The AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship is a significant regional title that originated in the Memphis wrestling territory. It became one of the most prestigious championships in the southeastern United States, primarily defended in Tennessee and surrounding areas. Here is an overview of the history and significance of the title:
Origins and Early History (1939-1977):
Beginnings as the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (1939):
The title was originally introduced in 1939 by promoters in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) as the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Tennessee version). It was a top title in the Memphis, Tennessee area and was recognized by various NWA-affiliated promotions.
The championship became synonymous with the Memphis wrestling scene, often defended in front of large crowds at the Ellis Auditorium in Memphis and later at the Mid-South Coliseum.
Jerry Jarrett Takes Control (1977):
In 1977, Jerry Jarrett broke away from NWA Mid-America (controlled by promoter Nick Gulas) to form his own promotion, Continental Wrestling Association (CWA). This split led to the creation of the AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship, which was essentially the continuation of the NWA Southern Heavyweight title lineage in Memphis.
Jarrett aligned his new promotion with the American Wrestling Association (AWA), led by Verne Gagne, to gain recognition and credibility for the title. The AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship became the top singles title in the promotion.
The Golden Age of Memphis Wrestling (1977-1989):
Jerry Lawler's Dominance:
During the late 1970s and 1980s, Jerry "The King" Lawler emerged as the most prominent champion in the title's history. Lawler became synonymous with the championship, holding it a record number of times (over 50 reigns) and engaging in memorable feuds with top stars.
Notable feuds included battles against Bill Dundee, Austin Idol, Dutch Mantell, Eddie Gilbert, and other Memphis favorites. The title was frequently featured on the popular “Championship Wrestling” television program, which aired on WMC-TV 5 in Memphis and became a fixture in local households.
Feuds and Title Changes:
The title was known for its frequent title changes, a common booking style in Memphis to keep audiences engaged and returning to weekly shows. Promoters like Jarrett and Lawler used the belt to enhance storylines, creating a sense of unpredictability and excitement.
Besides Lawler, other notable champions included Tommy Rich, Jackie Fargo, The Sheik, Kamala, Jeff Jarrett, Bill Dundee, Terry Funk, and Randy Savage. These wrestlers helped elevate the prestige of the championship and made it a symbol of top-tier talent in the Memphis territory.
Memorable Matches and Moments:
1982: The belt played a significant role in the famous Lawler vs. Dundee rivalry, with the two stars engaging in a "Loser Leaves Town" match that drew immense local interest.
1986: The title was involved in a high-profile angle featuring Austin Idol, Tommy Rich, and Paul E. Dangerously (Paul Heyman), leading to a bloody steel cage match that is still remembered by fans for its intensity and drama.
1987: Jerry Lawler won the title in a champion vs. champion match against AWA World Heavyweight Champion Curt Hennig in Memphis, cementing the Southern Heavyweight Championship's significance.
Decline and Transition (1989-1997):
The Decline of the AWA (1989):
By the late 1980s, the AWA was struggling to compete with the expanding national presence of the WWF (now WWE) and the NWA (later WCW). Despite this, the AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship remained a focal point in Memphis wrestling.
However, in 1989, as the AWA ceased operations, the CWA ended its alliance with the AWA, and the AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship reverted to being known as the CWA Southern Heavyweight Championship.
USWA and the End of the Southern Heavyweight Title (1989-1997):
In 1989, Jerry Jarrett's CWA merged with World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), owned by the Von Erich family, to form the United States Wrestling Association (USWA). The AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship was rebranded as the USWA Southern Heavyweight Championship.
The title continued to be defended in Memphis and the USWA for several more years. However, with the decline of regional territories and the rise of national promotions like the WWF and WCW, the championship's prestige began to wane.
The USWA eventually closed in 1997, marking the end of the championship's long and storied history. The title was deactivated, with Jerry Lawler being one of its last notable champions.
Legacy of the AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship:
Symbol of Memphis Wrestling: The AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship is remembered as a symbol of Memphis wrestling's golden age. It was the centerpiece of numerous memorable feuds, storylines, and matches that defined the territory's unique style.
Launchpad for Future Stars: Many wrestlers who held or competed for the title went on to achieve greater success in national promotions. The championship served as a proving ground for talent, with several wrestlers like Randy Savage, Jeff Jarrett, and others using it as a stepping stone to greater fame.
Enduring Influence: Even after its deactivation, the legacy of the AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship lives on in the memories of fans who followed Memphis wrestling and in the storytelling style that it helped popularize in professional wrestling. The title represented the vibrant regional scene of its time and the passionate fanbase that supported it.
The AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship remains a vital part of the history of professional wrestling in the Southern United States, emblematic of a bygone era when regional titles held significant importance in the wrestling world.
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