan St. John & Stan Lane & Frank Monte… Nikolai Volkoff defeated Don Diamond… Fabulous Moolah defeated Wendi Richter… Twin Devils I & II defeated Gordon Nelson & Bubba Douglas… Hector Guerrero defeated Mike Miller… Geoff Portz defeated Terry Taylor.

02-16-1980: In Jacksonville, FL at the Coliseum: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race battled Andre the Giant to a double count out.

02-17-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 8,216: Steve Regal & Ricky Morton beat David Oswald & Buddy Wayne… Robert Gibson beat David Schultz via DQ… Ricky Gibson beat Dennis Condrey via DQ… Ray Candy & Sugar Bear Harris (AKA: Kamala) battled Sonny King & Tom Shaft to a double DQ… Jimmy Valiant & Bill Dundee beat Paul Ellering & Ali Hassan & Jimmy Hart in a handicap match… Ken Lucas & Billy Robinson beat The Assassins (Don Bass & Roger Smith) in a no DQ match to win the Southern tag team titles.

Gorgeous George, Jr. defeated Bobby Eaton for the Mid-America title in Chattanooga, TN.

In Orlando, FL at the Jai Alai Fronton: Dusty Rhodes defeated NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race by DQ.

02-18-1980: WWF at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY: Attendance: 20,055: WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Ken Patera by count out… Hulk Hogan defeated Tito Santana by count out… Samoan Sika defeated Ivan Putski by count out… Samoan Afa defeated Rene Goulet… Austin Idol defeated Jose Estrada… Tommy Rich defeated Johnny Rodz… Bobby Duncum defeated Dominic DeNucci… Tony Atlas defeated Great Hussein (Iron Sheik)… Cowboy Lang & Little Eagle defeated Little Tokyo & Dirty Morgan.

02-22-1980: St. Louis, MO: Kiel Auditorium: Attendance 8,681: Eddie Gilbert & Kerry Brown defeat Ron McFarlane & Billy Howard in 2 falls… Ed Wiskowski defeats Tommy Sharpe… Pak Song & Takachiho defeat Pat O'Connor & Tom Andrews… Jack Brisco defeats Bob Brown… King Kong (Bruiser) Brody defeats Art Thomas… David Von Erich defeats Lord Alfred Hayes… NWA World Heavyweight champion Harley Race defeats Kevin V Erich 2 falls to 1.

02-23-1980: Dick Murdoch defeats Jumbo Tsuruta in Kagoshima, Japan for the All Japan United National title.

Tommy Rich wins the Georgia TV title from Baron Von Raschke win was defending the title for Austin Idol in Atlanta, GA.

WWF: Baltimore, MD: Civic Center: Attendance: 12,500: Larry Sharpe defeated Jose Estrada… Nikolai Volkoff defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna via DQ… Bruno Sammartino fought Ken Patera to a double count-out… Bulldog Brower defeated Angelo Gomez… Rene Goulet defeated Hussein Arab (Iron Sheik) via DQ… The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) defeated WWF tag team champions Ivan Putski & Tito Santana via count-out.

02-24-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Ray Candy defeated Dutch Mantel… Killer Khan defeated Steve Travis… Baron Von Raschke defeated Genichiro Tenryu… In a handicap match: Tony Atlas defeated Great Mephisto & Abdullah the Butcher… In a Lumberjack match: Austin Idol defeated Kevin Sullivan… In a Texas Tornado Match: Ole & Lars Anderson defeated Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff… Terry Funk & Dory Funk, Jr. battled Dusty Rhodes & Wahoo McDaniel to a double DQ… Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race by DQ.

AWA in St. Paul, MN: Nick Bockwinkel beat The Crusher by DQ… Bobby Heenan & Super Destroyer II (Sgt. Slaughter)battled Lord Al Hayes & Super Destroyer III (Neil Guay) to a no contest…  Steve Olsonoski beat Chris Markoff… Adrian Adonis beat Mad Dog Vachon… Jerry Blackwell beat Steve Olsonoski.

02-25-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 6,793: Steve Regal won a battle royal… Ricky Morton beat Buddy Wayne… Ali Hassan beat Steve Regal… Ray Candy & Sugar Bear Harris (AKA: Kamala) beat Sonny King & Tom Shaft in a Texas tornado death match… The Assassins (Don Bass & Roger Smith) beat Billy Robinson & Ken Lucas in a no DQ masks vs. title match to win the Southern tag team titles… Bill Dundee beat Jimmy Hart in a back alley street brawl… Southern champion Jimmy Valiant beat Paul Ellering via DQ.

02-27-1980: New Japan Pro Wrestling: in Tokyo, Japan: Sumo Hall drawing 11,000: Raymond Funaga beat Kyoichi Saito (5th - 1:33) in a kickboxing match… Mamoru Okada defeated Maan Sahathai (4th - 0:45) in a kickboxing match… UWA Light Heavyweight champion Gran Hamada pinned Baby Face… Toshio Fujiwara beat Chonchaloon Sackwittaya (7th) in a kickboxing match… WWF Martial Arts champion Antonio Inoki defeated Willie Williams… El Greco & El Sergio beat Kotetsu Yamamoto & Kantaro Hoshino via DQ.

02-29-1980: AWA in Denver, CO: The Crusher beat Nick Bockwinkel… Adrian Adonis drew with Dino Bravo… Lord Alfred Hayes beat Bobby Heenan… Jesse Ventura & Adrian Adonis beat Greg Gagne & Dino Bravo by DQ.

03-1980: Les Thornton is awarded the NWA World Junior heavyweight title via forfeit over champion Ron Starr.

03-01-1980: AWA in Chicago, IL: El Bracero beat Malcom Monroe… Jerry Graham, Jr beat Blackie Guzman… Paul Christy beat Tom Lynch… Tiny Hampton beat Moose Cholak by DQ… Bobo Brazil & Wilbur Snyder beat Ernie Ladd & Chris Markoff… Super Destroyer Mark 2 (Sgt. Slaughter) beat Mad Dog Vachon by DQ… Dick The Bruiser beat Bruiser Brody.

WWF: Philadelphia, PA: Spectrum: 19,567: Televised on the PRISM Network: Johnny Rodz pinned Mike Masters… Vivian St. John & Joyce Grable defeated Wenonah Littleheart & Cindy Majors… Ken Patera pinned Dominic DeNucci… Larry Zbyszko defeated Bruno Sammartino via DQ… Gorilla Monsoon pinned Baron Mikel Scicluna… Sika pinned Tito Santana… WWF champion Bob Backlund pinned Afa… WWF Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson pinned Bulldog Brower.

03-02-1980: In Memphis, TN at Mid-South Coliseum with an attendance of 7,440: Steve Regal & Ricky Morton defeated Buddy Wayne & Bub Smith… Steve Regal & Ricky Morton defeated The Assassins (Roger Smith & Don Bass) by DQ… Bill Dundee defeated Sonny King… Billy Robinson & Ken Lucas defeated Paul Ellering & Ali Hassan to retain the Southern tag team titles… Ricky & Robert Gibson battled Dennis Condrey & David Schultz to a no contest… Jimmy Valiant defeated Paul Ellering to retain the Southern title.

03-05-1980: Rocky Brewer & Pat Rose defeated The Blond Bombers (Larry Latham & Wayne Farris) for the Mid-America tag team titles in Nashville, TN.

03-07-1980: St. Louis, MO: Kiel Auditorium: Attendance 7,896: Tom Andrews wrestled The Mongol - Time Limit Draw… Eddie Gilbert defeats Billy Howard… Takachiho & Pak Song defeats George Wells & Kerry Brown… NWA Missouri champion Kevin Von Erich defeats Ed Wiskowski… Dick The Bruiser & David Von Erich defeat King Kong (Bruiser) Brody & Bob Brown… WWF Heavyweight champion Bob Backlund defeats Dick Murdoch by DQ… Ric Flair defeats Jack Brisco 2 falls to 1. Special Referee: Pat O'Connor)

03-08-1980: WWF: Landover, MD: Capital Centre: Attendance: 12,780: Frankie Williams defeated Paul Figueroa… Gorilla Monsoon pinned Davey O'Hannon… Larry Sharpe pinned Steve King… Larry Zbyszko defeated Mike Masters… Hulk Hogan defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund via count-out… Women's Champion the Fabulous Moolah & Vivian St. John defeated Wenonah Littleheart & Cindy Majors… WWF Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson defeated Capt. Lou Albano via count-out… Tony Atlas defeated Bobby Duncum when the referee stopped the match due to blood.

03-09-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Jay Strongbow defeated Charlie Fulton… Lone Eagle defeated Billy the Kid… Ernie Ladd defeated Ray Candy… Tony Atlas defeated Killer Khan… Kevin Sullivan defeated Baron Von Raschke by DQ… Winona Little Heart won a women’s battle royal… Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff defeated Lars Anderson & Stan Hansen… Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated Austin Idol… Dusty Rhodes & Wahoo McDaniel defeated Terry Funk & Dory Funk, Jr.

03-10-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 5,217: Ricky Morton pinned David Oswald… Paul Ellering & Ali Hassan beat Ricky & Robert Gibson… Southern tag team champions Billy Robinson & Ken Lucas beat David Shultz & Dennis Condrey… Sonny King beat Southern champion Jimmy Valiant via DQ… Bill Dundee & Steve Regal beat The Assassins (Don Bass & Roger Smith).

03-11-1980: Cowboy Luttrell (Clarence Luttrell) dies at the age of 73.

03-12-1980: In Miami Beach, FL at the Convention Center: Attendance: 5,873: Bugsy McGraw defeated Nikolai Volkoff by DQ… Dusty Rhodes defeated Leroy Brown… Jack Brisco & Jimmy Garvin defeated Bryan St. John & Stan Lane… Steve Keirn defeated Don Muraco… Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin) & Mr. Saito & Dick Slater defeated Manny Fernandez & Mr. Florida (Paul Jones) & Hector Guerrero… Gordon Nelson defeated Butcher Brannigan… Geoff Portz defeated Barry Windham.

03-14-1980: WWF: Pittsburgh, PA: Civic Arena: Attendance: 17,000+: Steve King defeated Jim Grabmire… Johnny Valiant defeated Johnny DeFazio… WWF champion Bob Backlund fought Ken Patera to a double DQ… Larry Zbyszko defeated Bruno Sammartino via DQ… The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) defeated Rene Goulet & Dominic DeNucci… WWF Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna.

03-15-1980: The Southern tag team titles have been taken off The Assassins (Roger Smith & Don Bass) and on this date in Louisville, KY on TV Billy Robinson & Ken Lucas are on TV as champions again but lose the titles to Paul Ellering & Ali Hassan.

In Ft. Pierce, FL at the St. Lucie Civic Center: Dusty Rhodes defeated NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race by reverse DQ decision.

03-17-1980: In New Orleans, LA at the Municipal Auditorium: Ted DiBiase & Paul Orndorff defeated The Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) to win the Mid-South tag team titles.

03-22-1980: In Shreveport, LA at the KTBS Studios: The Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) defeated Ted DiBiase & Paul Orndorff to win the Mid-South tag team titles.

AWA in Chicago, IL: Tiny Hampton beat Spike Huber… Bobo Brazil beat Jerry Valiant… Wilbur Snyder beat Paul Christy… Dr. Jerry Graham Jr beat El Bracero… Dino Bravo battled Jerry Blackwell to a double DQ… Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Bruiser Brody & Super Destroyer II (Sgt. Slaughter)… Dick the Bruiser beat Nick Bockwinkel in a cage match.

03-23-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Jay Strongbow defeated Genichiro Tenryu… Lars Anderson defeated Charlie Fulton… Kevin Sullivan & Tony Atlas defeated Bobby Duncum & Ernie Ladd… Tommy Rich defeated Killer Khan… Wahoo McDaniel defeated Baron Von Raschke by DQ… Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff defeated Ted & Jerry Oates… Dusty Rhodes defeated Terry Funk… Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated Austin Idol.

