He was also one heck of a wrestler. Buddy was an arrogant wimp who was always ready to stir up trouble as long as his pal Butch was on hand to bail him out. Despite his cowardly behavior Buddy was also an outstanding wrestler. Together Butch and Buddy battled enemies the likes of Magnum TA, Master G, Terry Taylor, and of course Reed’s most hated enemy Junkyard Dog.

Eventually this partnership was torn asunder as 1984 neared its completion. Buddy cut a side deal with General Skandor Akbar. The terms were that Buddy would maneuver Butch Reed into Devastation Incorporated in exchange for a big payoff. If Butch Reed was one thing, he was his own man. He was unwilling to sell out to Akbar. In fact not only did he refuse induction to Devastation, but Butch decked Akbar and even smashed the Rolex watch that was supposed to have enticed him into the fold. As Akbar’s henchmen Ted DiBiase and Hercules Hernandez pounced on Butch Reed, Buddy had to make a choice between friendship and money. Buddy, the scoundrel that he was, chose money and joined the attack. Hacksaw Jim Duggan came to save the day and the two Hacksaws ran off Devastation. This was a vital turning point for Reed and Landel. Butch had the hottest babyface run of his career as he was pushed as the top babyface in Mid-South. Buddy left shortly afterwards for a great run with Jim Crockett Promotions. For my money neither man was as fun as when they teamed together.

This is my final Mid-South column for Kayfabe Memories. I’ve really enjoyed writing about the great stars, feuds, and matches of Mid-South Wrestling, but the time has come to step aside and let someone else share some Mid-South memories with everyone. While this is goodbye it is not farewell. I’ll still be writing the World Class column every month as well as posting on the message board. Perhaps down the line I’ll be able to share more Mid-South nostalgia here in the Regional Territories section. In the meantime thanks very much to Vince Fahey for letting me write the column and thanks to all of you for reading. 

E-mail any questions or comments here. 

VinceKM Note:  I'd like to thank Max for all his great Mid-South articles.... as well as for his support of KM.  Next month, Scott Williams will be making his debut with his first Mid-South Wrestling article.