This month, I shall give you my perspective on the Top Ten Singles and Tag Team wrestlers from the Mid Atlantic years (1973-86).  I know that many people have different takes on who should be on these lists, but I think you will all agree that the people I have listed here deserve all the accolades we have given them throughout the years.  As with the other lists I have put forth, this will be more a chronological one.  Let’s start the fun! 

TOP TEN SINGLES 

Johnny Weaver was probably the first big star in JCP.  His popularity and drawing power set the tempo for those that followed.  He had great mat skills and the fans flocked to see him wrestle all up and down the East coast for many years. 

Johnny Valentine brought a brutality to the Mid Atlantic region that would stay long after his tenure here.  Johnny was a high profile wrestler before his arrival in the Carolinas and Virginia.  His level of intensity wasn’t easily matched by most of his opponents.  However, his battles with Wahoo McDaniel still are held in awe to this day. 

Paul Jones held many titles during his career, not only in the Mid Atlantic area but also all over the country.  His quick temper sometimes overshadowed his in-ring talent, but he was a very accomplished wrestler.  Some fans may only remember seeing him as a heel manager doing battle against Jimmy Valiant later in his career.  But, those of us that saw him during his prime know just how valuable a player he was in the history of Mid Atlantic wrestling.

Ric Flair burst onto the scene in 1974 and never looked back.  Even today, fans respond to a sighting of the Nature Boy with such enthusiasm that it is hard to believe that Flair was one of the most hated and despised wrestlers of all time!  Ric played both sides of the fence during his career and fans always got their money’s worth when his name was on the program.

Wahoo McDaniel played pro football before becoming one of the biggest names in pro wrestling history.  He could wrestle with the best of them, and also brawl with the toughest men around.  There will never be another Wahoo… 

Greg Valentine followed in his father’s footsteps in so many ways.  Greg’s exploits in the Mid Atlantic area were not for the squeamish.  Two of his “highlights” (or, should we call them “lowlights”) were breaking Wahoo’s leg on television…and then spending the next few weeks bragging about it right in McDaniel’s face; and his intense feud with Roddy Piper that culminated with the sadistic Dog Collar Match against Piper at Starrcade ’83. 

Ricky Steamboat was the quintessential good guy all throughout his career.  Ricky held all the major titles in Mid Atlantic, although his NWA World Title reign happened after the MACW time frame.  His feud with Ric Flair has lasted since 1977.  His clean cut, babyface look was a major hit with the fans and his wrestling skills were top notch. 

Roddy Piper was as unpredictable as the Carolina weather.  One minute he was your best friend, the next he was trying to rip out your heart.  But, the fans always flocked to see the wild Scotsman whenever he was on the card.  Piper was a master of mind games and tough as nails. 

Dusty Rhodes was one of THE biggest draws, not only in Mid Atlantic, but also all over the world.  His popularity was virtually unmatched during his stay in JCP.  The American Dream held the US title and the NWA World title.  His down-home, common man persona was a huge hit with the MACW fans, and Dusty rarely disappointed the crowd while wrestling here. 

Magnum TA was the heir apparent to Dusty until his unfortunate car accident cut short his wonderful career.  Magnum’s battles against the likes of Tully Blanchard, Ric Flair, and Nikita Koloff were followed by not only the local MACW fans, but throughout the country via national magazines such as Inside Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Illustrated.  Magnum was well on his way to becoming the next NWA World champion.  More...