1981 Georgia Championship Wrestling: June
Will Dusty Rhodes win the World Title? Are the Freebirds no more? What is Jimmy Snuka doing in Georgia? Plus, links to watch along!
Welcome to Georgia Championship Wrestling, in this edition you’ll read about Dusty Rhodes, Harley Race, Ken Patera, The Fabulous Freebirds, Tommy Rich, Bruiser Brody, Blackjack Mulligan, Ted Dibiase, Steve O, The Andersons, Bruce Reed, and a whole lot more!
Get caught up with the full Georgia Championship Wrestling Journey!
Current Champions (As of Jun. 1, 1981)
NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Harley Race
Defeated Tommy Rich (May 1, 1981)
NWA Georgia Heavyweight Champion: Tommy Rich
Won tournament for vacant title (May 17, 1981)
NWA National Heavyweight Champion: Steve O
Defeated The Mongolian Stomper (Mar. 29, 1981)
NWA National Tag Team Champions: The Fabulous Freebirds
Defeated Stan Frazier & Ted DiBiase (Feb. 2, 1981)
Sat. Jun. 6 Georgia Championship Wrestling
Gordon Solie welcomes Precious Paul Ellering to Georgia. He’s the number one cause of divorce. An interesting look and shtick.
Paul Ellering interview. He’s the master blaster. He repeats some lines. He talks about his deadlift record and Solie gives his background. I feel like he’s trying very hard.
Ken Patera does another feat of strength. This time he’s destroying screws. He shows his hand strength by bending bolts.
Jimmy Snuka vs. Bob Marcus. This is from Mid-Atlantic to hype up Snuka’s arrival to Georgia. He hits the splash but uses a chin pressure point as his finish.
Results: Ted DiBiase & Steve O d. Bobby Garrett & Ken Timb. Ken Patera d. Mike Fever. Paul Ellering d. Zane Hickey. Tommy Rich d. Rick Link. Ricky Gibson & Robert Gibson d. Buck Brannigan & Tom Yancy. Bryan St. John d. Rick Stevens. Ken Patera d. Jerry Mahoney. Jacques Goulet d. Zane Hickey. Ted DiBiase & Steve O d. French Angel & Buck Brannigan. Paul Ellering & Bryan St. John d. Ted Oates & Rick Stevens. Mike Sharpe d. Ricky Craven
Thu. Jun. 12 in Marietta, GA: NWA National Tag Team Title Match: Steve O & Ted DiBiase defeat The Fabulous Freebirds (Buddy Roberts & Michael Hayes) (w/Terry Gordy) (c) - TITLE CHANGE !!!
Sat. Jun. 13 Georgia Championship Wrestling
An overwhelming fan vote wanted Dusty Rhodes to challenge for the World Title. Dusty is suited for the contract signing with the matchmaker, George Scott. A rare appearance for Scott on TV. It’s interesting how the booker usually finds his way on TV. Dusty tells Gordon or ‘Gah-dan’ that this is the most important time in his life. He’s very serious and low key. Harley needs to worry about the fine print because the title *can* change hands on a DQ. The winner takes the whole fight purse! Harley’s not going to be happy. This is Dusty’s time. He looks into the camera and guarantees that he’ll bring home the World Title. This was very well done.
Bruiser Brody interview. You can’t run me off! He has a stuffed animal. He kicked that fat stinking Butcher. Blackjack Mulligan? He rips up the stuffed animal. June 21st at The Omni. Another awesome promo.
Ken Patera does another test of strength. This time he blows up a hot water bottle to show off his lung pressure. This proves his cardio shape. These are all legitimately impressive.
Blackjack Mulligan taped promo. He’s known Brody for a long time and he’s been rotten since he played high school football. He claims Brody always runs from him. A battle of the giants. Man, Mulligan could talk! I want to see this fight.
New National Tag Team Champions Ted Dibiase & Steve O interview. They’ll be facing the World Tag Team Champions, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew of Ole & Gene Anderson. Ted and Steve O are a good face team.
Dusty Rhodes interview. It’s all on the line! He will never let the people down. It’s the final hour for Harley!
