In this installment I am going to look at Tony Atlas and events that surrounded him in 1977. Between 1976 and 1983, Tony was one of the most exciting and popular wrestlers in the state of Georgia. 1977 was the year his career really took off.

Tony Atlas in 1976 was wrestling in Mid Atlantic as a mid card wrestler. Unable to move up into main events, the muscular man from Roanoke, Virginia left the area and headed to Georgia. He debuted in late 1976 on television under a mask as Black Atlas. After soundly defeating his opponent with the sleeper, he was invited by Gordon Solie to the podium for an interview. Atlas, standing in the ring, stared at Gordon for a few seconds and then walked back to the dressing room. It would take Solie several attempts over several weeks before Atlas would agree to an interview.

Atlas continued his winning ways on television and work on the undercards of house shows. He became very popular with the fans. At house shows he would often be found in the lobby signing autographs and talking to the fans. In early 1977, the promotion decided to crown a new Georgia Television Champion. The title had been had been vacant for a number of years. The last champion that I could find was Ray Gunkel in 1972. An elimination tournament was held on television over several weeks coming down to Abdullah the Butcher and Black Atlas. Abdullah was part of James J. Dillon's Death Squad that also included The French Angel and The Stomper. Black Atlas was able to win the title but had several rematches with Abdullah. During one of the matches, Dillon's men were able to remove the mask to reveal Tony Atlas. Eventually Abdullah defeated Tony for the title at The Atlanta City Auditorium. After the match, James J. Dillon grabbed the title and mistakenly handed it to The Stomper. The Stomper walked around the ring with the belt. Dillon, realizing his mistake, attempted to take the belt away from The Stomper and give it to Abdullah. The Stomper refused to let go. Abdullah attacked The Stomper and the two had a great brawl. This set up a short feud between the two before The Stomper left the state of Georgia.