August 17, 1975 in Greensboro, NC

    Johnny Valentine had defeated Harley Race for the U.S. Heavyweight title in Greensboro on July 3, 1975. Mr. Valentine also won the rematch over Harley Race on July 26, 1975. For the August 17, 1975 Greensboro card it was announced during the local promos that a former U.S. champ was coming in. A short clip of the Sheik was shown during those promos. I hoped that this would lead to a series of matches between the Sheik and Johnny Valentine. It was not to be. After the plane crash, during one of the early promos for the upcoming U.S tournament, Jim Crockett Jr. told the fans that the Sheik had expressed an interest in entering the tournament. Jim Jr. then said that he had informed the Sheik that he would have to post an appearance bond if he wished to enter. If my memory is correct, the figure Jim Jr. mentioned was ten thousand dollars.