03-24-1980: WWF at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY: Attendance: 26,102: WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Samoan Sika… Larry Zbyszko defeated Bruno Sammartino by DQ… Hulk Hogan defeated Tito Santana… Andre the Giant & Pat Patterson defeated Ken Patera & Bobby Duncum… Samoan Afa defeated Dominic DeNucci… Kerry Von Erich defeated Jose Estrada… Tor Kamata defeated Mike Masters… Bulldog Brower defeated Frankie Williams… Rene Goulet defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna.

03-25-1980: In Tampa, FL at the Fort Hesterly Armory: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race battled Manny Fernandez to a one hour draw.

03-26-1980: The Masked Superstars (Bill Eadie & Big John Studd) win the Mid-Atlantic tag team titles.

In Jackson, MS at the Fairgrounds Coliseum: Bull Ramos defeated Mike Sharpe in an Indian Strap match to win the Mississippi title.

In Miami Beach, FL at the Convention Center: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Steve Keirn.

03-27-1980: Paul Ellering defeated Jimmy Valiant for the Southern heavyweight title in Jackson, TN.

In Jacksonville, FL at the Coliseum: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Manny Fernandez.

03-28-1980: St. Louis, MO: Kiel Auditorium: Attendance 10,781: Ed Wiskowski defeats Eddie Gilbert… Bob Brown defeats Billy Howard… George Wells & Pat O'Connor defeat Pak Song & Ron McFarlane… Ken Patera defeats Tom Andrews… Dick the Bruiser defeats Takachiho… King Kong (Bruiser) Brody & Dick Murdoch defeats Kevin Von Erich & Jerry Oates… NWA World Heavyweight champion Harley Race wrestled Ric Flair to a double count out after splitting one fall each.

In Tupelo, MS on a Jerry Jarrett promoted show at the Sports Arena, the promotion does a second Tupelo concession stand braw. The first one had been in June 1979. This one features The Blonde Bombers (Larry Latham & Wayne Ferris) against Ricky & Robert Gibson. The Bombers handcuff Robert Gibson to the ring ropes then brawl with Ricky Gibson into the concession stand area. Eventually Robert Gibson escapes and joins the brawl. This angle would be recreated multiple times over the years including almost a year and a half later with Eddie Gilbert & Ricky Morton against Masa Fuchi & Atsushi Onita in September 1981.

03-29-1980: WWF: Springfield, MA: Civic Center: Attendance: 9,000: Larry Sharpe defeated Mike Masters… Tor Kamata defeated Angelo Gomez… Rene Goulet defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna… Ken Patera defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund when the match was stopped due to blood loss… Dominic DeNucci defeated Davey O'Hannon… Andre the Giant fought Hulk Hogan to a double count-out… Johnny Rodz defeated Frank Williams… WWF Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson defeated Bobby Duncum via DQ.

Americo Rocco defeats Lizmark for the Mexican National Welterweight title in Mexico City.

Austin Idol wins the NWA Georgia title from Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) in Atlanta, GA.

03-30-1980: In Orlando, FL at the Jai Alai Fronton: Dusty Rhodes defeated NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race by DQ.

04-01-1980: Randy Orton is born. He is the son of Cowboy Bob Orton and Grandson of Bob Orton, Sr.

04-02-1980: In Miami Beach, FL at the Convention Center: Attendance: 5,391: Dusty Rhodes defeated Nikolai Volkoff by DQ… Bugsy McGraw defeated Leroy Brown… Jack Brisco & Steve Keirn & Jimmy Garvin & Manny Fernandez defeated Don Muraco & Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin) & Mr. Saito & Bryan St. John… Jerry Brisco defeated Hector Guerrero… Mr. Florida (Paul Jones) defeated Stan Lane… Twin Devils I & II defeated Gordon Nelson & Barry Windham… Reggie Parks defeated Mike Miller… Geoff Portz defeated Raul Mata.

04-03-1980: New Japan Pro Wrestling: in Tokyo, Japan: Sumo Hall drawing 9,500: Osamu Kido & Haruka Eigan beat El Greco & El Sergio… Mike Graham pinned Strong Kobayashi… Allen Coage beat Kengo Kimura… UWA Light Heavyweight champion Gran Hamada beat Baby Face… NWF North American tag team champions Seiji Sakaguchi & Riki Choshu beat The Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin) & The Iron Sheik… WWF Junior Heavyweight champion Tatsumi Fujinami beat Ashura Hara… Antonio Inoki pinned Stan Hansen to win the NWF title.

04-05-1980: WWF: Baltimore, MD: Civic Center: Attendance: 11,500: Johnny Rodz pinned Angelo Gomez… Tor Kamata defeated Steve King… Davey O'Hannon defeated Paul Figueroa… Gorilla Monsoon defeated Joe Mascara… Ken Patera defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund when the match was stopped due to Backlund sustaining an eye injury… Larry Sharpe defeated Mike Masters… Andre the Giant defeated Hulk Hogan.

WWF: Boston, MA: Boston Garden: Attendance: 16,000: Jose Estrada defeated Sylvano Sousa… Jim Duggan defeated Fred Marzino… Joe Crugnale defeated Pete Doherty… WWF tag team champions Ivan Putski & Tito Santana defeated the Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) via DQ. Pat Patterson was special referee… Larry Zbyszko defeated Bruno Sammartino via DQ… Rene Goulet defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna… Bobby Duncum defeated Dominic DeNucci.

Roger Mason (Roger Smith) defeated Steve Travis to win the Mid-America title in Chattanooga, TN.

04-06-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Mike Sharpe defeated Charlie Fulton… Lars Anderson defeated Genichiro Tenryu… Jay Strongbow & Gerald Finley defeated Ernie Ladd & French Angel… Baron Von Raschke defeated Steve Travis… Dusty Rhodes defeated Leroy Brown… Kevin Sullivan & Tony Atlas defeated Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff… Tommy Rich defeated Austin Idol… NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race battled Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) to a draw.

In Monroe, LA: Buck Robley & Junkyard Dog defeated The Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) to win the Mid-South tag team titles.

04-07-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 5,127: Sonny King & Ali Hassan beat Steve Regal & Ricky Morton… Bill Dundee beat Danny Davis & Jimmy Hart in a handicap match… Ken Lucas beat David Schultz… David Schultz & Dennis Condrey beat Billy Robinson & Ken Lucas via forfeit to win the vacant Southern tag team titles… Blonde Bombers (Larry Latham & Wayne Ferris) beat Ricky & Robert Gibson… Southern champion Paul Ellering beat Jimmy Valiant.

The 24th Anniversary EMLL Arena Mexico Aniversario show takes place at Arena Mexico in Mexico City with a main event featuring El Faraon & Ringo Mendoza defeating Adorable Rubi & El Nazi in a hair verses hair match.

04-09-1980: In Jackson, MS at the Fairgrounds Coliseum: Junkyard Dog defeated Bull Ramos to win the Mississippi title.

04-10-1980: Bruiser Brody wins the Central States title from Bulldog Bob Brown in Kansas City.

04-12-1980: WWF: Landover, MD: Capital Centre: Attendance: 15,045 (Afternoon Show): Ken Patera pinned Dominic DeNucci… Tony Atlas pinned Bobby Duncum in a Texas Death Match… The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) defeated WWF tag team champions Tito Santana & Ivan Putski via DQ… Bruno Sammartino defeated Larry Zbyszko via count-out.

WWF: Philadelphia, PA: Spectrum: Attendance: 19,568: Televised on the PRISM Network: Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Tony Altimore… Larry Sharpe defeated Jose Estrada… Tor Kamata defeated Johnny Rodz… Ken Patera pinned Rene Goulet … Hulk Hogan defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund via count-out… Bruno Sammartino defeated Larry Zbyszko… Dominic DeNucci defeated Davey O'Hannon when the referee stopped the bout due to blood… The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) defeated WWF tag team champions Tito Santana & Ivan Putski to win the titles.

In Key West, FL at the High School Stadium: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Dusty Rhodes by DQ.

AWA in Chicago, IL: Blackie Guzman battled Juan Velez to a draw… Sailor Art Thomas beat Roger Kirby… Jesse Ventura beat Rick Hunter… Moose Cholak beat Chris Markoff… Mad Dog Vachon battled Bruiser Brody to a double DQ… Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher beat Ernie Ladd & Adrian Adonis.

04-13-1980: Antonio Inoki travels to Mexico City, Mexico where he defeats his long time rival Tiger Jeet Singh for the UWA World title.

AWA in Minneapolis, MN: Buddy Wolfe beat Ricky Hunter… Steve Olsonoski beat Chris Markoff… Greg Gagne beat Super Destroyer Mark II… Jerry Blackwell battled Dino Bravo to a draw.

04-16-1980: In Miami Beach, FL at the Convention Center: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Manny Fernandez… WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Antonio Inoki by DQ.

04-19-1980: Giant Baba wrestles his reported 3000th match without missing an appearance.

On NWA Georgia Championship Wrestling, Bill Watts awards Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) the Champion of Champions Cup after Mr. Wrestling II loses a controversial NWA World title match to Harley Race.

In St. Petersburg, FL at the Bayfront Center: Dusty Rhodes defeated NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race in a non-title cage match.

AWA in Denver, CO: Lord Alfred Hayes beat Bobby Heenan… Adrian Adonis battled Dino Bravo to a draw… Greg Gagne & Dino Bravo battled Jesse Ventura & Adrian Adonis to a double DQ… The Crusher beat Nick Bockwinkel.

04-20-1980: Ric Flair wins the NWA U.S. title from Jimmy Snuka in Greensboro, NC.

At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Eddie Gilbert defeated Jim Nelson (AKA: Boris Zhukov)… French Angel defeated Gerald Finley… Bob Sweetan defeated Chick Donovan… Mike Sharpe & Lars Anderson defeated Charlie Fulton & Genichiro Tenryu… Ernie Ladd battled Jay Strongbow to a no contest… Austin Idol battled Tommy Rich to a no contest… Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated Baron Von Raschke… Kevin Sullivan & Tony Atlas defeated Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff… Baron Von Raschke defeated Tommy Rich.

04-21-1980: WWF at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY: Attendance: 20,000: WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Samoan Afa… Bruno Sammartino defeated Larry Zbyszko by count out… Ken Patera defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson to win the title… Hulk Hogan defeated Rene Goulet… Andre the Giant defeated Bobby Duncum… Samoan Sika defeated Dominic DeNucci… Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood defeated Tor Kamata & Bulldog Brower… Greg Gagne defeated Jose Estrada… Larry Sharpe defeated Mike Masters.

04-25-1980: Bad News Harris (Jim Harris, AKA: Kamala) wins the Southeastern title from Ole Anderson in Knoxville, TN.

04-26-1980: Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff win the NWA Georgia tag team titles from Kevin Sullivan & Tony Atlas.

04-27-1980: Roger Kirby & Jerry Valiant (Guy Mitchell) win the WWA tag team titles from Dick the Bruiser & Spike Huber in Indianapolis. They are managed by Rev. Tiny Hampton.

04-28-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 8,259: Ricky & Robert Gibson beat Sonny King & Ali Hassan… Ricky Morton & Terry Sawyer & Buddy Fuller beat Blonde Bombers (Larry Latham & Wayne Ferris) & Danny Davis… Bill Dundee pinned Ken Lucas… Southern champion Paul Ellering beat Rocky Johnson… Southern tag team champions David Schultz & Dennis Condrey beat Steve Regal & Jimmy Valiant… Billy Robinson pinned The International Superstar (Jerry Novak) to win the vacant CWA title.

05-01-1980: Jumbo Tsuruta wins the annual All Japan Champions Carnival tournament over Dick Slater.

05-03-1980: The Sheik wins the U.S. (Detroit) title defeating Mighty Igor. The Detroit promotion soon closes but The Sheik defends this version of the U.S. title on and off for the rest of his career. Also on the show, Frankie Lane & George Steele win the Detroit NWA World tag team titles from John Bonello & Randy Scott.

