Friday, March 8, 2024

Southern Discomfort: Wrestling on the Indie Circuit


Southern Discomfort: Wrestling on the Indie Circuit is a wrestling documentary that was released on November 26, 2002.  I can't recall the first time that I watched film but I know for sure is that I love it!  I've owned the DVD for over 20 years and recently decided to take a dive into it's background.
The movie was released in November 2002 but as you can see on the poster the wrestling matches were filmed at Saks High School, August 19, 1995 in Anniston, Alabama.


What I find unique is that this was filmed during a time when code of kayfabe was still heavily followed in the wrestling world.  The wrestlers on this documentary didn't break character at all, Bambi was selling her ass off in the back after her match.  Fast forward over 7 years later when it came out and kayfabe is all but dead, not knowing this was filmed in 1995 people probably thought it was odd.  

I can't say enough how much I love it, it gave is a rare look at indie wrestling from 1995.  Over 400 fans packed into a high school gym with temperatures over 100 degrees for a night of professional wrestling! 

Fred Olen Ray who appears on the show as Freddie Valentine, is a producer, writer, and director of over 200 low to medium budget films in various genres.  The man you see at the beginning of the film hanging posters on telephone poles and the side of a barn is David F. Friedman an Alabama native and film producer and writer of dozens of B movie and sexploitation films.  David passed away on February 14, 2011.


The promotion putting on the matches on this night is Dixie Championship Wrestling, I cannot find any other shows from this promotion.  However Fred Olen Ray ran All-Star Championship Wrestling out of California and competed in several deathmatches under the name Freddie Valentine.  A DVD of his matches was released in 2001 under the name ACW Wrestling's Wildest Matches.


I cannot find a listing for the entire card but this is what I've been able to piece together.

Cliff Badd vs. Jack Lord 

NWA World Women's Champion: Bambi pinned Peggy Lee Leather with a cross body block off the second rope

The Iron Sheik with Tony The Godfather submitted The Power Raider with the camel clutch

“Bullet” Bob Armstrong pinned The Flame with "Fabulous" Freddie Valentine

Shane Anderson with Tony The Godfather pinned Big Boss Hoss 

Shanghai Pierce wrestled “Nasty” Steve Lane with Miss Susie to a double count-out

A Masked Wrestler won a Battle Royale that unmasked, revealing himself as Rick Montana

The only wrestlers I had heard of who are featured in the film are The Iron Sheik, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, Peggy Lee Leather, and Bambi aka Selina Majors.  Peggy Lee and Bambi beat the tar out of each other in their match, it was very hard hitting. 

The wrestler Shanghai Pierce in the film is credited as being Mark Canterbury aka Henry O. Godwinn on IMDB, however it is not.  Yes Canterbury wrestled under that name, however in 1995 when this was filmed he was in the WWF.  He also has a tattoo on his upper left arm that is not present on this Shanghai Pierce.  Mark Womack was one of the referees for the night.  Almost every wrestler had a title belt.

During one interview segment with Shane Anderson you can see the Iron Sheik urinate in the sink in the background, he's back too to the camera.  
  
Rick Montana

Rick Montana, who passed way April 19, 2018, was an actor, authors, filmmaker and host of the Rick Montana Show, is a focal point of the film.  He is the ring rental, ring crew, ring announcer, and battle royal winner.

The Flame

Frank Barnhill, a local restaurant owner by day, evil fireball throwing wrestler by night, under the name The Flame was managed by Freddie Valentine on the show.  He opened his owner wrestling promotion in 1998 in Alabama.  He passed away on May 7, 2005.  

The Power Raider, Ted Lipscomb passed away August 19 2010.  He more famously wrestled at "The Nightmare" Ted Allen. 

The Iron Sheik passed away June 7, 2023

"Bullet" Bob Armstrong passed away August 27, 2020

Peggy Lee Leather passed away May 22, 2023


It was released under the name Alabama Outlaws: Wrestling on the Indie Circuit on Amazon Prime Video.  This version of the film has 25 minutes of footage added to the documentary.  I watched it tonight and the added footage doesn't really add to the overall story that is being told.  It's extended wrestlers interviews, extended footage of the matches, and more fan reaction.  It's essentially more of the same footage that was already shown, no other matches were shown or wrestlers interviewed that were not in the first version.
 

