- Larry Stoy

This month’s article was scheduled to be “1976: A Year In Review”.  But, due to the fact that we lost not one, but two well-known Mid-Atlantic stars this past month, I decided to write about these two gentlemen.  And, true gentlemen they were indeed. 

On Sunday, February 3^rd, we lost one of wrestling’s unsung heroes.  NELSON ROYAL left us after suffering a heart attack at his ranch in North Carolina.  He had just come from a local church service.  Nelson Royal was one of the first stars I remember seeing in the late 60’s when I started watching wrestling.  He formed an exciting tag team with Paul Jones and these two had a good following in the Mid-Atlantic area for a number of years.  This duo even captured the prestigious Atlantic Coast Tag Team Championship by defeating the legendary team of Gene & Ole Anderson in Raleigh, NC on September 22^nd, 1970.  They held the belts until they were defeated by another top team from the Mid Atlantic area, Rip Hawk & Swede Hanson in December of 1970. 

Nelson would return to the top spot in tag team competition several years later as he teamed with Sandy Scott to win the ACTTC.  Once again, the Andersons were the victims on October 2^nd, 1973 in Raleigh.  They held the straps until December 4^th, 1973 when they were beaten by Brute Bernard & Mike York.  By this time, most of the Atlantic Coast championships were re-named as Mid-Atlantic titles. 

Nelson’s size always made fans wonder just how he could be so competitive in the ring.  His lightning quick reflexes along with his superb conditioning allowed him to go toe-to-toe with many larger opponents throughout his career.  Both he and Paul Jones (another smaller wrestler) were very successful as they battled such brawling teams as Rip Hawk and Swede Hanson, Aldo Bogni & Bronco Lubich, The Infernos, and the Andersons.  Royal and Jones showed that quickness could match up with strength as they were never dominated by the larger, more powerful teams. 

Although Nelson enjoyed most of his success in the Mid-Atlantic area, he would also show fans around the country that he was one of the best wrestlers around.  His stint as World Junior Heavyweight Champion was recognized by several organizations, including the Georgia, Florida, and Central States promotions.  After retiring from the ring full-time, Nelson found time to train many young wrestlers for his former employer, Jim Crockett promotions.   
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