WWF: Baltimore, MD: Civic Center: Attendance: 10,900: Frank Savage pinned Mike Masters… Davey O'Hannon pinned Steve King… Bobby Duncum pinned Johnny Rodz… Larry Sharpe pinned Angelo Gomez… Afa pinned Dominic DeNucci… Gorilla Monsoon pinned Baron Mikel Scicluna… Larry Zbyszko defeated Ivan Putski via count-out… WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera via referee stoppage.

05-04-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Lars Anderson defeated Rocket Monroe… Leroy Brown defeated Bill Dromo… Bob Sweetan defeated Eddie Gilbert… Mike Sharpe defeated French Angel… Jay Strongbow defeated Ernie Ladd by DQ… Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff defeated Kevin Sullivan & Tony Atlas… Tommy Rich defeated Baron Von Raschke… NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Austin Idol… Champion of Champions Cup: Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated Dory Funk, Jr… In a Lights Out Match: Mr. Wrestling II defeated Harley Race.

AWA in Minneapolis, MN: Adrian Adonis beat Destroyer Mark III (Neil Guay)… Steve Olsonoski drew Destroyer Mark II (Sgt. Slaughter)… Little Bruiser & Lone Eagle beat Billy The Kid & Tom Thumb… Greg Gagne beat Bobby Heenan… Dino Bravo beat Jerry Blackwell in a step ladder match… AWA World heavyweight champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Mad Dog Vachon by DQ.

05-05-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 6,945: Ken Lucas & Ricky & Robert Gibson beat Ali Hassan & The International Superstar (Jerry Novak) & Jimmy Hart… Ricky Morton & Terry Sawyer beat Larry Latham & Danny Davis… Dennis Condrey & David Shultz beat Jimmy Valiant & Steve Regal… Paul Ellering & Sonny King beat Jackie Fargo & Rocky Johnson… Wayne Farris pinned Buddy Wayne in a lights out match… CWA champion Billy Robinson beat Duke Myers via forfeit… AWA World champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Bill Dundee via DQ.

05-10-1980: WWF: Boston, MA: Boston Garden: Attendance: 15,200: Pete Doherty defeated Fred Marzino… Jim Duggan defeated Steve King… Johnny Rodz defeated Angelo Gomez… Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Frankie Williams… Rene Goulet defeated Tor Kamata via DQ… WWF tag team champions the Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) defeated Pat Patterson & Gorilla Monsoon… Bruno Sammartino defeated Larry Zbyszko via count-out.

WWF: Philadelphia, PA: Spectrum: Attendance: 8,475: Televised on the PRISM Network: Davey O'Hannon defeated Manuel Soto… Dominic DeNucci defeated Jose Estrada… Rick McGraw pinned Mark Pole… Bobby Duncum defeated Tony Atlas via count-out… El Olympico pinned Joe Mascara (incorrectly referred to on TV as Frank Savage)… WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Hulk Hogan via count-out… Larry Sharpe pinned Mike Masters… WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera defeated Ivan Putski via count-out.

Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood win the NWA World tag team titles from Ray Stevens & Greg Valentine in Greensboro, NC.

Rocky Johnson defeats Roger Mason (Roger Smith) for the Mid-America title in Chattanooga, TN.

AWA in Chicago, IL: AWA World heavyweight champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Dick the Bruiser by count out… The Crusher beat Bobby Heenan… Ernie Ladd & Jerry Valiant beat Moose Cholak & The Crusher… Sailor Art Thomas beat Chris Markoff… Jim Grabmire battled Jim Lancaster to a draw… Jerry Graham, Jr beat Gil Guerrero.

FA Cup Final Day Wrestling Special 1980 in Wembley, UK: Shown on ITV: John Quinn beat Wayne Bridges to win the World Heavyweight title.

05-11-1980: The Iron Sheik wins the Mid-Atlantic title from Jim Brunzell in Charlotte, NC.

05-12-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 5,318: Robert Gibson beat Buddy Wayne… Ken Lucas & Carl Fergie beat The International Superstar (Jerry Novak) & Ali Hassan… Terry Sawyer beat Danny Davis… Southern champion Paul Ellering beat Sonny King… Bill Dundee & Ricky Morton beat Blonde Bombers (Wayne Farris & Larry Latham)… Rocky Johnson & Jimmy Valiant beat Dennis Condrey & David Schultz to win the Southern tag team titles.

05-16-1980: Ken Patera wins the NWA Missouri title from Kevin Von Erich in St. Louis, MO. He now holds both this title and the WWF Intercontinental title.

05-18-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: French Angel defeated Mike Davis… Mike Sharpe defeated Charlie Fulton… Kevin Sullivan & Eddie Gilbert defeated The Samoans (Tio & Tapu)… Bob Sweetan defeated Jerry Stubbs… Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated Abdullah the Butcher by DQ… Tommy Rich defeated Kurt Von Hess… Tony Atlas defeated Ernie Ladd… Austin Idol defeated Baron Von Raschke… Ole & Lars Anderson defeated Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff.

05-19-1980: WWF at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY: Attendance: 19,000: WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Ken Patera in a Texas Death Match… Pat Patterson & Ivan Putski & Tony Atlas defeated Afa & Sika the Samoans & Peter Maivia… Larry Zbyszko won a 16 man battle royal… Gorilla Monsoon defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna… Bobby Duncum defeated Rene Goulet… Tor Kamata defeated Johnny Rodz… Larry Sharpe defeated Frankie Williams… Rick McGraw defeated Jose Estrada.

Gino Hernandez defeats Kevin Von Erich for the American title in Dallas, TX.

05-20-1980: In Baton Rouge, LA at the Centroplex: Junkyard Dog defeated Terry Gordy to win the Louisiana title in a no DQ match.

05-25-1980: Despite Rocky Johnson & Jimmy Valiant having won the Southern tag team titles the team of Gypsy Joe & Skull Murphy are introduced as Southern tag team champions at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN and defend the titles against Jimmy Valiant & Bobby Eaton with a crowd of 3,490.

Perro Aguayo defeats Gran Hamada to win the UWA lightweight title.

Toronto, Canada: Maple Leaf Gardens: Attendance 10,000: Bob Marcus & Nick DeCarlo defeat Bill White & Brute Bernard… Enforcer Luciano defeats Don Kernodle… Tony Parisi defeats Frankie Laine… Angelo Mosca defeats The Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie) by DQ… Texas Death Match: Blackjack Mulligan defeats Masked Superstar 2 (Big John Studd) … Great Hussein Arab (The Iron Sheik) defeats NWA Canadian Heavyweight Title Match Dewey Robertson to win the title.

05-30-1980: AWA in Denver, CO: Jessie Ventura & Adrian Adonis beat Greg Gagne & Wahoo McDaniel… Steve Olsonoski beat Bill Howard… Jerry Blackwell battled Dino Bravo to a draw… The Crusher beat AWA World heavyweight champion Nick Bockwinkel in a non-title steel cage match.

05-31-1980: Dick the Bruiser defeats Bruiser Brody for the WWA World title in Indianapolis in a steel cage match.

In St. Petersburg, FL: Manny Fernandez defeated NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race by DQ.

06-1980: Jackie & Don Fargo defeated Skull Murphy & Gypsy Joe for the Tennessee tag team title. This was Jackie Fargo’s last fun as Tennessee tag team champion.

06-02-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 7,436: Sonny King pinned Carl Fergie… Blonde Bombers (Wayne Ferris & Larry Latham) beat Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson… Blonde Bombers (Wayne Ferris & Larry Latham) beat Bill Dundee & Jerry Jarrett via DQ… Southern champion Paul Ellering beat Jimmy Valiant… Ricky Morton & Ken Lucas beat Gypsy Joe & Skull Murphy to win the Southern tag team titles.

The vacant Mid-Atlantic tag team titles are won in a tournament final in Greenville, SC by Matt Borne & Buzz Sawyer over The Iron Sheik & Jimmy Snuka.

06-05-1980: New Japan Pro Wrestling: in Tokyo, Japan: Sumo Hall drawing 10,000: Haruka Eigan beat Makoto Arakawa… Chavo Guerrero beat Kuniaki Kobayashi… Dusty Rhodes & Tito Santana beat Ryuma Go & Kengo Kimura… Riki Choshu & Strong Kobayashi beat Hulk Hogan & Bad News Allen… Bob Backlund beat Tatsumi Fujinami… Andre the Giant pinned Seiji Sakaguchi… Stan Hansen beat Andre the Giant via countout… Antonio Inoki wins the annual New Japan Madison Square Garden League tournament over Stan Hansen by DQ.

06-07-1980: WWF: Baltimore, MD: Civic Center: Attention: 10,400: Jose Estrada pinned Paul Figueroa… Davey O'Hannon defeated Danny Pattiglio… Larry Sharpe defeated Steve King… Baron Mikel Scicluna pinned Moose Monroe… Ernie Ladd pinned El Olympico… WWF tag team champions the Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) defeated Pat Patterson & Dominic DeNucci… Bruno Sammartino defeated Larry Zbyszko via count-out.

WWF: Springfield, MA: Civic Center: Attendance 9,000 (Sellout): Tony Altimore defeated Fred Marzino… Joe Cagle wrestled Pete Doherty to a Time Limit Draw… Rick McGraw besiegt Sylvano Sousa… WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Ken Patera in a steel cage match… Ivan Putski defeated Bobby Duncum… Frank Williams defeated Pete Doherty by Count Out… Johnny Rodz defeated Angelo Gomez… Rene Goulet defeated Tor Kamata by DQ.

06-08-1980: Baron Von Raschke wins the Georgia title from Austin Idol in Atlanta, GA at the Omni. Also on the show: Ole & Lars Anderson win the Georgia tag team titles from Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff… Kevin Sullivan defeated Eddie Mansfield in a tournament final for the NWA Georgia Junior title… Bob Sweetan defeated Mike Sharpe… NWA World tag team champions Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood defeated The Assassins (Jody Hamilton & Randy Colley)… NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker).

06-09-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 5,135: Sonny King & Ken Wayne beat Robert Gibson & Tony Boyles… Jimmy Valiant pinned The International Superstar (Jerry Novak)… Paul Ellering beat Carl Fergie… Blonde Bombers (Wayne Ferris & Larry Latham) beat Jerry Jarrett & Bill Dundee in a no DQ match. Now the Southern tag team champions are inexplicably Ken Lucas & Ricky Morton who defend them against former “champions” Gypsy Joe & Skull Murphy at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN.

In New Orleans, LA at the Municipal Auditorium: The Freebirds (Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts) defeated Junkyard Dog & Buck Robley to win the Mid-South tag team titles.

06-13-1980: St. Louis, MO:  Kiel Auditorium: Attendance 9,546: Kerry Brown & Tom Andrews defeats Skandor Akbar & Tommy Sharpe 2 falls to 1… Bobby Jaggers defeats Billy Howard… Takachiho defeats George Wells… David Von Erich defeats Bob Brown… WWF Heavyweight champion Bob Backlund defeats Lord Alfred Hayes… Dick Murdoch & Killer Karl Kox defeats King Kong (Bruiser) Brody & Pat O'Connor… NWA World Heavyweight champion Harley Race defeats Rocky Johnson 2 falls to 1.

06-16-1980: WWF at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY: Attendance: 20,000: Larry Zbyszko defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund by blood stoppage… Ken Patera defeated Pat Patterson… Hulk Hogan defeated Gorilla Monsoon… The Samoans (Afa & Sika) defeated Ivan Putski & Dominic DeNucci… Ivan Putski defeated Tor Kamata… Bobby Duncum defeated Rick McGraw… Rene Goulet defeated Larry Sharpe by DQ… Johnny Rodz defeated Steve King.

In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 5,922: Carl Fergie & Tony Boyles beat Gypsy Joe & Buddy Wayne…. Blonde Bombers (Wayne Ferris & Larry Latham) beat Jerry Jarrett & Tojo Yamamoto… Southern tag team champions Ken Lucas & Ricky Morton beat Karl Krupp & The Great Togo… Bill Dundee beat Southern champion Paul Ellering via DQ… Bill Dundee defeated Ken Wayne in a boxing match 

The Assassins (Jody Hamilton & Randy Colley) defeat Ole & Lars Anderson for the Georgia tag team titles in Atlanta.