On November 18, 2014 it was re-released on DVD under the name Iron Sheik "The Maim Event".  The feature is the same uncut version with the extra footage however it has a two bonus features a Freddie Valentine highlight video and a Bloody Bonus Hardcore Match - Abdullah the Butcher vs Fabulous Freddie Valentine that took place in 2000.  

I found newspaper article from the August 21, 1995 Anniston Star talking about the show and the documentary.



Overall it's a fun look at a night of wrestling in Alabama in 1995, it's really what independent wrestling is all about.  


Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my new book Limitless Wrestling: The First Five Years, or any of my other books as well.  


Until next time!!

Bonus: I found this review for the film on IMDB:

behind the story
djmarkspinzinc21 July 2009
I was the Ref in this movie and had a great time doing it, it will always take me back to the days when I was helping rick Montana haul this heavy ring in and out of high schools and National guard armory's all over Alabama. I met some great guys and some not so great guys, I met famous and infamous all in the same night. Some made it but more were left at ringside broken and bloody made to work for $20.00 and a hot dog per night.

I live in the same town as David F. Friedman and use to go see him often but have not in a while, Great man with hundreds of stories and plenty of things in his personal collection to share with you if you stop in.

Watch this movie if you want to see a real "outlaw" show and how it was put together.

Thursday, February 29, 2024

The Cost of Being A Wrestling Fan February 2024

Let's take a look at my February 2024 spending on my beloved professional wrestling.


This months total also includes purchases for the Indie-mania trip to Philly in April.  If you remove that total of $316.06 then February expenses was $323.87.

I went to 2 wrestling events with Hockey/Wrestling and Limitless wrestling tickets totaling $110.65.  The extra expenses associated with those shows totaled $106.56. 

Streaming services for wrestling was $35.97 plus by portion of the AEW PPV $13.19.  An oddity is $12 to pay the domain fee for this website.  The remaining was for wrestling related merchandise $46.23 that bought me trading cards that I hope to get signed, the A24 Iron Claw zine, which is pretty dang cool, and an old original ECW Home Video VHS from 1995 of Double Tables, it was $20 and I'm happy to add this to my collection.  It wasn't on my radar but wrestler Troy Nelson was selling it at Limitless.   

I'm happy with my February total, I don't think it's excessive if you take out the Philly monies spent.  April will be pricey.

March there is no Limitless or Let's Wrestle so I don't think the local expenses will be all that high.

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book Limitless Wrestling: The First Five Years, or any of my other books as well.  

Until next time!  

Monday, February 26, 2024

Maine's Wrestling History February

Randy from Limitless Wrestling asked me about February wrestling events Maine for a zine he's putting together for his February 24th Limitless show. What started as trying to find hold unique shows snowballed into trying to find a show for everyday of the month, into this list that you see here. It took much longer that I anticipated it would to so I do not see this becoming a monthly. I am only listing the main events of the shows and not the entire card. There are more shows out there, just don't have access to all of the results.
Days of the month with no shows 1st & the 18th.
Oldest show February 22, 1932
Most recent show February 24, 2024

February 2
2003 Atlas Championship Wrestling, Bridgton Old Town Hall
Trinity Campbell won a battle royal

February 3


1976 WWWF at the Portland Expo

Ivan Koloff & Billy Graham defeated Louis Cerdan & Tony Parisi 2 falls to 1


2004 New Wrestling Horizons, Skip’s Bar, Buxton

Dan Lamontagne with Legion Cage defeated Robbie Ellis


2005 New Wrestling Horizons, Skip’s Bar, Buxton

Cameron Mathews defeated Jerrelle Clark


2007 NWA/AWA North Atlantic Lincoln

Blackjack Wild, Samy Clay & Sonny Roselli defeated Donny Dangerous, Larry Huntley, & The Northern Outlaw


