| Lawler, Mantell return for match of century |
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By: DAVID HUNTER, Post Correspondent
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Posted: Sunday, January 16, 2011 5:45 am
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“Superstar” Bill Dundee vs, Jerry “The King” Lawler
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A chapter in Nashville’s history books will be closed Saturday night, Jan. 29 at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds.
Pro wrestling has been a staple at the legendary site for years with a who’s who in the sport competing inside of the squared circle.
Currently Nashville lawmakers are discussing the future of the location, including moving the Tennessee State Fair and closing the racetrack, according to the Nashville City Paper. The next meeting will take place Jan. 18.
“Tribune to The Fairgrounds” will be the final professional wrestling event ever at the Fairgrounds and promoter Marcus Pastorius will have a loaded card to close the arena and it will also benefit the “Make-A-Wish” foundation.
The main event will pit two wrestlers who have a long history with each other, Jerry “The King” Lawler against “Superstar” Bill Dundee.
“Over the years, Lawler and I have wrestled each other more than anyone else and we’ve been tag teams and opponents for more than three decades,” Dundee said.
“Everything from the infamous Tupelo Concession Stand fight, Bill and Beverly Dundee’s hair on the line, loser leave town match and we wrestled almost any kind of match you can imagine,” he continued. “So, on the 29th, I’ll be there one more time. Watch out Lawler! Dundee is back and you won’t be winning this one!” said Dundee, who’s first wrestling match at the Fairgrounds was in 1975.
His opponent, Lawler currently works at World Wrestling Entertainment as a broadcaster, and he was elected to the organization’s Hall of Fame a few years ago.
Murfreesboro native and wrestling legend, “Dirty” Dutch Mantell will be the person who will try to keep these two rivals in line as the special guest referee.
“It will be one of the final times you will see all three of us in the ring at the same time,” Mantell said. He added that he will bring his traditional bullwhip “Shoo Baby” to the ring and will try to keep those two in line during the match.
Fellow wrestler Hammerjack grew up watching these two lock it up on television and in person and he is looking forward to being part of the card with them.
“Their feud became etched in the memories of all the wrestling fans around the country and we witnessed many bouts between them right here in Nashville and to be part of that Jan. 29th is a feeling like no other,” Hammerjack said. He will be the challenger to SAW Southern Heavyweight Champion, Lonestar, which is a No DQ Match.
Several other wrestlers on the card also have long history at the Fairgrounds Sports Arena, including attending shows in the same building while growing up.
“Being part of the final Fairgrounds show is somewhat sad to me,” Fellow wrestler Wolfie D said. “I have wrestled in many arenas from Madison Square Garden to the Astrodome. I’ve been in front of as many as 60,000 people in 1997’s Royal Rumble. For some reason, though the Fairgrounds Sports Arena means more to me. Maybe because I grew up going there to see wrestling as a kid or maybe it’s the number of big moments I’ve had in that building. There is a very personal and gritty feeling to the atmosphere that cannot be duplicated.”
His opponent that evening is another long-time local legend, “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert.
Arrick “The Dragon” Andrews remembers his grandfather bringing him to the shows since he was 9 years old. Andrews, who will take on any challenger Jan. 29th, is excited for the chance to take part in the last show.
“To take part in the final show at the Fairgrounds means only one thing to me: They saved the best for last,” he said.
Pastorius said he has several surprises up his sleeve for the crowd that will travel to town from all over the nation. He has even received ticket requests from fans in Europe.
“I think this will be one of the best wrestling shows of the year,” he said.
Also, several “Make-A-Wish” kids and their families will take part in the event, according to Jann Seymour, community outreach manager of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee and $2 from each ticket will go to the foundation.
Tickets are currently on sale with general admission for $10 and VIP is $14 and can be purchased at 724-355-3172, sawwrestling@hotmail.com, sawfairgrounds.vze.com or at the door.
Sponsors include: McFaddens Restaurant and Saloon, Hollywood Tans, Brewsters Touch of Class Auto Sales, Knead Dough Pizzeria, Olympus Athletic Club and Red Rooster.
Jan. 29 Lineup Subject TO Change
Main event: WWE Superstar and Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler vs. “Superstar” Bill Dundee
Special referee: “Dirty” Dutch Mantell
Tag Team Challenge Match: Brian Christopher & Kevin White vs. Derrick King Enterprises (Derrick King & “Teen Excitement” Drew Haskins)
SAW Southern Heavyweight Championship No DQ Match: Lonestar (Champ) vs. Hammerjack
Special Attraction Match: “Headliner” Chris Michaels vs. Kid Kash
“Dangerous” Doug Gilbert vs. “PG-13’s” Wolfie D Diamonds In The Rough vs. The Maddox Brothers
Open Challenge: Arrick “The Dragon” Andrews vs. ??????
Pre-Show Exclusive SAW Tag Team Championship Match: The Wildboys (Champ) vs. Kevin & Cody Weatherby
Pre-Show Exclusive: Kris Scheid vs. Cody Melton
Pre-Show Exclusive: USWO Special Challenge: “USWO Promoter” Tony Falk vs. “Luscious” David Matthews
Other attractions
“Wild Eyed Southern Boy” Tracy Smothers will conduct a Special Tribute Ceremony. “The Goddess” Athena, USWO Promoter Tony Falk, Jerry Lynn, Moondog and many more will take part in the event.
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