06-18-1980: In a special Farewell to Jackie Fargo match in Nashville, TN Jackie & Randy Fargo (Randy Curtis) defeated The Manchurians.

In Miami Beach, FL at the Convention Center: Attendance: 5,886: Dusty Rhodes battled Don Muraco to a double DQ… Bugsy McGraw defeated Mr. Saito by DQ… Mr. Florida (Paul Jones) & Mike Graham & Manny Fernandez defeated Nikolai Volkoff & Dick Slater & Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin)… Steve Keirn defeated Ivan Koloff… Bryan St. John & Stan Lane defeated Reggie Parks & Bubba Douglas… Jerry Brisco defeated Frank Monte… Scott McGhee battled Gordon Nelson to a draw.

06-21-1980: WWF: Philadelphia, PA: Spectrum: Attendance: 10,735: Rick McGraw defeated Frank Savage… Larry Sharpe defeated Johnny Rodz… Rene Goulet defeated Tor Kamata via DQ… Larry Zbyszko defeated Ivan Putski via count-out… WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund via DQ… Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) & Capt. Lou Albano defeated Gorilla Monsoon & Pat Patterson & Dominic DeNucci… Tony Atlas defeated Bobby Duncum in a Texas Death Match.

Jackie Fargo has his Chattanooga retirement match when Jackie & Randy Fargo (Randy Curtis) take on Gypsy Joe & the Bounty Hunter.

06-22-1980: Ray Stevens & Jimmy Snuka win the NWA World tag team titles from Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood in Greensboro, NC.

At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Big Red & Mike Davis defeated Eddie Mansfield & Charlie Fulton… Don Diamond defeated Dutch Mantel… Dennis Condrey defeated Charles Buffong… Kevin Sullivan defeated Terry Taylor… Abdullah the Butcher defeated Austin Idol… Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) & Tony Atlas & Mike Sharpe defeated Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie) & Bob Sweetan & Alexis Smirnoff… Stan Hansen defeated Baron Von Raschke… Mark Lewin defeated Dick Slater… Dusty Rhodes & Ole Anderson defeated The Assassins (Jody Hamilton & Randy Colley) by count out.

In Orlando, FL at the Eddie Graham Sports Stadium: Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Bryan St. John & Stan Lane to win the Florida tag team titles.

06-23-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 5,260: Robert Gibson beat Ken Wayne… Sonny King beat Carl Fergie… Karl Krupp beat Jimmy Valiant… Southern tag team champions Ricky Morton & Ken Lucas beat The Manchurians… Jerry Jarrett & Tojo Yamamoto beat Blonde Bombers (Wayne Ferris & Larry Latham)… Bill Dundee beat Southern champion Paul Ellering via DQ… Tojo Yamamoto won a two-ring battle royal.

06-25-1980: In Miami Beach, FL at the Convention Center: Attendance: 6,848: Dusty Rhodes defeated Don Muraco in a Texas Death Match… Bugsy McGraw defeated Mr. Saito… Mr. Florida (Paul Jones) & Mike Graham defeated Ivan Koloff & Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin) by DQ… Manny Fernandez defeated Dick Slater by DQ… Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Geoff Portz & Frank Monte… Steve Keirn defeated Gordon Nelson… Bubba Douglas defeated Ted Marshall… Reggie Parks battled Scott McGhee to a draw.

06-27-1980: WWF: Landover, MD: Capital Centre: Attendance: 7,429: Bulldog Brower defeated Angelo Gomez… Johnny Rodz fought Steve King to a draw… WWF champion Bob Backlund pinned Afa… Sika defeated Frank Williams… Rick McGraw defeated Bimbo Larson… Hulk Hogan defeated Dominic DeNucci… Pat Patterson defeated Tor Kamata… Tony Atlas defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera via DQ. Gorilla Monsoon was the special referee.

06-28-1980: Longtime Chattanooga, TN promoter and announcer Harry Thornton retires as announcer.

Giant Baba & Jumbo Tsuruta win a Detroit tournament for the Detroit version of the NWA World tag team titles. They vacate the titles, however, and are the last holders of that version.

06-29-1980: Toronto, Canada: Maple Leaf Gardens: Attendance 11,841: Bob Marcus defeats Brian Mackney… The Destroyer (Dick Beyer) defeats Joe Marcus… Johnny Weaver & Tony Parisi defeated David Patterson & Ben Alexander… Giant Baba & Jumbo Tsuruta defeated Bruiser Brody & Scott Irwin in 2 falls… NWA Canadian champion Great Hussein Arab defeats Angelo Mosca by DQ… Dory Funk Jr. wrestled Abdullah The Butcher to a double count out… NWA World Tag Team champions Ray Stevens & Jimmy Snuka wrestled Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood to a time limit draw.

07-06-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Terry Taylor defeated French Angel… Big Red & Mike Sharpe defeated Dutch Mantel & Bob Sweetan… Dennis Condrey defeated Don Diamond… Wahoo McDaniel defeated Alexis Smirnoff… The Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie) battled Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) to a no contest… Tony Atlas defeated Baron Von Raschke… Mark Lewin & Abdullah the Butcher battled Kevin Sullivan & Austin Idol to a no contest… NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race battled Tommy Rich to a no contest… The Assassins (Jody Hamilton & Randy Colley) defeated Ole Anderson & Dusty Rhodes.

07-07-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 5,756: Bill Irwin drew Carl Fergie… World Women’s champion The Fabulous Moolah beat Wendi Richter… Tojo Yamamoto & Jerry Jarrett beat The Manchurians… Ricky Morton & Ken Lucas beat Blonde Bombers (Wayne Ferris & Larry Latham) in a no DQ match… Jimmy Valiant beat Karl Krupp in a steel cage strap on a pole match… Bill Dundee beat Paul Ellering in a steel cage hair vs. title match to win the Southern Title.

07-09-1980: In Miami Beach, FL at the Convention Center: Attendance: 5,4661: Bugsy McGraw defeated Ivan Koloff in a lumberjack match… Dusty Rhodes defeated Nikolai Volkoff… Barry Windham & Mike Graham & Mr. Florida (Paul Jones) defeated Mr. Saito & Dick Slater & Don Muraco… Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin) defeated Jimmy Garvin by DQ… Bubba Douglas defeated Raul Mata… Geoff Portz defeated Ted Marshall… Frank Monte defeated Reggie Parks… Gordon Nelson battled Scott McGhee to a draw.

07-12-1980: WWF: Boston, MA: Boston Garden: 12,310: Mike Masters fought Baron Mikel Scicluna to a draw… Tor Kamata defeated Johnny Rodz… Larry Sharpe defeated Dave Darrow… Bulldog Brower defeated Pete Doherty… Larry Zbyszko defeated Rene Goulet… Pat Patterson & Ivan Putski defeated WWF tag team champions the Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) via count-out… Hulk Hogan defeated Gorilla Monsoon… WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund when the match was stopped due to Backlund's blood loss.

07-14-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 5,689: Bill Irwin beat Eddie Gilbert… CWA champion Billy Robinson pinned Paul Ellering… Southern champion Bill Dundee beat Karl Krupp… Jerry Jarrett & Tojo Yamamoto won double elimination tag team tournament. The other teams were: Wayne Ferris & Larry Latham, The Manchurians, Ken Lucas & Ricky Morton, Sonny King & El Mongol, and Jimmy Valiant & Carl Fergie.

07-17-1980: New Japan Pro Wrestling: in Tokyo, Japan: Sumo Hall drawing 8,000: Ryuma Go & Haruka Eigen drew Osamu Kido & Kantaro Hoshino… Strong Kobayashi beat Gestapo (Rip Oliver)… Kengo Kimura & Riki Choshu beat Bad News Allen & Bret Hart… Umanosuke Ueda beat Seiji Sakaguchi via DQ… WWF Junior Heavyweight champion Tatsumi Fujinami pinned Keith Hart… Antonio Inoki pinned Tiger Jeet Singh.

07-18-1980: AWA in Chicago, IL: Comiskey Park drawing 12,000: Tito Santana drew Paul Christy… Steve Regal beat Roger Kirby… Wee Willie beat Mighty Atlas… Greg Gagne beat Bobby Heenan via countout… Bobo Brazil beat Super Destroyer Mark II (AKA: Sgt. Slaughter)… Wilbur Snyder battled Pat O'Connor to a no contest… Verne Gagne beat Nick Bockwinkel to win the AWA World heavyweight title… The Crusher & Mad Dog Vachon beat Adrian Adonis & Jerry Valiant (Guy Mitchell)… Jerry Blackwell beat Dick the Bruiser… Jerry Blackwell won a battle royal. Also in the match were: Adrian Adonis, Bobo Brazil, Paul Christy, The Crusher, Greg Gagne, Tim Hampton, Roger Kirby, Pat O'Conner, Steve Regal, Billy Robinson, Tito Santana, Super Destroyer Mark II, Mad Dog Vachon, and Jerry Valiant.

07-19-1980: WWF: Baltimore, MD: Civic Center: Attendance: 11,026: Rick McGraw pinned Jose Estrada… Johnny Rodz pinned Angelo Gomez… Tor Kamata defeated Steve King… Larry Sharpe pinned Don Serrano… Hulk Hogan pinned Rene Goulet… Andre the Giant & Gorilla Monsoon & Pat Patterson defeated Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) & Capt. Lou Albano… Larry Zbyszko defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund via count-out.

07-20-1980: The East-West Connection (Jesse Ventura & Adrian Adonis) are awarded the AWA World tag team titles over Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon when Verne Gagne no-shows the match.

At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Dennis Condrey & Bob Sweetan defeated Mike George & Steve Regal… Alexis Smirnoff defeated Charles Buffong… Chavo Guerrero defeated Dutch Mantel… Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated Ivan Koloff… NWA World Junior champion Les Thornton defeated Steve Keirn… Mark Lewin & Abdullah the Butcher defeated Stan Hansen & Kevin Sullivan… In a Texas Death Match: Tony Atlas defeated Baron Von Raschke… In a Steel Cage Match: The Assassins (Jody Hamilton & Randy Colley) battled Dusty Rhodes & Ole Anderson to a no contest. Special referees were: Gene Anderson and Ivan Koloff). This was the legendary match where Ole Anderson immediately turns on Dusty Rhodes leading to a near riot… NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Tommy Rich with Lou Thesz as special referee.

07-23-1980: In Miami Beach, FL at the Convention Center: Attendance: 5,857: WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Don Muraco… Dick Murdoch & Dusty Rhodes defeated Ivan Koloff & Nikolai Volkoff… Dick Slater defeated Bugsy McGraw by DQ… Jimmy Garvin defeated Bobby Jaggers by DQ… Barry Windham defeated Bill White… Cowboy Lang defeated Little Tokyo… Reggie Parks battled Raul Mata to a draw.

07-25-1980: In Shreveport, LA at the Civic Center a tournament is held for the Louisiana title: Ken Mantel defeated King Cobra… Buck Robley defeated Frank Dusek… Buddy Roberts defeated Terry Orndorff… Ted DiBiase defeated Tully Blanchard… Wahoo McDaniel defeated Killer Khan… Johnny Mantell defeated Terry Latham… Paul Orndorff defeated Terry Gordy… The Grappler (Len Denton) received a bye… Round 2: Ken Mantell defeated Buck Robley… Ted DiBiase defeated Buddy Roberts… Wahoo McDaniel defeated Johnny Mantell… Paul Orndorff defeated The Grappler… Round 3: Ken Mantell defeated Ted DiBiase… Wahoo McDaniel defeated Paul Orndorff… Finals: Ken Mantell defeated Wahoo McDaniel to win the Louisiana title.

07-26-1980: The city of Chattanooga, TN cancels a scheduled Nick Gulas card due to the threat of race riots in the city.

Greg Valentine wins the NWA U.S. title from Ric Flair in Charlotte, NC. Valentine is managed by Sir Oliver Humperdink.

Barry Windham defeats Mr. Saito for the Florida TV title in St. Petersburg.

07-27-1980: Dolph Ziggler (Nick Nemeth) is born.