2012 Intergalactic Wrestling Fairfield Community Center

Johnny Primer defeated Vince Beach


2024 EWA: Eastern Wrestling Alliance, Sanford Memorial Gymnasium

Tommy Dreamer defeated Ricky Smokes


2024 ¡Let’s Wrestle! Calais High School

Alexander Lee & Samuel Matthews defeated "Belfast Bulldog" Dave Dyer & Samuel Radcliff


February 4


1969 WWWF Lewiston Armory

2 out of 3 falls: Gorilla Monsoon & Killer Kowalski wrestled Haystacks Calhoun & Victor Rivera to a double count-out


1975 WWWF Lewiston Armory

Chief Jay Strongbow & Spiros Arion vs. Tag Team Champions Jimmy & Johnny Valiant



1976  WWWF at the Bangor Auditorium 

Ivan Koloff defeated Ivan Putski


1983 WWF Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland

“Soulman” Rocky Johnson defeated “Playboy” Buddy Rose 


2005 NWA New England Elks Lodge, Sanford

NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion: Jason Rumble defeated Jerrelle Clark


2011 IWA Fairfield Community Center

Heavyweight Champion: “Mass Appeal” Jay Jaillet defeated Jimmy Capone with Marion Lawless


2023 ¡Let’s Wrestle! Indoor Flea Market, Brewer

“World Class” Channing Thomas with Sidney Bakabella pinned Gangrel while Bakabella held his foot


2024 Mariner’s Wrestling / EWA Cross Insurance Arena, Portland

Dirty Dango, Scotty 2 Hotty, “Innovator of Violence” Tommy Dreamer and Colt Cabana defeated Shannon Moore, Ace Romero, Heath Miller, & Brian Myers when Dango pinned Miller


February 5


1974 WWWF Portland Expo

Chief Jay Strongbow pinned Larry Hennig at 21:03


1975 WWWF Bangor Auditorium

Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Butcher Vachon


2010 NWA On Fire Lisbon Falls High School

Heavyweight Champion: Bobby Robinson defeated Tommy Mack


2022 ¡Let’s Wrestle! Morgan Hill Event Center, Herman

Mac Daniels won the 30 person ¡Let’s Wrestle! Rumble last eliminating Channing Thomas to win the ¡Let’s Wrestle! Championship


February 6



1968 WWWF Lewiston Armory

Edouard Carpentier defeated “Crazy” Luke Graham


1974 WWWF Bangor Auditorium

Don Leo Jonathan defeated Chief Jay Strongbow


1979 WWWF Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland

Heavyweight Champion: Bob Backlund & Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Ivan Koloff and High Cheif Peter Maivia


2009 NWA On-Fire Fairfield Community Center

Sonny Roselli & Miss Taylor defeated Cousin Larry & Adrianna


2010 NWA On Fire, New Begin Gym, Gray

Da Hoodz: Davey Cash & Kris Pyro defeated Biff Busick & Julian Starr


2015 IWE Cityside Restaurant, Brewer 

Scott Wild defeated Heavyweight Champion: Tommy Mack to win the championship


February 7


1968 WWWF Bangor Auditorium

Texas Death Match: Bull Ramos defeated Edouard Carpentier


1978 WWWF Portland Expo

Bob Backlund defeated Ken Patera


1979 WWWF Bangor Auditorium

World Champion: Bob Backlund defeated Ivan Koloff by pinfall


2009 IWA Dino’s Pizza, Brewer

I Quit Match: Twin Cities Champion: Johnny Primer defeated Jimmy Capone


2009 NWA On Fire Mexico Community Center

Four Way Elimination Match: The Latin Hit Squad: Chico & Nico defeat Tag Team Champions: The Samoan Warriors: Fala & Makua and The Playa's Club: Bobby Robinson & Davey Boy Bling and The Logan Brothers: Bryan Logan & Matt Logan to win the titles


