Copyright Michael W. Rickard II
Originally presented at Canadian Bulldog's World.
It’s time for part two of round one of The Greatest U.S. Champion of All Time Tournament, presented here at Canadian Bulldog’s World. In case you’re just tuning in, this tournament includes the 21 greats who held Jim Crockett Promotions’ United States Heavyweight Championship, one of the most prestigious titles in the National Wrestling Alliance. The belt served as a stepping stone to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and became the focus of many top programs in JCP. The 21 different men who held the belt were either famous veterans or rising stars who eventually became legends. Now, it’s time to decide which one of these stars is the greatest U.S. Champion of all time?
The third match in round one featured two-time U.S. Champion Magnum T.A. battling one-time champion Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka in a fierce bout that went the distance. Unfortunately for both men, the 30-minute time limit draw means both men go home. Next up is one-time U.S. Champion Ricky Steamboat (note one time in Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling as this tournament only covers the Jim Crockett Promotion years) versus one-time U.S. champion Terry Funk. Who will triumph and proceed to round two? We're about to find out. Keep in mind that the wrestlers working the matches are in the same physical condition they were when they held the U.S. Championship which means nearly everyone was in their wrestling prime.
The first-round matches are being held at the historic Charlotte Coliseum (now known as the Bojangles Coliseum) in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Charlotte Coliseum opened in 1955 and could hold 10,000-14,000 people, depending on the event. Bob Caudle and David Crockett will be calling the action for this round’s matches.
Click here for the tournament introduction
Click here for match one of round one
Click here for match two of round one.
Click here for match three of round one.