AWA in Denver, CO: Judy Martin & Vivian St. John beat Wendi Richter & Winona Little Heart… Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat Mad Dog Vachon & Tito Santana… Jerry Blackwell battled The Crusher to a no contest… Tito Santana battled Dennis Stamp to a no contest.

07-28-1980: In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 8,114: The Manchurians & Sonny King beat Carl Fergie, Eddie Gilbert, & Tony Boyles via pinfall… Jimmy Valiant drew Bill Irwin… Jerry Jarrett & Tojo Yamamoto beat Austin Idol & Dutch Mantel via DQ to become the first CWA tag team champions… Karl Krupp & El Mongol beat Ken Lucas & Paul Ellering (sub for Ricky Morton) to win the Southern tag team titles… CWA champion Billy Robinson beat Bill Dundee via countout. The title was held-up after this match.

07-30-1980: The Assassins battle Mr. Wrestling (Tim Woods) & Steve Keirn to a no contest after which the NWA Georgia tag team titles are held up in Columbus, GA.

08-01-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Charlie Fulton defeated Chavo Guerrero… Jay Strongbow defeated Dutch Mantel… Dennis Condrey & Stan Lane defeated Steve Regal & Terry Taylor… Steve Keirn defeated Alexis Smirnoff… Lars Anderson defeated The Assassin I (Jody Hamilton)… Baron Von Raschke battled Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) to a no contest… Abdullah the Butcher battled Stan Hansen to a double DQ… In a Boston Street Fight: Kevin Sullivan defeated Mark Lewin… Dusty Rhodes & Andre the Giant defeated Ole & Gene Anderson.

08-02-1980: Bill Watts holds another Superdome Extravaganza at the New Orleans, LA Superdome with a reported crowd of 26,000: Junkyard Dog defeated Michael Hayes in a steel cage, dog collar match… Dusty Rhodes & Buck Robley defeated The Freebirds (Buddy Roberts & Terry Gordy) in a double bull rope match… Ray Candy defeated Killer Khan… Andre the Giant battled Hulk Hogan to a double count out… Ted DiBiase defeated Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) to retain the North American title… Paul Orndorff defeated Ken Mantell… The Grappler (Len Denton) defeated Wahoo McDaniel by DQ… The Assassin (Jody Hamilton) defeated Steven Little Bear… King Cobra defeated Frank Dusek… Terry Orndorff & Mike Miller defeated Johnny Mantell & Ron Cheatham… Terry Latham defeated Tommy Wright.

08-03-1980: The NWA Last Tango in Tampa is held, attendance 17,883, with Dusty Rhodes defeating NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race. Though Rhodes appears to have won the world title, the decision is later reversed. Also on the show, Bob Backlund defeated Don Muraco to retain the WWF title. In other matches: Andre the Giant defeated Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin)… Les Thornton defeated Mike Graham by DQ… Bugsy McGraw & Dick Murdoch defeated Ivan Koloff & Nikolai Volkoff… Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin) defeated Mr. Florida (Paul Jones) in a mask vs mask match… Dick Slater defeated Barry Windham… Jack Brisco defeated Mr. Saito… Wendi Richter won a women’s battle royal… Jerry Brisco defeated Lord Alfred Hayes… Jimmy Garvin defeated Bobby Jaggers… Scott McGhee defeated Bill White.

AWA in Minneapolis, MN: The Crusher battled Jerry Blackwell to a double DQ… Dino Bravo battled Nick Bockwinkel to a double DQ… Jesse Ventura & Adrian Adonis beat Steve Olsonoski & Tito Santana… Judy Martin & Vivian St. John beat Winona Little Heart & Joyce Grable… Big John Studd beat Super Destroyer Mark II (Sgt. Slaughter)… Buck Zumhofe beat Kenny Jay.

08-04-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN in front of 7,089 fans Bill Dundee defeated Billy Robinson to win the CWA title with Lou Thesz as special referee. On the same show Austin Idol & Dutch Mantel defeated Jerry Jarrett & Tojo Yamamoto to win the CWA tag team titles. Also: Sonny King beat Jerry Bryant… Jimmy Valiant & Carl Fergie beat The Manchurians… Bill Irwin beat Eddie Gilbert… Ken Lucas & Paul Ellering & Ricky Morton beat Karl Krupp & El Mongol & Jimmy Hart.

08-07-1980: Tojo Yamamoto won a criminal case in the Warren County Circuit Court of Bowling Green, KY where he had been charged with hitting a fan, Robert Lee Vaughn (35), in the head with a wooden shoe on June 27, 1978. The judge ruled Yamamoto acted in self defense.

Bugsy McGraw wins the Florida title from Don Muraco in Melbourne, FL. Also on the show: Ivan Koloff & Nikolai Volkoff win the Florida tag team titles from Jack & Jerry Brisco.

08-08-1980: St. Louis, MO: Kiel Auditorium: Attendance 10,420: Kerry Brown wrestled Billy Howard to a Time Limit Draw… Bob Brown defeats Jesse Barr… WWF Heavyweight champion Bob Backlund defeats Buzz Tyler… Kevin Von Erich & Pat O'Connor & Rufus R. Jones & Dick The Bruiser defeat Dick Murdoch & Killer Karl Kox & Roger Kirby & Takachiho… David Von Erich defeats Baron Von Raschke… NWA World Heavyweight champion Harley Race defeats Ken Patera 2 falls to 1. Special Referee: Lou Thesz.

08-09-1980: Bruno Sammartino defeats his protégé Larry Zbyszko in a steel cage match at Shea Stadium in New York. The reported crowd is 36,295. Also on the show: Andre the Giant defeated Hulk Hogan… Pedro Morales & WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) for the WWF tag team titles (though they had to vacate them due to Backlund holding the WWF title)… Pat Patterson defeated Tor Kamata… The Hangman defeated Rene Goulet… Ivan Putski defeated Johnny Rodz… Angel Marvilla defeated Jose Estrada… Fabulous Moolah & Beverly Shade defeated Kandi Malloy & Peggy Lee… Dominic Denucci defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna… Greg Gagne defeated Rick McGraw… Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Chavo Guerrero to retain the WWF Junior title… Antonio Inoki defeated Larry Sharpe to retain the NWF title… Tony Atlas defeated Ken Patera by count out so Patera retained the WWF Intercontinental title.

08-10-1980: Toronto, Canada: Maple Leaf Gardens: Attendance 11,037: Tony Parisi defeats Ron Ritchie… George Wells defeats Billy Starr… Billy Red Lyons & Dewey Robertson defeat David Patterson & Swede Hanson… Blackjack Mulligan defeats Enforcer Luciano in a street fight match… Ric Flair defeats Greg Valentine in a Texas Death match… Great Hussein Arab defeats NWA Canadian champion Angelo Mosca to win the title.

08-11-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN in front of a crowd of 6,978 Billy Robinson defeated Bill Dundee for the CWA title. A one night tournament for the Southern title is held with Dr. Bill Irwin defeating Jimmy Valiant in the finals to win. Others in the tournament included Paul Ellering, Eddie Gilbert, Ken Lucas, Carl Fergie, Sonny King, and Ricky Morton.

08-16-1980: WWF: Landover, MD: Capital Centre: Attendance: 19,787; sell out; largest ever wrestling crowd in Washington DC: Steve King fought Angelo Gomez to a draw… Angel Marvilla defeated Johnny Rodz… Bulldog Brower defeated Frank Williams… Pat Patterson defeated Larry Sharpe… World Women's Champion the Fabulous Moolah & Beverly Shade defeated Kandi Malloy & Peggy Lee… Bruno Sammartino defeated Larry Zbyszko in a lumberjack match when referee Dick Whorley stopped the bout due to excessive bleeding… Tony Atlas & Ivan Putski defeated the Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika).

Wilbur Snyder & Spike Huber win the WWA tag team titles from Roger Kirby & Jerry Valiant (Guy Mitchell) in Indianapolis, IN.

08-17-1980: AWA: St Paul, MN: Civic Center: Said to be a St. Paul attendance record of 17,000 though no newspaper account has yet been found to substantiate that: Lights Out Match: The Crusher beat Jerry Blackwell… AWA World tag team champions Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat Mad Dog Vachon & Super Destroyer Mark II (Bob “Sgt. Slaughter” Remus) DQ… Weasel Suit Match: Referee Maty Miller: Greg Gagne beat Bobby Heenan… Joyce Grable beat Judy Martin… Dino Bravo wrestled John Studd to a double count out… Tito Santana beat Buck Zumhofe… Steve Olsonoski beat Chris Markoff.

08-18-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN with a crowd of 5,500, Billy Robinson (CWA champion) defeated AWA World heavyweight champion Nick Bockwinkel (the AWA World title did not change hands). Also on the show the Southern heavyweight title was held up following a no contest match between Dr. Bill Irwin and Jimmy Valiant. Also on the show: Sonny King beat Carl Fergie… Tommy Rich pinned Paul Ellering… Bill Dundee beat Dutch Mantel… Southern tag team champions Karl Krupp & El Mongol beat Ken Lucas & Ricky Morton… Tommy & Eddie Gilbert beat Karl Krupp & El Mongol.

08-22-1980: Terry Taylor wins a tournament for the NWA National TV title defeating Bob Armstrong in the tournament final in Atlanta, GA at the Omni. In other matches: Stan Lane defeated Mike Davis… Steve Keirn defeated Dennis Condrey… Lars Anderson defeated The Assassins (Jody Hamilton & Randy Colley) in a handicap match… Kevin Sullivan defeated Great Mephisto… Abdullah the Butcher defeated Mark Lewin… Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie)… No DQ, Loser Leaves Town: Ole & Gene Anderson defeated Andre the Giant & Dusty Rhodes.

AWA in Denver, CO: The Crusher beat Jerry Blackwell by DQ… Tito Santana beat Steve Olsonoski… Big John Studd beat Super Destroyer Mark II (Sgt. Slaughter)… Mad Dog Vachon beat Adrian Adonis… Greg Gagne beat Bobby Heenan.

08-23-1980: AWA in Chicago, IL: Dick The Bruiser battled Jerry Blackwell to a no contest… Bobo Brazil battled Bruiser Brody to a no contest… Paul Christy battled Steve Regal to a draw… Spike Huber beat Count Deleone… Lorna Little Horn & Joyce Grable beat Tanya West & Jenny Martin… The Crusher beat Super Destroyer… Wilbur Snyder beat Jerry Valiant.

08-25-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN with a crowd of 4,040, Eddie Gilbert & Tommy Gilbert defeated Killer Karl Krupp & El Mongol for the Southern tag team titles. Jimmy Valiant defeated Dr. Bill Irwin to win the held up Southern title.

08-30-1980: WWF: Baltimore, MD: Civic Center: Attendance: 9,000: Angel Marvilla fought Jose Estrada to a draw… Rick McGraw pinned Paul Figueroa… Pat Patterson pinned Rick Stallone… The Hangman (Neil Guay) pinned Rene Goulet… Ernie Ladd pinned Frank Savage… Tony Atlas defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera via count-out… WWF champion Bob Backlund pinned Larry Zbyszko. Pat Patterson was the guest referee for the bout

Promoter Nick Gulas retires from pro wrestling. From the Nashville newspaper, “After 42 years of promoting professional wrestling in the Nashville area, Nick Gulas has called it quits. Gulas, who began his promotions here in 1938, this week sold his interest to Championship Wrestling of Memphis. The local wrestling programs, live studio and TV productions, will go on as usual. Gulas was out of town yesterday and unavailable for comment on the development but spokesperson Tommy Kerkeles, who will assist Buddy Fuller in running the local operation said, ‘Nick has been considering the move for some time. He has been promoting wrestling for 45 years. He is 66 years old and decided he didn’t need to be working these long hours, six and seven days a week. He’s going to just travel and enjoy himself.’”