2015 IWA Thatcher’s Restaurant, South Portland

Heavyweight Champion: Scott Wild defeated Ace Romero


February 8


1937 Pro Wrestling, Portland

2 out of 3 falls: Nick Lutze defeated Gus Sonnenberg by disqualification 


1971

WWWF Lewiston Armory

Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Bulldog Brower


1978 WWWF Bangor Auditorium

14-man, $5,000 battle royal including Bob Backlund, Ken Patera, Chief Jay Strongbow, Spiros Arion, Peter Maivia, Mr. Fuji, Prof. Toru Tanaka, Tony Garea, Larry Zbyszko, and others


2005 New Wrestling Horizons, Skip’s Bar, Buxton

Heavyweight Champion: Ric Daniels defeated Kenny Omega


2008 North Atlantic Wrestling Association Milbridge

Chase San Antone defeated Spongie The Showman


2009 NWA On Fire Nasson Community Center, Sanford

Chase Del Monte defeated Cousin Larry


2020 ¡Let’s Wrestle! American Legion Post 84, Orono

Tag Team Champions: The Stigma: Eric Johnson & Brandino Davis defeated Maine State Posse: Aiden Aggro & The DangerKid


February 9


2006, New Wrestling Horizons, VFW Hall, Old Town

Scotty "By God" Vegas defeated Cruiserweight Champion: Robbie Ellis to win the title


2018 IWE Fairfield Community Center

Ian Griffin w/ Alex Cain & Sara D’Errico pinned “Alpha Dog” Jason Rumble after hitting him with a foreign object


February 10


2004 New Wrestling Horizons, Skip’s Bar, Buxton

Dan Lamontagne defeated Chong Li


February 11


2012 NWA On Fire Rumford Armory

Makua defeated Mark Shurman by disqualification


February 12


1934 Pro wrestling, Portland

2 out of 3 falls NWA World Champion: Jim Londos defeated Hal Rumberg in 2 straight falls


1982 WWF Lewiston Armory

Tony Atlas defeated Killer Khan by count-out


1989 WWF Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland

Hulk Hogan defeated The Big Boss Man by Count-out


2005 New Wrestling Horizons Newbegin Center, Gray

“Enforcer” Larry Huntley & Cathy Friendly defeated Mark Moment & Joe McBrady

Opening match: Triple Threat: Cameron Mathews defeated Kenny Omega & Danny Dugan


February 13

2004 New Wrestling Horizons, Fairfield Community Center

Bullmoose Calhoun & Steve Rupard defeated Tag Team Champions: The Elite: Sonny Roselli & Larry Huntley by disqualifications


2010 IWE Dino’s Pizza, Brewer

Jimmy Capone & Scotty Vegas defeated Robbie Ellis & Sonny Roselli


February 14


2003 Maine Event Wrestling Norway Armory

Gran Akuma wrestled Matt Linday to a no contest


February 15


1977 WWWF Portland Expo

Ken Patera defeated Ivan Putski by count-out


2002 Eastern Wrestling Alliance Stevens Ave Armory, Portland

Ladder Match: “Mr Muscles” Frankie Armadillo with Dr. Everett Payne defeated Hardcore Champion: Adam Booker with Miss Kristy to win the title 


2003 Maine Event Wrestling Waterville Armory

“Grandmaster Sexy” Brian Christopher pinned Reckless Youth


2005 New Wrestling Horizons, Skip’s Bar, Buxton

NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion: Jason Rumble defeated Cameron Mathews


February 16


1977 WWWF Bangor Auditorium

Tony Garea defeated Doug Gilbert


2002 Rampage Pro Wrestling, The Armory, Presque Isle

T-Bone Jones defeated Legion Cage


2006, New Wrestling Horizons, VFW Hall, Old Town

Lumberjack Strap Match: Heavyweight Champion: Sonny Roselli & Maine State Champion: Canadian Moondog: Mark Moment defeated Larry Huntley & Hardware


