Don Kernodle seconded the Rock and Roll Express at STARRCADE 85 when Ricky and Robert regained the NWA World Tag Team Titles from Ivan and Nikita, but he never really got much air time after that.

Don was an excellent in ring performer, and one of the best at making the big name stars look good. Two memories about Don that stand out in my mind during his times in Fayetteville. The first is the time a young fan was taking his picture after a match. He was tired, as he had just been in the ring for close to twenty minutes, and NOT ONLY did he stop and take time to pose for a picture, he also called out to a very scared looking eleven year old kid to come into the picture as well. That meant a LOT to me, Don.  Thanks. (And to the person who TOOK the picture, I'm STILL waiting for my copy!)

I also remember a match in Fayetteville, NC where Don was working Mid-Atlantic Champion, Black Bart. Bart and Don went tooth and nail for a long time, until Bart got the best of Don and was going for his signature maneuver, The Texas Trash Compactor (a leg drop from the middle rope).  Somehow, the rope gave way, and Bart fell from the ring to the floor, hurting his neck. (Note: I have ALWAYS heard the story as Bart BREAKING his neck, though I do not know for sure if it was an actual break. I DO know he was hurt and put out of action for a little while).  Don was a great one to watch, because no matter the size of the crowd, he always gave the fans their money's worth.

After the opening matches, I would always scream at the top of my lungs (with what little voice I had left...lol) at the " main events." I'm sure somewhere, there is a Deputy who still thinks about the kid in the audience who asked to use his gun to shoot The Midnight Express. I'm sure somewhere James J. Dillion thinks of the kid who asked him why he wore women's underwear. Sorry, folks, I STILL haven't gotten that therapy both of you suggested, though I look back and have a good laugh now and then. 

During the summer of 1986, with JCP on fire with the Great American Bash tours, me and my childhood friend, Mark Prince would watch the wrestling on television religiously. One of the most hated people we ever came across was Jim Cornette and his Mama. As I said in my SMW column, the odd thing was, Mama Cornette was despised even though NONE of the wrestling fans (least to MY knowledge ) had ever laid eyes on the woman. Jim Cornette, if you ever read these words, I just wanted to say that even though a few weeks have passed since your mother went to be with the Lord, know that at least ONE fan thanks you and her for being the greatest heels ever in JCP. How great of a heel is THAT... the man gets his own mother OVER with an old school wrestling audience. Jim, you are GREATLY appreciated... thank you AND Mama Cornette.

I wonder if Mark feels that part of his childhood died, as I do?...