R.I.P. Paul Jones

     This 1968 photo Paul Jones with Nelson Royal is how I want to remember Paul Jones. Paul came to Jim Crockett Promotions in January 1968 and would work for them over the next 20 years until the promotion was sold in 1988. He would travel to other promotions over the years but would always return.

      I saw Paul Jones wrestle countless times on tv and at live shows. Some of the times I treasure most are the times Paul appeared on spot shows in my home county of Surry. I was able to talk to Paul about this at the 2005 Charlotte Fanfest. He actually remembered his October 1969 appearance during the Autumn Leaves Festival. He told me that while he and Nelson Royal were walking up Main street for an autograph signing at Belk department store, the "moonshine still" they passed on the way is what stood out in his mind. Paul Jones and Nelson Royal beat Tom Bradley and Johnny Heidman  later that night at the YMCA.

Rest in peace Paul Jones.

All Star Wrestling on WCSC 5 in Charleston, SC

During this period, All Star Wrestling hosted by Bob Caudle aired in Charleston, SC 24 days after being taped in Raleigh, NC at WRAL channel 5.

Lexington, NC on Saturday March 29, 1969

The late Gene Gordon covered the match between Rip Hawk/Swede Hanson and the Missouri Mauler/Hiro Matsuda. Mr. Gordon's work lives on through his wonderful photos.

April 4, 1969 in Teachey, NC

April 3, 1969 in Dobson, NC

George Becker and Johnny Weaver won the main event in front of a sellout crowd (2,000 plus).

Richmond,VA - July 4,1969

Winston-Salem,NC - May 1,1969

Richmond,VA - May 2,1969

Greensboro,NC - Nov.27,1969