February 17

1970 WWWF Lewiston Armory

Victor Rivera defeated Waldo von Erich by count-out


2004 New Wrestling Horizons, Skip’s Bar, Buxton

Last Man Standing: Steve Rupard defeated Larry Huntley


February 19


1973 WWWF Foxcraft Academy, Dover-Foxcroft

Chief Jay Strongbow wrestled Moondog Mayne double DQ



1978 WWF Lewiston Armory

Cowboy Lang & Lone Eagle defeated Little Tokyo & Dirty Morgan


2000 Eastern Wrestling Alliance Multi-Purpose Center, Lewiston

Alexander Worthington the 3rd with Dominic defeated Heavyweight Champion: “Delicious” Dave Vicious with Master Sandy to win the championship


2011 NWA On Fire Grange Hall, Lewiston

Tag Team Champions: The Dream Team: Chris Steeler & Justin Corino defeated The Dynasty: Brian Fury & DC Dillinger 


February 20


1973 WWWF Lewiston Armory

Chief Jay Strongbow defeated King Curtis


1980 WWF Waterville Armory

Ivan Putski defeated Bobby Duncum 


2008 AWA North Atlantic Fairfield Community Center

AWA United States Champion: Ricky Landell pinned “Enforcer” Larry Huntley


2011 NWA On Fire Mexico Community Center

Brian Fury defeated Apolo with guest referee DC Dillinger to win the vacant Heavyweight Championship


February 21


1973 WWWF Waterville Armory

Chief Jay Strongbow & Sonny King vs. King Curtis & Moondog Mayne


1998 Eastern Wrestling Alliance Livermore Falls High School

Dave Vicious & a partner defeated Mike Bell & Donnie Rotten


2007 NWH/AWA North Atlantic Fairfield Community Center

AWA World Heavyweight Champion: “King of Old School” Steve Corino defeated Cameron Mathews with a lariat in 26 minutes 


February 22


1932 Pro Wrestling, City Hall, Lewiston

2 out of 3 Falls Gus Sonnenberg defeated Jack Wagner 2 falls to 1

 

2002 Eastern Wrestling Alliance Auburn Middle School

Heavyweight Champion: Dr. Heresy defeated “Dancing Devil” Damian Houston


2003 Eastern Wrestling Alliance Stevens Ave Armory, Portland

Triple Threat Ladder Match: Elements of Suicide: Cinna & Onyx defeated Mind and Matter: Dr. Heresy & Maverick Wild and Hardcore Institute: “Mr Muscles” Frankie Armadillo & Kid Krazy to win the vacant Tag Team Championships


2005 New Wrestling Horizons, Skip’s Bar, Buxton

Dangerous Donny & Larry Huntey defeated Tag Team Champions: Danny Dangerous & Gino Martino with Quentin Michaels to win the championships


2014 IWE Cityside Restaurant, Brewer 

Falls Count Anywhere: Scott Vegas defeated Joseph Primer


2018 Victory Championship Wrestling Can-Am, Ed Pellon Center, Machias

Jeff defeated Backwoods, Calvin Campbell, & Kid TNT to win the vacant Cruiserweight Championship


2020 Limitless Wrestling AMVets Yarmouth

Limitless Wrestling Champion: Retro Anthony Greene pinned “Dirty Daddy” Chris Dickinson


February 23


2006, New Wrestling Horizons, VFW Hall, Old Town

Hardware and Bullmoose Calhoun defeated Tag Team Champions: Alex Chamberlain and Eric Atlas to win the championships


2013, Primer Inc Presents, Capehart Rec Center, Bangor

Extreme Rules: Mad Man Kareem & New Jack defeated Larry Wilder & Rob Marsh


February 24


1976 WWWF Portland Expo

Tag Team Champions: Tony Parisi & Louis Cerdan defeated Ivan Koloff & Capt. Lou Albano in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-1; fall #1: both teams were disqualified when all four men were brawling in the ring; fall #2: the champions won when Albano was deemed unable to continue due to blood loss after Cerdan rammed Albano’s head into the ring post


2004 New Wrestling Horizons, Skip’s Bar, Buxton

Dan Lamontange defeated Maine State Champion: Legion Cage to win the Championship