09-01-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN with a crowd of 7,604 on hand, Jerry Lawler runs from several months absence due to a broken leg to defeat Jimmy Hart. Also on the show Tommy Rich defeated Jimmy Valiant to win the Southern heavyweight title. In other matches: Carl Fergie beat Ken Wayne… Tommy Gilbert beat Sonny King via DQ… Tojo Yamamoto beat El Mongol via DQ… Gypsy Joe beat Tony Boyles… Bill Irwin drew Bill Dundee… Tojo Yamamoto & Carl Fergie & Bill Dundee & Tommy & Eddie Gilbert beat Karl Krupp & El Mongol & Bill Irwin & Sonny King & Gypsy Joe.

09-03-1980: At the Nashville Fairgrounds Arena in Nashville, TN Don Fargo & Robert Gibson defeated Wayne Farris & Larry Latham managed by Sgt. Danny Davis to win the Mid-America tag team titles.

Stan Lane defeats Kevin Sullivan for the NWA Georgia Junior title in Columbus, GA.

09-04-1980: Giant Baba wins the NWA World heavyweight title for the third time defeating Harley Race in Saga, Japan.

09-05-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Attendance: 12,000: Steve O defeated Charlie Fulton… Mr. Saito defeated Jerry Oates… Dennis Condrey battled NWA National TV champion Terry Taylor to a draw… Kevin Sullivan defeated Stan Lane… Lars Anderson & Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated The Assassins (Jody Hamilton & Randy Colley)… Steve Keirn defeated Terry Funk… Loser Leaves Town, Steel Cage Match: Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie)… Loser Leaves Town Match: Bill Watts & Uvalde Slim (Dusty Rhodes) defeated Ole Anderson & Gene Anderson.

09-07-1980: AWA in Minneapolis, MN: Greg Gagne & Dino Bravo battled Jesse Ventura & Adrian Adonis to a draw… Jerry Blackwell beat King Kong Mosca… Nick Bockwinkel beat Super Destroyer Mark II (Sgt. Slaughter)… Big John Studd beat Mad Dog Vachon by DQ… Tito Santana beat Juan Velez… Chris Markoff beat Ben Deleon.

09-09-1980: The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) regain the vacant WWF World tag team titles by defeating Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in Allentown, PA.

In Memphis, TN: Mid-South Coliseum drawing 6,382: Tony Boyles beat El Mongol… Sonny King & The Angel beat Tony Boyles & Carl Fergie… Southern tag team champions Tommy & Eddie Gilbert beat Tom Stanton & Frank Savage… Gypsy Joe & Bill Irwin battled Tojo Yamamoto & Bill Dundee to a no contest… Jerry Lawler pinned Karl Krupp in a match where both had a leg in a cast… Jimmy Valiant beat Tommy Rich to win the Southern title… CWA champion Billy Robinson beat Lou Thesz.

09-10-1980: Harley Race recaptures the NWA World heavyweight title from Giant Baba in Otsu, Japan. This ended Baba’s last of three reigns as NWA World champion. Though Baba held the NWA World title three times, all three reigns added together amounted to twenty days.

09-12-1980: St. Louis, MO: Kiel Auditorium: Attendance 10,799: Bulldog Brown & Buzz Tyler defeat Jesse Barr & Spike Huber 2 falls to 1… Mike George defeats Billy Howard… Bob Sweetan defeats Kerry Brown… Baron Von Raschke wrestled Pat O'Connor - Time Limit Draw… David Von Erich & Rufus R. Jones defeats King Kong (Bruiser) Brody & Takachiho… Ric Flair defeats Ted DiBiase… Steel Cage Match: Dick The Bruiser defeats Dick Murdoch.

09-13-1980: Championship Wrestling studio television wresting comes to an end in Chattanooga, TN at WDEF-TV. The last studio show featured Ronnie Gossett, Ken Lucas, Larry Latham, Ginger the wrestling bear, Terry Sawyer, Bobby Eaton, Mike Miller, The Manchurians, Roger Howell, Robert Gibson, and Jerry Barber.

Jerry Lawler re-injures his broken leg and is off work again and is pulled from a card in Jonesboro, AR.

09-15-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN with 4,461 on hand Sonny King & The Angel (Frank Morell) defeated Eddie Gilbert & Tommy Gilbert to win the Southern tag team titles. King Cobra won a battle royal to become the Memphis champion.

In Chalmette, LA: Junkyard Dog & Terry Orndorff defeated The Freebirds (Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts) to win the Mid-South tag team titles.

In West Palm Beach, FL at the Auditorium: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Bobo Brazil by DQ.

09-16-1980: In Tampa, FL at the Fort Hesterly Armory: Bugsy McGraw defeated NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race by DQ.

09-17-1980: In Miami Beach, FL at the Convention Center: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race battled Dick Murdoch to a one hour draw.

09-18-1980: In Jacksonville, FL at the Coliseum: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Dick Murdoch.

09-19-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Jim Brunzell & Steve O defeated The Samoans (Tio & Tapu)… Mr. Saito defeated Mike Davis… Terry Taylor defeated Killer Khan… Stan Lane defeated Kevin Sullivan… Lars Anderson defeated Baron Von Raschke… Dennis Condrey defeated Wahoo McDaniel… Tony Atlas defeated Ole Anderson… Mr. Wrestling (Tim Woods) & Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated The Assassins (Jody Hamilton & Randy Colley) to win the NWA Georgia tag team titles… Uvalde Slim (Dusty Rhodes) defeated Terry Funk… In a Lights Out Match: Ole Anderson defeated Lars Anderson.

In Shreveport, LA at the Civic Center: The Grappler (Len Denton) defeated Ted DiBiase for the North American title.

In Ocala, FL at the Forrest High School: Barry Windham defeated NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race by DQ.

09-22-1980: WWF in New York City, NY at Madison Square Garden drawing 20,000: The Hangman (Neil Guay) beat Dominic DeNucci… Rick Martel beat Rick McGraw… Les Thornton beat Jose Estrada… Pat Patterson beat Johnny Rodz… Pedro Morales beat Samoan Afa… Tony Atlas beat Samoan Sika… Ken Patera beat Rene Goulet… Larry Zbyszko beat Tony Garea via DQ… Andre the Giant beat Hulk Hogan… WWF heavyweight champion Bob Backlund beat NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race via DQ.

In Memphis, TN at the Cook Convention Center Thedric S. Vaughn (73 years old) is arrested for attempting to attack Tommy Rich.

09-26-1980: The 47th Annual EMLL Anniversary show takes place at Arena Mexico with a reported attendance of 17,000. Results include: El Vengador defeated Manuel Robles… Signo XX, Máscara Año 2000 and El Cobarde defeated Herodes, El Nazi and Bruno Victoria… Seiji Sakaguchi and El Faraón defeated Tony Benetto and Alfonso Dantes… Cien Caras (Mexican National champion) defeated TNT… Sangre Chicana (NWA World Middleweight champion) vs El Fantasma ended in a no contest… El Satánico defeated Mocho Cota in a hair verses hair match.

09-27-1980: WWF: Baltimore, MD: Civic Center: Attention: 10,200: Rick McGraw fought Angel Maravilla to a draw… Tony Garea pinned Johnny Rodz… Rick Martel pinned Jose Estrada… Pedro Morales pinned Baron Mikel Scicluna… Larry Zbyszko defeated Pat Patterson via count-out… WWF tag team champions the Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) defeated Domenic DeNucci & Rene Goulet… Andre the Giant pinned Ernie Ladd… WWF champion Bob Backlund pinned the Hangman (Neil Guay).

Toronto, Canada: Maple Leaf Gardens: Attendance 10,727: Frankie Lane defeats Ron Ritchie… Tony Parisi defeats Bob Marcus… The Destroyer (Dick Beyer) defeats Don Kernodle… George Wells & Paul Jones defeat Gene Lewis & Swede Hanson… Angelo Mosca wrestled Bobby Duncum to a double DQ… Tiger Jeet Singh defeats NWA Canadian champion Great Hussein Arab by DQ… NWA United States champion Greg Valentine defeats Ric Flair.

09-28-1980: The Sheepherders (Luke Williams & Butch Miller) win the Mid-Atlantic tag team titles from Matt Borne & Buzz Sawyer in Charlotte, NC.

09-29-1980: The previously Nick Gulas controlled Mid-America titles become part of the Memphis wrestling promotion and are featured at the show at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN. Attendance is 4,429. Results: Ken Lucas & Ricky Morton defeated Larry Latham & Dr. Bill Irwin to retain the Mid-America tag team titles… Tojo Yamamoto defeated Danny Davis… Sonny King & The Angel (Frank Morell) defeated Tommy & Eddie Gilbert in a titles vs hair match to retain the Southern tag team titles… Bill Dundee defeated Bobby Eaton by DQ so Eaton retains the Mid-America title… Jimmy Valiant defeated Don Fargo who is billed as Brass Knux champion… Tommy Rich defeated Robert Gibson to retain the Memphis title… Billy Robinson defeated Killer Karl Krupp to retain the CWA title.

09-30-1980: New Japan Pro Wrestling: in Tokyo, Japan: Budokan Hall drawing 12,000: WWF World Junior Heavyweight champion Tatsumi Fujinami beat Ron Starr… NWA International Junior Heavyweight champion Kengo Kimura defeated Chavo Guerrero by double count out… WWF heavyweight champion Bob Backlund beat Stan Hansen via DQ… NWF champion Antonio Inoki beat Ken Patera.

10-03-1980: St. Louis, MO: Checkerdome: Attendance 15,464: Mike George wrestler Bob Brown - Time Limit Draw… Bob Sweetan defeats Spike Huber… Kevin Von Erich defeats Takachiho… The Fabulous Moolah & Sandy Partlow defeat Kandi Malloy & Betty Torres 2 falls to 1… NWA Missouri champion Ken Patera wrestled Ted DiBiase - Time Limit Draw… King Kong (Bruiser) Brody & Baron Von Raschke & Dick Murdoch defeat Pat O'Connor & Dick The Bruiser & Rufus R. Jones… NWA World Heavyweight champion Harley Race defeats David Von Erich 2 falls to 1.

10-04-1980: WWF: Boston, MA: Boston Garden: Attendance: 14,200: Rick McGraw defeated Jose Estrada… Tony Garea defeated Larry Zbyszko… Pat Patterson defeated Sika via DQ… Pedro Morales fought WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera to a double DQ… Rick Martel defeated Afa… WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated the Hangman (Neil Guay)… Rene Goulet defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna… Dominic DeNucci defeated Johnny Rodz… Andre the Giant defeated Hulk Hogan.

10-06-1980: Austin Idol defeated Billy Robinson for the Memphis CWA World title in Memphis, TN.

10-07-1980: Full details of the card are not known but in Memphis, TN Austin Idol is awarded the CWA title by forfeit over Billy Robinson after Robinson sustains a knee injury during the match.

10-10-1980: The Fabulous Freebirds (Terry Gordy & Michael Hayes & Buddy Roberts) win the Georgia tag team titles in a three team tournament in Atlanta, GA over Mr. Wrestling I (Tim Woods) & Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) and The Assassins (Jody Hamilton & Randy Colley) at the Omni. In other matches: Terry Taylor defeated Jerry Roberts (Jacques Rougeau)… Stan Lane defeated Steve O… Lars Anderson battled Terry Funk to a draw… Stan Hansen defeated Killer Khan… Mr. Saito defeated Kevin Sullivan… Dennis Condrey defeated Austin Idol by DQ… In a Texas Bullrope Match: Ole Anderson defeated Uvalde Slim (Dusty Rhodes)… NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Dick Slater.

10-11-1980: WWF: Philadelphia, PA: Spectrum: Attendance: 12,183: Televised on the PRISM Network… The Hangman (Neil Guay) defeated Rene Goulet… Dominic DeNucci defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna… Tony Garea defeated Sika via count-out… Pedro Morales defeated Afa… Andre the Giant defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera via count-out… Larry Zbyszko defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund via count-out… Pat Patterson defeated Larry Sharpe.

Bobby Jaggers, managed by Lord Alfred Hayes, wins the Florida title from Bugsy McGraw in Jacksonville, FL.

Jake Roberts defeated Johnny Mantell to win the Louisiana title in Shreveport, LA at KTBS Studios.

