To be honest, I do not remember the specifics that led to Jim Garvin’s heel turn in CWF back in 1982.  What I do remember is that it was the start of a new era in his career that left all of us as fans plenty of memories for years to come. 

Mr. Wrestling II had a solid run in CWF in 1981 and into 1982.  He had defeated the Spoiler in December of 1981 to win the Florida Title but dropped it to J.J. Dillon in a March 1982 match that had the stipulation that Wrestling II would have one arm tied behind his back.  II regained the title in April but eventually dropped it to Jim Garvin at the West Palm Beach Auditorium in May of 1982. 

Garvin was enjoying modest success as a heel but needed more of a push.  Mr. Wrestling II was on his way back to Georgia (unknown to the fans) so the stage was set to elevate Jim Garvin in the eyes of the fans.  

On CWF TV, Jim Garvin defended his Florida Heavyweight Championship against Mr. Wrestling II in a Loser Leave the State match.  J.J. Dillon accompanied Garvin to ringside and the great Tommy Young was the referee.  Gordon Solie was on the mic doing commentary as only he can. 

As the combatants enter the ring, Gordon Solie explains the match.  “A highly critical special challenge match at this time.  A loser leave the state match between Mr. Wrestling II and Jim Garvin.”  Right away they lock up collar and elbow and II quickly arm drags Garvin.  Then, another arm drag, then a big hip toss to the delight of the TV crowd.  “Both men determined to rid the state of the other,” Gordon states.  

The action quickly heats up as the wrestlers exchange blows.  “A matter of great personal pride and integrity at stake here now as Garvin catches him, a couple of right hands to the jaw.  Wrestling II back in that corner” Gordon excitedly exclaims.  Garvin attempts to whip II out of the corner across the ring and Mr. Wrestling II reverses it.  Garvin crashes into the opposite turnbuckle stumbles forward a bit and is met with Wrestling II’s patented knee lift.  “He caught him with that knee, he caught him with that knee” states Solie.  The knee lift drives Garvin out through the ring ropes and immediately J.J. Dillon jumps on the ring apron.  Gordon continues, “And wait a second, J.J. Dillon complaining about something and Wrestling II brought him into the ring!”  Wrestling II grabs at Garvin from outside the ring but Jim quickly turns his mask to the side blinding him.  II releases his grasp on Garvin and stumbles around adjusting his mask.  Dillon gets up and slaps a headlock on II who instinctively tosses Dillon into the ropes and they collide into each other and Garvin capitalizes on the fallen Mr. Wrestling II. 

Let’s join Gordon Solie for the final call of the match:  “J.J. Dillon colliding with Mr. Wrestling II.  And, the referee (Tommy Young) moving a …hold it watch Garvin watch Garvin!  (Jim had jumped off the top rope and Gordon was shouting at this point).  Garvin down across the throat of Wrestling II.”  As Tommy Young counts the pin fall, you can tell by Solie’s voice he is disappointed.  “Aww.  Bad turn of events here, bad bad turn of events, but, ah, well that’s it, Jim Garvin, Jim Garvin wins the match.” 

Jim did a small strut after having his hand raised in victory.  It wasn’t the Gorgeous Jimmy Garvin strut that we all came to love but it was the start.  His new wrestling image was still taking shape.  But, it was evident Jim Garvin was going to be a very successful heel in professional wrestling. 

Jim went on to hold the Florida Title for two more months before dropping the belt to Brian Blair in Orlando on July 11^th of 1982.  This was Garvin’s second Florida Title reign.  He had a very exciting reign as a face back in early 1979 with Killer Karl Kox as his mentor.  Garvin later went on to win his second Southern Heavyweight Championship in August of 1982 with a win over Sweet Brown Sugar.  Dusty Rhodes defeated Jim on Halloween night to claim the Southern Title.  That was the last singles title Jim Garvin held in the state of Florida.  He and Big John Studd did have a run as Global Tag Team Champions, which was basically a state tag title.  Soon he was gone to bigger and better things in the state of Texas for World Class Championship Wrestling. 

NEXT MONTH: 

Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair battle over a robe and a cowboy hat!