2024
Limitless Wrestling AMVets Yarmouth Heavyweight Champion: "World Class" Channing Thomas with Sidney Bakabella defeated "Iron" Rip Byson


February 25


1969 WWWF Portland Expo

World Champion: Bruno Sammartino defeated Gorilla Monsoon


1975 WWWF Portland Expo

Chief Jay Strongbow fought Spiros Arion to a double disqualification


1976 WWWF Bangor Auditorium

2 out of 3 Falls: Tag Team Champions: Louis Cerdan & Tony Parisi defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna & Bugsy McGraw in two straight falls


2004 New Wrestling Horizons, John Stone Gym, Bangor

Heavyweight Champion: Bullmoose Calhoun defeated Sonny Roselli


2005 New Wrestling Horizons, Fairfield Community Center

Fans Bring The Weapons: Hardware defeated Heavyweight Champion: Rick Daniels to win the championship


2017 Limitless Wrestling, American Legion Post 84, Orono

Take Me Home Tonight: Ace Romero & Anthony Greene defeated Maine State Posse: Aiden Aggro & The DangerKid


February 26


1974 WWWF Portland Expo

Chief Jay Strongbow, WWWF Tag Team Champions Dean Ho & Tony Garea defeated Mr. Fuji, Larry Hennig, & Don Leo Jonathan in a Best 3 out of 5 falls match, winning the last fall via disqualification; Gorilla Monsoon was the guest referee for the bout


1974 WWWF Bangor Auditorium

Hans Schroeder & Joe Nova defeated El Olympico & John Tzinas in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match


1995 WWF Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland

World Champion: Diesel defeated Bam Bam Bigelow


2005 Atlas Championship Wrestling, Ramada Inn, Lewiston


2005 New Wrestling Horizons, Oakfield Community Center

First Blood Match: Marcus Hall defeated Maine State Champion: Sonny Roselli to win the title


2021 Limitless Dojo Student Showcase

The DangerKid pinned “Belfast Bulldog” Dave Dyer


2022 Limitless Wrestling AMVets Yarmouth

Anything Goes: Limitless World Champion: “The Prize” Alec Price pinned Ace Romero with special guest referee “Alternative” Anthony Greene


February 27


1968 WWWF Portland Expo

Dominic DeNucci vs. Hans Mortier


1974 WWWF Bangor Auditorium

Indian Strap Match: Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Don Leo Jonathan


1979 WWWF Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland

The Valiant Brothers: Jerry & Johnny defeated Heavyweight Champion: Bob Backlund and Chief Jay Strongbow by DQ


1985 International Championship Wrestling, Bangor Auditorium

WWC Universal Champion: Carlos Colon defeated Taras Bulba


1991 WWF Cumberland County Civic Center

Steel Cage: Jake “The Snake” Roberts defeated Earthquake with Jimmy Hart


2004 New Wrestling Horizons, The Gathering Bar & Restaurant, Caribou

Hardware & T-Bone Jones defeated Tag Team Champions: The Elite: Sonny Roselli & Larry Huntley to win the titles


February 28


1968 WWWF Bangor Auditorium

Dominic DeNucci vs. Bull Ramos


1978 WWWF Portland Expo

Heavyweight Champion: Bob Backlund defeated Ken Patera


1979 Waterville Armory

Greg Valentine defeated Chief Jay Strongbow by count-out


1985 International Championship Wrestling Portland Expo

WWC Universal Champion: Carlos Colon defeated King Tonga


2003 Rampage Pro Wrestling John  Stone Gymnasium, Bangor

Devine Diversity: The Bull & The Northern Studd defeated Tag Team Champions: Mass Destruction: Justice & Larry Huntley to win the titles 


2004 New Wrestling Horizons, Penquis Higher Education Center, Dover

Heavyweight Champion: Bullmoose Calhoun defeated Sonny Roselli 


February 29


1972 WWWF Portland Expo

Chief Jay Strongbow fought WWWF Tag Team Champion King Curtis to a draw at 18:00 when the match was stopped due to blood


Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book Limitless Wrestling: The First Five Years, or any of my other books as well.  

Until next time!