I want to start this column by saying that this will be my final SMW column for Kayfabe Memories. I would like to thank Vince Fahey for his patience in dealing with me as I made this decision about a week ago. As I sit here and contemplate leaving this area open for another writer, the words Bradshaw said to Farooq upon the separation of the APA, due to the roster split, come to mind... "It's been real."

I frequent the KM message board and one of the things asked a lot there is "WHAT defines a territory?" Well, SMW was THE LAST territory, with the exception of Memphis (USWA). The hours I spent watching it in the lobby of Sanford Hall at Methodist College will forever be a part of my memory. Jim Cornette and all of you who worked your butts off for three and a half years, thank you as well. If my columns here have been to Kayfabe Memories ONE TENTH of what your promotion was to wrestling, it was worth the effort.

I am choosing a topic for my last column that is close to my heart, as it is the ONLY SMW show I ever attended. CAROLINA MEMORIES here in Charlotte, NC was presented by Smoky Mountain Wrestling at the Grady Cole Center. Many legends were in attendance that night, including Tim Woods, Nelson Royal, Swede Hanson (all who have since sadly passed away) as well as Abe Jacobs, Johnny Weaver, Magnum T.A. and former referee Tommy Young.

Saturday May 20th, 1995, at 1PM my friend Chuck and I went to The Grady Cole Center to buy our tickets. The ticket taker was none other than the legendary Sandy Scott, who after the crowd dispersed, proceeded to talk to us for an hour or so. A true "old schooler" he kept kayfabe, but was a pleasure to talk to nonetheless. It was an honor to meet such a legend and find him to be a distinguished gentleman.

Chuck and I got there early to meet the rest of the legends on hand. Talked to everyone and got their autographs. It was truly a great night. New Jack and D-LO walked in and signed autographs as well. We sat front row, which may or may NOT have been such a good idea. 

Now there is a man in Greensboro by the name of John Hitchcock, who you may know of. He and his friends were infamous for the exploits on the front row of Greensboro matches. My friend and I were the "ANTI-HITCHCOCKS" (least until the VERY end... more on that in a few) and we drove the heels crazy that night.

Killer Kyle was taking on Boo Bradley in the opener. It was falls count anywhere, so of course they fought EVERYWHERE (with the exception of the ring).  Kyle and Boo were fighting right in front of me and Chuck, so I hollered at Kyle, "YOU GOT MORE HAIR ON YOUR BACK THAN ON YOUR HEAD!!"  Kyle shot me the look of death and my heart damn near stopped. Luckily for me, Boo took the opportunity to punch Kyle and keep his mind on the match, or I would've been seriously hurt. Boo took the fall over Killer Kyle in a wild match that would've done ECW proud.

Jim Cornette then made his way to the ring. Being SOMEWHAT smart to the business at this point, I knew from talking to Bobby Blaze that Corny had double crossed Bob Armstrong the night before in Knoxville, TN. So I proceed to start mouthing off "YOUR MAMMA MUST BE SO DISAPPOINTED TO HAVE A (EXPLETIVE DELETED) LIKE YOU FOR A SON. " Cornette didn't miss a beat. "No, That's YOUR mamma you're talking about!" and proceeded to introduce "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel. Tommy Young was the special ref for this one as Steve Armstrong came out and really took it to the Nature Boy. However, Landel kept the title when Jim Cornette interfered. Good job, Jim. Also, the comedy spot with Tommy and Jim, ending up with Jim between the ropes swinging for his life, was hilarious.