Results: Bryan St. John & French Angel d. Ted Oates & Tommy Wright. Ken Patera d. Jay Widener. Tommy Rich & Bruce Reed d. Jim Nelson & Ed Timbs. Bruiser Brody d. Ricky Stone. Ted DiBiase & Steve O d. Doug Gilliam and John Gilliam. Mike Sharpe d. Jackie Lawson. Dusty Rhodes d. Ricky Harris. Tommy Rich d. José Medina. Ted DiBiase. Steve O & Bruce Reed d. Jim Duggan. Ted Allen & Ed Brouston
Sat. Jun. 20 Georgia Championship Wrestling
NWA World Champ Harley Race interview. As expected, he’s upset about the fine print in the contract. He’s brought in the NWA President, Jim Crockett, for a formal dispute! Big things are happening in Georgia. Crockett says the NWA Board decided the stipulation will stand and he’ll personally be at ringside.
Jimmy Snuka and Terry Gordy are introduced as a new tag team combination. Snuka speaks very clearly about being from the Fiji Islands and wishes King Curtis well. He tells the people that they will see the best. Apparently Hayes and Roberts are gone and The Freebirds are done.
National Tag Team Champions Ted Dibiase & Steve O interview. There’s lots going on in Georgia. Ted doesn’t buy Gordy saying he’s no longer a Freebird and he’s not done with him yet. Snuka may be meek on the outside but he’s a savage on the inside. They always put over how busy they are out wrestling and that they’re just stopping by TV.
Jimmy Snuka & Terry Gordy vs. Rocky Sorter & Tommy Wright. First time live for Snuka. He does a cartwheel. Snuka and Gordy make for a good heel team. Gordy is working more like how he will in Japan. This is an extended squash. Gordy hits a piledriver and Snuka uses a claw. Gordy hits another piledriver after and they come off like a super team.
Bruiser Brody interview. He’s going to have a weapon to come after Mulligan. An intimidating presence.
Results: Jimmy Snuka d. Mike Jackson. Bruce Reed d. Ken Timbs. 2 on 1 Handicap Match Bruiser Brody d. David White & Barry Cummings. Ted DiBiase & Steve O d. Ricky Harris & Buck Brannigan. NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race (c) d. Leroy Dargon. 2 on 1 Handicap Match Ken Patera d. Ricky Harris and Leroy Dargon. Dusty Rhodes d. Joe Cagle. Ken Patera d. Rick Link. Terry Gordy & Jimmy Snuka d. Tommy Wright & Rocky Sorter. Tommy Rich, Ted DiBiase and Steve O d. Ted Allen, Ricky Harris & French Angel
Sat. Jun. 21 Georgia Championship Wrestling
NWA World Champion Harley Race interview. Dusty has fought long and hard. Harley’s done it all. Come and take it from him. Good final promo from Harley.
Jimmy Snuka & Terry Gordy interview. Solie puts them over. Snuka is dressed like Gordy a bit. Gordy gets to talk a lot more and he’s good at it. He’s getting to shine in this role. Things are gonna get nasty!
Sun. Jun. 21 at The Omni
Terry Gordy & Bryan St. John d. Robert & Ricky Gibson
Mike Sharpe d. Bruce Reed
Mike Graham d. French Angel
Jimmy Snuka d. Terry Taylor
Ted DiBiase & Steve O d. The Andersons (Ole & Gene)
Blackjack Mulligan vs. Bruiser Brody ended without a winner as a no contest
NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title Match Ken Patera d. Tommy Rich (c) - TITLE CHANGE!!!
NWA World Heavyweight Title Match Dusty Rhodes d. Harley Race (c) - TITLE CHANGE!!!
Sat. Jun. 27 Georgia Championship Wrestling
New Georgia Heavyweight Champion Ken Patera interview. He brought all of his legit medals with him. He calls out the fans for their lack of respect and wanting Tommy Rich. Loving Patera in this run.
New NWA World Champion Dusty Rhodes is here. It’s his lifelong dream achieved. Ken Patera interrupts him quick and Dusty fires up. Don't let your muscles overload your mind! Dusty is so cool.
The Superstar vs. Bob Owens. Great to see Superstar back on TV again. He wins with a cobra hold. He remains one of the better squash match workers.
