Get ready as Florida superfan Harold Strassler joins us on this week’s Regional Rasslin’ as we wrap up Tampa’s final two shows of December 1979 (including a big Christmas card) and we’ll ring in 1980! We follow the action into the first part of January, focusing primarily on the Tampa cards and television as Oliver Humperdink’s crew keeps Dusty Rhodes, Manny Fernandez, and Mike Graham fighting on multiple fronts. A controversial clash between Florida Champion Manny Fernandez and Southern Champion Leroy Brown sparks a wild aftermath that knocks Dusty out of a scheduled main event. Dusty’s war with Bugsy McGraw escalates into bullrope battles, while Eddie Graham steps into the ring to help settle the score. The new year brings Ernie Ladd into the mix, and even a Texas Death Match leaves room for controversy when Bugsy and company head for the hills! Meanwhile, Stanley Lane and Bryan St. John face the Briscos and an assortment of partners, Super Destroyer begins to make a name, Johnny Valiant leaves as fast as he arrives, plus we discuss stars like Don Diamond, Gordon Nelson, Mike Miller, Rip Oliver, Luis Astea, Ron Slinker, Don Serrano, and a young Terry Taylor. From Humperdink getting his comeuppance against Bubba Douglas, to Manny Fernandez’s ascension, to television interviews and match footage keeping the rivalries boiling, we explore the stories carrying Championship Wrestling from Florida into a brand-new decade!
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