10-12-1980: AWA in St. Paul, MN: Attendance 11,679: Buck Zumhofe battled Steve Regal to a draw… Tito Santana beat Chris Markoff… Ray Stevens & Pat Patterson & Nick Bockwinkel beat Greg Gagne & Dino Bravo & Super Destroyer II… The Crusher beat Jerry Blackwell… Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Jesse Ventura & Adrian Adonis.

10-13-1980: Abdullah the Butcher defeated Jumbo Tsuruta for the All Japan United National title.

10-18-1980: Barry Windham & Scott McGhee win a tournament final over The Assassins to win the Florida tag team titles in St. Petersburg, FL.

The first ever Southeastern Championship Wrestling (SECW) championship wrestling program covering all of Alabama airs. SECW had previously existed following the takeover of Gulf Coast Wrestling by Ron Fuller and prior to that in Knoxville, TN but now Fuller has promotional rights from the Smoky Mountains to the Gulf Coast and launches a newly revamped show. Host Charlie Platt... Bob Armstrong defeated The Superstar (Ray Harris)... Tony Charles music video... Interview with Bob Armstrong... Eddie Mansfield defeated Reggie Simpson... Mongolian Stomper hype video... Bob Armstrong promo... Charlie Cook & Ricky Gibson defeated Big C I & II (Don Carson & Dennis Condrey) (NWA Southeastern tag team champions) in a non-title match... Charlie Cook promo... Ron Fuller promo... Eddie Mansfield promo...  (Referee: Bill Sorenson) - Full TV Review Click Here.

WWF: Rochester, NY: War Memorial: Attendance: 5,000: The first wrestling card in Rochester in five years: Angelo Gomez fought Steve King to a draw… Angel Marvilla defeated Johnny Rodz via count-out… The Hangman (Neil Guay) pinned Rick McGraw… Tony Garea defeated Larry Zbyszko via DQ… Sgt. Slaughter pinned Dominic DeNucci… Pedro Morales defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera via count-out.

10-19-1980: Toronto, Canada: Maple Leaf Gardens: Attendance 10,024: Frankie Laine defeats Ben Alexander… The Destroyer (Dick Beyer) wrestled Tony Parisi to a 20 minute draw… Matt Borne & Paul Jones defeat The New Zealand Sheepherders (Butch Miller & Luke Williams)… Angelo Mosca defeats Bobby Duncum with special referee Blackjack Mulligan… Sweet Ebony Diamond (Ricky Johnson) defeats NWA United States champion Greg Valentine by DQ… NWA Canadian Great Hussain Arab defeats Dewey Robertson in a no DQ, no time limit match.

10-20-1980: WWF at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY: Attendance: 20,000: Sgt. Slaughter defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund by DQ… Ken Patera battled Pedro Morales to a no contest… Tony Garea defeated Larry Zbyszko by DQ… Pat Patterson & Dusty Rhodes defeated The Samoans (Afa & Sika)… The Hangman defeated Rick McGraw… Rick Martel defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna… Terry Taylor defeated Jose Estrada… Rene Goulet defeated Johnny Rodz… Dominic DeNucci defeated Larry Sharpe.

Again in Memphis, TN the CWA title changes hands by forfeit when Bobby Eaton wins over Austin Idol.

10-23-1980: Yoshiaki Yatsu joins New Japan. Japan had boycotted the 1980 Olympics held in Russia and Yatsu was slotted to have been on that team.

10-24-1980: Tiger Jeet Singh regains the UWA World title from Antonio Inoki in a match which took place in Okinawa, Japan.

Tony Atlas wins the Georgia title from Dennis Condrey in Atlanta, GA at the Omni. In other matches: Terry Taylor defeated Charlie Fulton… Jim Brunzell defeated Killer Khan… Ole Anderson defeated Stan Hansen… Mr. Wrestling (Tim Woods) & Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated The Assassins (Jody Hamilton & Randy Colley)… Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts & Michael Hayes defeated Jack Brisco & Mike Graham & Kevin Sullivan… Tony Atlas won a battle royal.

10-25-1980: WWF: Landover, MD: Capital Centre: Attendance: 8,275: Rick McGraw defeated Jose Estrada… Tony Garea defeated Afa via DQ… Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Johnny Rodz… Sgt. Slaughter defeated Pat Patterson via count-out… Sika defeated Rene Goulet… WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera via count-out… Rick Martel defeated Frank Savage… Tony Garea defeated Larry Sharpe… Tony Atlas defeated the Hangman (Neil Guay).

10-26-1980: Dusty Rhodes wins the Florida title from Bobby Jaggers in Ft. Lauderdale.

10-27-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN Bill Irwin & Larry Latham defeated Tommy & Eddie Gilbert to win the Southern tag team titles. Billy Robinson defeated Bobby Eaton to win the CWA title.

11-01-1980: Ernie Ladd defeated Dick the Bruiser for the WWA World title in Indianapolis, IN.

Ricky Steamboat defeated the Iron Sheik for the Mid-Atlantic title in Richmond, VA. Also on the show: Roddy Piper wins the NWA TV title from Paul Jones in a tournament for the vacant title.

WWF: Springfield, MA: Civic Center: Attendance: 9,000: Pedro Morales fought WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera to a draw… Larry Zbyszko defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund via DQ… Sika defeated Dominic DeNucci… Johnny Rodz defeated Jose Estrada… Rene Goulet defeated Rick McGraw… Sgt. Slaughter defeated Pat Patterson.

11-02-1980: Toronto, Canada: Maple Leaf Gardens: Attendance 9,000: Tony Parisi defeated Bob Marcus… The Destroyer (Dick Beyers) defeated John Bonello… Dewey Robertson defeated Ben Alexander… NWA Television champion Roddy Piper defeated Frankie Laine… Ric Flair defeated NWA Canadian Heavyweight champion Great Hussein Arab by count out… NWA World tag team champions Ray Stevens & Jimmy Snuka wrestled Paul Jones & Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie) to a time limit draw.

11-03-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN with a crowd of 3,684 Ken Lucas & Ricky Morton defeated Larry Latham & Bill Irwin to win the Southern tag team titles.

New Japan Pro Wrestling: in Tokyo, Japan: Sumo Hall drawing 11,000: Steve Keirn & Jim Garvin beat Kantaro Hoshino & George Takano… Strong Kobayashi beat Ron Starr… Paul Orndorff battled Riki Choshu to a no contest… Seiji Sakaguchi & Tatsumi Fujinami beat Tiger Jeet Singh & Umanosuke Ueda via DQ… Chavo Guerrero beat Kengo Kimura via countout.

11-04-1980: Dory Funk, Jr. wins the Florida title from Dusty Rhodes in Tampa, FL.

11-07-1980:  In St. Louis, MO: Kiel Auditorium drawing 7,980: Akio Sato & Betty Torres beat Bob Brown & Leilani Kai… Spike Huber drew Takachio… Kevin Von Erich pinned Bill Howard… Dick the Bruiser pinned Buzz Tyler… Pat O'Connor & Rufus R Jones beat Bob Sweetan & Mike George… Dory Funk, Jr. pinned Baron Von Raschke… NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race beat WWF champion Bob Backlund in three falls. The third fall was a DQ.

Ernie Ladd & Leroy Brown defeated Junkyard Dog & Terry Orndorff to win the Mid-South tag team titles in Shreveport, LA at the Civic Center.

11-08-1980: Rick Martel & Tony Garea defeated The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) for the WWF World tag team titles in Philadelphia, PA.

AWA in Chicago, IL: Bobby Heenan beat El Bracero… Mad Dog Vachon beat Ali Hassan… Tito Santana beat Roger Kirby… Steve Regal battled Spike Huber to a draw… Wilbur Snyder beat Dick Murdoch by DQ… Nick Bockwinkel beat Pat O'Connor… Verne Gagne battled Billy Robinson to a double DQ… Bruiser Brody & Ernie Ladd beat Dick the Bruiser & Andre the Giant.

11-10-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN with a small crowd of 3,109 Ken Lucas & Ricky Morton went to a double DQ with Bill Irwin & Scott Irwin and the Southern tag team titles were held up.

11-13-1980: Bob Armstrong wins a tournament for the Alabama title in Birmingham, AL. NWA Alabama title tournament:  Mr. Wrestling II verses Don Carson...  Robert Fuller verses Mongolian Stomper...  Bob Armstrong verses Ron Bass...  Norvell Austin verses Jerry Stubbs...  Charlie Cook verses Super Pro (Randy Rose)...  Lou Thesz verses Jerry Brown...  Jos LeDuc verses Mike Masters...  Roy Lee Welch verses Les Thornton (NWA World Junior heavyweight champion)...  Bob Armstrong won the NWA Alabama title. (This was the first Southeastern Championship Wrestling branded card in Birmingham, AL) - Click here for the entire month of SECW.

11-14-1980: The Georgia tag team titles are held up following a match between the champions The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) and Austin Idol & Kevin Sullivan at the Omni in Atlanta. The titles are subsequently replaced by the NWA National tag team titles which are filled on November 27 in a tournament. In other matches: Steve O defeated Tom Stanton… Ray Candy defeated The Assassin II (Randy Colley) by DQ… Steve Keirn & Terry Taylor defeated Charlie Fulton & Roger Mason (Roger Smith)… Mr. Saito defeated Jerry Oates… Jim Brunzell defeated Dennis Condrey… Ted DiBiase defeated Killer Khan… Tony Atlas defeated Ole Anderson… Jack Brisco defeated Terry Gordy to retain the NWA National title.

11-15-1980: WWF: Baltimore, MD: Civic Center: Attendance: 11,800: Rick McGraw fought Johnny Rodz to a draw… Larry Sharpe pinned Rene Goulet… Jose Estrada pinned Angel Marvilla… Tony Atlas pinned the Hangman (Neil Guay)… WWF tag team champions Tony Garea & Rick Martel defeated the Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika)… Pedro Morales defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera via DQ… WWF champion Bob Backlund fought Sgt. Slaughter to a double DQ.

11-17-1980: In Memphis, TN at the Mid-South Coliseum: Ken Lucas & Ricky Morton beat Bill & Scott Irwin to win the held-up Southern tag team titles.

11-18-1980: In Tampa, FL at the State Fairgrounds: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race battled Manny Fernandez to a draw.

11-19-1980: In Ft. Myers, FL at the Lee County Arena: Mike Graham defeated NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race by DQ.

11-20-1980: In Jacksonville, FL at the Coliseum: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Bugsy McGraw.

11-21-1980: Ted DiBiase defeats Ken Patera for the NWA Missouri title in St. Louis.

In Hollywood, FL at the Sportatorium: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race battled Dory Funk, Jr. to a draw.

11-23-1980: In Orlando, FL at the Eddie Graham Sports Stadium: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race battled Barry Windham to a draw.

11-24-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN with a crowd of 3,449 Roger Kirby & Guy Mitchell defeated Ken Lucas & Ricky Morton to win the Southern tag team titles.

Ric Flair defeats Greg Valentine for the NWA U.S. title in Greenville, NC.

11-27-1980: NWA/JCP: Thanksgiving Night: Greensboro Coliseum: Attendance 12,000: Abe Jacobs wrestled Rick Ferrara to a Time Limit Draw… SD Jones defeats Ben Alexander… Candi Malloy defeats Wendi Richter… NWA Television champion Roddy Piper defeats Johnny Weaver… NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team champions The Sheepherders (Butch Miller & Luke Williams) defeat Dewey Robertson & Matt Borne… NWA United States champion Ric Flair defeats Greg Valentine in a steel cage match… Paul Jones & The Masked Superstar defeat NWA World tag team champions Jimmy Snuka & Ray Stevens in a steel cage match to win the titles.

In Atlanta, GA: The Omni: Attendance 16,000: The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Buddy Roberts) defeated Stan Frazier (AKA: Uncle Elmer) & Robert Fuller to become the first NWA National tag team champions at the Omni in Atlanta. In other matches: Robert Fuller & Stan Frazier defeated Killer Khan & Afa… Ole & Gene Anderson defeated Kevin Sullivan & Austin Idol… Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts defeated Jack & Jerry Brisco… Robert Fuller & Stan Frazier defeated Ole & Gene Anderson… Steve Keirn & Terry Taylor defeated Steve O & Jerry Roberts (Jacques Rougeau)… Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts defeated Steve Keirn & Terry Taylor… Bob Armstrong defeated Mr. Saito… NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race battled Tony Atlas to a no contest.