Jay Youngblood interview. Jay has his head dress. He’s come here from Mid Atlantic for Jimmy Snuka who broke his leg eight months ago. Good promo vowing revenge. It’s been so obvious whenever the booker switches and they start bringing in their guys. To this point, it’s kept things fresh.
Footage of Gordon Solie at The Omni covering Race versus Rhodes. We get to see the entrances. Dusty gets a huge pop while there’s big heat on Harley. They show a good bit of the match. A back and forth battle. Dusty hits a big crossbody to win. Fans erupt and leap up and down. The place looks packed.
World Champion Dusty Rhodes interview. He’s on a hell of a high. He was finally able to deliver to the good fans and give the people back the World Title. Harley Race gives recorded comments. He’s coming for Dusty and will get back what’s his. Columbus, Georgia on June 28th. A fired up Harley is serious business. Dusty tells all the challengers to bring all they’ve got. Great stuff and Dusty is a fitting champion.
Bruce Reed & George Wells vs. French Angel & José Medina. A good win for Reed and Wells.
Dusty Rhodes interview. Friend and foe alike are after the World Title. Solie lists off all the potential challengers. Dream made his bed and he’s taking it to the people. His first obligation is a return match for Harley in Columbus, Ohio. Gonna get funky. When he’s through him Harley, he’ll step in with a friend Ted Dibiase in the Omni. A classic wrestling match.
Tommy Rich vs. Bruce Gallagher. Rich gets the win. It seemed like he was trying to wrestle more like a champion.
Tommy Rich interview. Solie mentions Rich’s approach. Win lose or draw, people are with him. Patera better be fired up in The Omni. .
Terry Gordy & Jimmy Snuka vs. Abe Jacobs & Mike Fever. Another squash for Gordy and Snuka.
Hour Two
Tommy Rich interview. Freddie Miller with him. Later we’ll see the controversial Ken Patera match. He’s not gonna complain about it.
Jay Youngblood vs. Gypsy Joe. Jay introduced as a former World Tag Team Champion. Jay gets the win a short match. Freddie calling things solo in this hour is a bit strange.
Gordy and Snuka interview. There’s lots going on. Dusty is running his mouth. They don’t need the people behind them. All they need is a piledriver and a big splash. Snuka is going to teach Youngblood a lesson.
Jay Youngblood interview. He’s got Snuka on the 5th. Very humble and the fans like him a lot. He’s only out for Snuka.
Tommy Rich comments on Patera Omni clips. It was a big letdown. The match looks very good. Patera uses a chair. Rich gets the sleeper on a few times in he ropes. Patera wins with a suplex but Rich’s foot was under the ropes.
Tommy Rich vs. Ken Timbs. Solid win for Tommy. Again he’s taking more of these matches.
National Champion & Tag Team Champion Steve O, Bruce Reed, and George Wells interview. Steve O talks up about their big victory. Ted going up against the World Champion soon. George made a good impression. Freddie talks up his background as a football player. George saw Georgia wrestling on TV and wanted to be here.
Ole & Gene Anderson squash. From Mid-Atlantic.
Ken Patera interview. Rich gets his rematch at The Omni. Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat! The fireworks will be on the 5th of July. Will make Rich beg for mercy. They’re speedrun mentioning more towns in promos.
Steve O, Bruce Reed and George Wells vs. Bryan St. John, José Medina and Snake Brown. Freddie puts over how exciting six man tags are. Reed wins with big forearm.
Jim Duggan vs. Zane Hickey. Duggan getting a squash match victory now.
Gordy & Snuka interview. They’re here to get down. Terry is again doing the talking
Results: The Superstar d. Bob Owens. Bruce Reed & George Wells d. French Angel & José Medina. Tommy Rich d. Bruce Gallagher. Terry Gordy & Jimmy Snuka d. Abe Jacobs & Mike Fever. Jay Youngblood d. Gypsy Joe. Tommy Rich d. Ken Timbs. Steve O, Bruce Reed and George Wells d. Bryan St. John, José Medina and Snake Brown. Jim Duggan d. Zane Hickey
If anything is missing or incorrect, please let me know.
Credits: WrestlingData, Retro Wrestling Archive, Kris Zellner, Cagematch.
