Ever wanted to know what the experts think about wrestling and its history?  I’m sure we have all had the desire to run some questions by people who are “in the know”.  Recently, I had that opportunity.  Here are the results.

Over the past three years or so, I have made many new friends and acquaintances, both in and out of the wrestling universe.  Two of these people are well known in wrestling circles.  I count myself very fortunate to be on good terms with them.

First up, one of the premier wrestling columnists in the country is Mike Mooneyham of the Post and Courier in Charleston, SC.  I have been reading his column for many years.  He is also a co-author of “Sex, Lies, & Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation”, released July 16^th, 2002 by Crown Publishing.

The second gentleman is certainly as familiar with old school wrestling fans as Mike.  He is Richard Sullivan, a wrestling historian who has recently ventured out into the independent film business with his production company Lost Colony Entertainment.  Richard’s vast knowledge of the Mid Atlantic area made him a “must have” for this article.

I am very pleased that both these guys agreed to participate in this project.  A hearty thanks goes out to both Mike and Richard.  Now, on to the questions!

During the 60’s and 70’s, Mid Atlantic wrestling seemed to prosper with tag teams and then singles competition.  Why do you think this evolution took place? 

MIKE: The evolution took place when George Scott took the book and began to change the dynamic of the territory. The Carolinas-Virginia circuit was a virtual hotbed of tag-team wrestling throughout the ‘60s, but the novelty had begun to wear thin in the early ‘70s. With business tailing off and Scott in charge of righting the foundering ship, emphasis was placed on singles programs and singles performers. The man who turned it all around, with Scott’s backing and blessing, was Johnny Valentine. JV didn’t take off immediately, however, and there was a very vocal opposition to his style in the beginning. His style, of course, was very deliberate and methodical, but both Scott and Wahoo McDaniel knew that it was only a matter of time before the fans would pick up on it. There was even pressure on Scott to pull the trigger on Valentine, but he urged the opposition to stay put and be patient. There was a lot of heat on him from the Crocketts, but he told them to not worry and that Valentine would draw money. George knew John, and he knew what he could do. When Valentine did finally get over, it was as if the territory caught on fire.