At the Superdome in New Orleans, LA: Attendance: 18,000: Ernie Ladd defeated Paul Orndorff in a lights out match… The Grappler (Len Denton) defeated Killer Karl Kox… Junkyard Dog & Bill Watts defeated Ernie Ladd & Leroy Brown… Dusty Rhodes defeated Ivan Koloff… Ted DiBiase defeated Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin)… Jake Roberts defeated Paul Ellering… Ray Candy & Wahoo McDaniel defeated The Turk & The Angel… Jimmy Garvin defeated Terry Latham… Cocoa Samoa defeated Mike Miller.

AWA: Minneapolis, MN: Auditorium: Attendance 9,187: Tito Santana defeats Steve Regal… Big John Studd defeats Dino Bravo… Bobby Heenan wrestled Buck Zumhofe to a No Contest… Jerry Blackwell defeats Mad Dog Vachon… Greg Gagne & The Crusher defeat AWA World tag team champions The East-West Connection (Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura) by DQ.

11-29-1980: Kevin Sullivan defeats Steve Keirn for the NWA National TV title in Atlanta, GA.

In Shreveport, LA: Killer Karl Kox defeated The Grappler (Len Denton) for the Mississippi title.

In St. Petersburg, FL at the Bayfront Center: Dick Murdoch defeated NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race by DQ.

12-04-1980: Promoter Jerry Jarrett holds a show in Lynnville, IN which has a population of 556 people. The show featuring Tommy Rich and Jimmy Valiant draws 1,250 people.

12-06-1980: The Mongolian Stomper (Archie Gouldie) managed by Don Carson wins the NWA National title from Jack Brisco in Atlanta, GA.

AWA in Chicago, IL: Paul Christy beat Juan Valez… Rufus R. Jones beat Ben Deleon… Jerry Graham, Jr beat Chief Bold Eagle… Wilbur Snyder beat Ali Hassan… Spike Huber battled Bruiser Brody to a draw… Crusher Blackwell & John Studd beat Mad Dog Vachon & The Crusher… Dick the Bruiser beat Ernie Ladd.

12-07-1980: Dennis Condrey & Randy Rose begin teaming in Southeastern Championship Wrestling. Originally just billed as “cousins” Rose and Condrey, they soon began teaming under the name the Midnight Express. Eventually, they become a trio adding Norvell Austin. Over the years various other people have teamed up to be the Midnight Express including Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton, Eaton & Stan Lane, and others.

12-08-1980: WWF at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY: Attendance: 20,011: Bruno Sammartino defeated Sgt. Slaughter by count out… Pedro Morales defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Patera to win the title… Ernie Ladd battled Tony Atlas to a double count out… Rick Martel & Tony Garea defeated The Samoans (Afa & Sika)… The Moondogs (King & Rex) defeated Rick McGraw & Angel Maravilla… Larry Zbyszko defeated Dominic DeNucci… Johnny Rodz defeated Sylvano Sousa.

12-10-1980: Antonio Inoki & Bob Backlund defeat Hulk Hogan & Stan Hansen to win the MSG Tag League tournament in Osaka, Japan. Prefectural Gymnasium. Attendance 8,500.

12-11-1980: Jerry Lawler returns after having re-injured his broken leg. Jerry Lawler has missed most of 1980 with injury. He teams up with his cousin Carl Fergie in Lexington, KY to defeat Bobby Eaton & Jimmy Hart. For whatever reason he does not return to Memphis at the Mid-South Coliseum show on December 15 and the attendance drops to an abysmal 2,789.

In Shreveport, LA at the Irish McNeill’s Boys Club: Killer Karl Kox defeated The Grappler (Len Denton) to win the Mississippi title.

All-Japan Pro Wrestling: in Tokyo, Japan: Sumo Hall drawing 11,500: Yoshihiro Momota & Mitsuo Momota beat Mr. Hayashi & Shiro Koshinaka… Mr. Sakurada pinned Masao Ito… Motoshi Okuma & Great Kojika beat Prince Tonga & Rocky Hata… Dick Slater pinned Jim Brunzell… Ricky Steamboat beat Les Thornton via countout… Nick Bockwinkel drew Billy Robinson… Abdullah the Butcher & Tor Kamata battled The Sheik & The Great Mephisto to a double count out… Giant Baba & Jumbo Tsuruta beat Terry & Dory Funk, Jr. via countout to win the 1980 Real World Tag League tournament.

12-12-1980: Dewey Robertson (AKA: Missing Link) & George Wells win the Mid-Atlantic tag team titles from The Sheepherders (Luke Williams & Butch Miller) in Richmond, VA.

At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Joyce Grable won a women’s battle royal… Jerry Brisco defeated Killer Khan… Judy Martin defeated Winona Little Heart… Ted DiBiase defeated The Assassin I (Jody Hamilton)… Kevin Sullivan defeated Steve Keirn… Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated Mr. Saito in a $5,000 match… Mongolian Stomper defeated Jack Brisco to win the NWA National title… Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts defeated Robert Fuller & Stan Frazier… Bill Watts defeated Ole Anderson with special referee Bobo Brazil.

AWA in St. Paul, MN: Juan Valez beat Kenny Jay… Tito Santana beat Ben Deleon… Dino Bravo beat Steve Regal… Big John Studd beat Mad Dog Vachon… Greg Gagne & Buck Zumhofe & The Crusher beat Jesse Ventura & Adrian Adonis & Bobby Heenan… Verne Gagne beat Jerry Blackwell.

In Los Angeles, CA: John Tolos & The Assassin beat Tom Prichard & Al Madril to win the Americas tag team titles loser leaves town match.

12-13-1980: WWF: Philadelphia, PA: Spectrum: Attendance: 7,742: (Afternoon Show) Televised on the PRISM Network: Johnny Rodz defeated Rick Stallone… The Moondogs (Rex & King) defeated Rick McGraw & Steve King… Sgt. Slaughter defeated Dominic DeNucci… Tony Atlas fought Larry Zbyszko to a double DQ… WWF tag team champions Tony Garea & Rick Martel defeated the Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika)… WWF Intercontinental champion Pedro Morales defeated Ernie Ladd via DQ… Bruno Sammartino defeated Ken Patera.

WWF: Boston, MA: Boston Garden: Attendance: 11,115: Don Serrano defeated Dave Darrow… Sylvano Sousa defeated Joe Crugnale… Jim Duggan defeated Pete Doherty… Rick Martel defeated Fred Marzino… Hulk Hogan defeated Rick McGraw… WWF Intercontinental champion Pedro Morales defeated Afa… WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Sgt. Slaughter via count-out… Ken Patera fought Pat Patterson to a double count-out… Tony Atlas defeated Ernie Ladd.

12-14-1980: In Orlando, FL at the Eddie Graham Sports Stadium: NWA World heavyweight champion Harley Race defeated Barry Windham.

12-22-1980: At the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN Bill Dundee & Tommy Rich defeat Guy Mitchell & Roger Kirby to win the Southern tag team titles. Jerry Lawler is not on this show either. In fact, Lawler wrestled only twice this month, once in Lexington, KY and once in Tupelo, MS with Carl Fergie as his tag team partner against Bobby Eaton & Jimmy Hart. Attendance at the Mid-South Coliseum remains a poor 3,761.

12-24-1980: Beth Phoenix is born.

12-25-1980: At the Omni in Atlanta, GA: Steve O defeated Tom Stanton… Terry Taylor defeated Alexis Smirnoff… Steve Keirn defeated The Assassin I (Jody Hamilton)… Jos LeDuc defeated Jerry Brisco… Tony Atlas defeated Kevin Sullivan… Mongolian Stomper defeated Jack Brisco… In a No DQ match: Ted DiBiase & Robert Fuller & Stan Frazier defeated Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts & Michael Hayes… In a Judo Jacket Match: Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker) defeated Mr. Saito… Ted DiBiase won a 2 ring battle royal.

12-26-1980: Jerry Lawler wrestles again, this time in Tupelo, MS in a handicap match defeating Bobby Eaton & Jimmy Hart.

12-27-1980: WWF: Springfield, MA: Civic Center: Attendance: 8,500: Jim Duggan defeated Don Serrano… Dave Darrow defeated Fred Marzino… The Hangman (Neil Guay) defeated Pete Doherty… The Moondogs (Rex & King) defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Pedro Morales & Dominic DeNucci… SD Jones pinned Jim Duggan… Tony Atlas defeated Larry Zbyszko via count-out… World Women's Champion the Fabulous Moolah & Joyce Grable defeated Peggy Lee & Candi Malloy… Sgt. Slaughter defeated WWF champion Bob Backlund via count-out.

WWF: Baltimore, MD: Civic Center: Attendance: 10,500: Yoshiaki Yatsu fought Baron Mikel Scicluna to a draw… Rick Martel pinned Larry Sharpe… Tony Garea pinned Bulldog Brower… Killer Khan pinned Rick McGraw… Steve King & Angelo Gomez defeated Johnny Rodz & Jose Estrada… Andre the Giant defeated Hulk Hogan via count-out… Bruno Sammartino defeated Ken Patera via referee's decision after Patera suffered a knee injury.

Cesaro (Claudio Castagnoli) is born.

12-29-1980: WWF at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY: Attendance: 19,000: WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Killer Khan… WWF Intercontinental champion Pedro Morales defeated The Hangman… Antonio Inoki defeated Bobby Duncum… Pat Patterson defeated Ken Patera by DQ… Tony Atlas defeated Ernie Ladd in a Texas Death Match… Rick Martel & Tony Garea defeated The Moondogs (Rex & King) by DQ… Hulk Hogan defeated Dominic DeNucci… WWF World Junior champion Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Don Diamond… Seiji Sakaguchi battled Samoan Sika to a no contest… Yoshiaki Yatsu defeated Jose Estrada… Ivan Putski defeated Samoan Afa… Fabulous Moolah & Joyce Grable defeated Candy Malloy & Peggy Lee.

Jerry Lawler returns to the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN. The crowd jumps from 3,761 to 11,069. Results: Jerry Lawler defeated The Dream Machine (Troy Graham) and gets five minutes alone against Jimmy Hart… Jerry Lawler defeated Jimmy Hart… Bill Dundee & Tommy Rich defeated Roger Kirby & Guy Mitchell in a loser leaves town match… Tony Charles & Ricky Morton & Sonny King & Carl Fergie & Tommy Gilbert defeated Jimmy Valiant & Tojo Yamamoto & Gypsy Joe & The Angel (Frank Morell) & Bill Irwin… Jimmy Valiant defeated Carl Fergie… Tony Charles defeated Bill Irwin… Tommy Gilbert defeated The Angel by DQ… Sonny King & Ricky Morton defeated Gypsy Joe & Tojo Yamamoto.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter Wrestler of the Year: Harley Race

Wrestling Observer Newsletter Feud of the Year: Bruno Sammartino verses Larry Zbyszko

Wrestling Observer Newsletter Tag Team of the Year: The Fabulous Freebirds

Wrestling Observer Newsletter Most Improved Wrestler of the Year: Larry Zbyszko

Pro Wrestling Illustrated Wrestler of the Year: Bob Backlund

Pro Wrestling Illustrated Tag Team of the Year: Ray Stevens & Jimmy Snuka

Pro Wrestling Illustrated Most Improved of the Year: Tony Atlas

Bob Backlund - WWF champion

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DragonKingKarl (Karl Stern) is a long time pro wrestling historian who has been published in books, newsletters, and podcasts since the mid-1990s.

The Ultimate History of Pro Wrestling Zone is Karl Stern's attempt to chronicle the entire history of pro wrestling and is a work in progress with hundreds of pages of text added each month.

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Pro wrestling history. The history of professional wrestling. Timeline of pro wrestling history.