The Mat's Mastermind
An in-depth, academic exploration of the professional wrestling career of Bobby Fulton, detailing his journey, championships, and impact on the sport.
Explore Career 👇 View Titles 🏆Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
The Wrestling Odyssey
Genesis of a Wrestler
James Hines, professionally known as Bobby Fulton, embarked on his wrestling journey at a remarkably young age. His debut match occurred on June 17, 1977, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, at just 16 years old. Early in his career, he honed his skills in Ohio, training alongside notable figures such as Lord Zoltan and Fred Curry. His initial experiences included appearances for the WWWF and in Nick Gulas's Nashville territory, where he formed a tag team with Eric Embry, billed as the "brother" duo of Bobby and Don Fulton.
Territorial Travels
Fulton's career saw him traverse various prominent wrestling territories. He competed in Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling in Calgary, facing legendary talent like Bret Hart and The Dynamite Kid. He also had stints in the Continental Wrestling Association, Southwest Championship Wrestling (where he engaged in scaffold matches), and Bill Watts' Mid-South Wrestling. These experiences provided a diverse foundation for his developing in-ring persona and technical abilities.
The Fantastics Phenomenon
A pivotal chapter in Fulton's career was the formation of the iconic tag team, The Fantastics, with Tommy Rogers. This partnership became synonymous with high-octane tag team wrestling. They achieved significant success across multiple promotions, notably feuding with The Midnight Express and The Sheepherders in various territories, including World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) and Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP). Their dynamic performances and championship victories cemented their status as a premier tag team of their era.
Championship Pedigree
Throughout his career, Bobby Fulton amassed an impressive collection of championships. Alongside Tommy Rogers, he held the NWA United States Tag Team Titles twice and the UWF World Tag Team Championship twice. He also captured the NWA American Tag Team Championship and WCWA World Tag Team Championship multiple times. His success extended to singles competition and other tag team partnerships, including with his brother Jackie Fulton, demonstrating his versatility and consistent performance.
Independent Circuit and Beyond
Following his major territorial runs, Fulton remained an active presence on the independent circuit across the United States and competed in All Japan Pro Wrestling. In the 1990s, he founded Big Time Wrestling in Ohio, serving as a promoter and competitor, and later co-ran a wrestling school with Ivan Koloff. He also made brief appearances in the WWF and later adopted the persona of "The Sheik of Araby" as a tribute to his idols, continuing to mentor new talent. His "Fantastic Finale" retirement tour concluded in 2017, though he continues to be involved in promotions like World Classic Professional Big Time Wrestling.
Championships & Accolades
Documented Achievements
Bobby Fulton's extensive career is marked by numerous championship reigns and significant accolades across various wrestling organizations. The following table details his documented championship successes:
Professional Recognition
Beyond specific championship titles, Bobby Fulton's contributions and performances have been recognized by industry publications:
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI): Ranked #286 among the top 500 singles wrestlers in the "PWI Years" (2003).
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI): Ranked #63 among the top 100 tag teams with Tommy Rogers in the "PWI Years" (2003).
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Awarded Feud of the Year (1988) for his rivalry with Tommy Rogers against Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane.
- WAR Wrestling: Inducted into the WAR Hall of Fame (2017).
Personal Journey
Faith and Family
Post-wrestling career, James Hines embraced a profound spiritual transformation, becoming a born-again Christian and actively preaching the gospel since October 2003. He has been married four times and has two sons. His younger son, Jarron Hines, has followed in his father's footsteps, embarking on a professional wrestling career in 2023, trained by notable figures including Bobby himself.
Overcoming Adversity
In December 2019, Bobby Fulton was diagnosed with throat cancer. He commenced chemotherapy treatment in January 2020. Demonstrating resilience, he announced his remission and cancer-free status on June 6, 2020, a testament to his strength and the advancements in medical treatment.
Enduring Impact
Mentorship and Promotion
Bobby Fulton's influence extends beyond his in-ring performances. He founded Big Time Wrestling in Ohio, providing a platform for numerous wrestlers, including future stars like Cactus Jack (Mick Foley). He also co-established a wrestling school with Ivan Koloff, actively mentoring emerging talent. His promotional efforts and dedication to the craft have inspired subsequent generations of wrestlers and fans alike.
A Career of Connections
Fulton's career is characterized by enduring partnerships and significant rivalries. The legendary tag team The Fantastics, with Tommy Rogers, remains a benchmark for tag team wrestling. His work across diverse promotions like NWA, UWF, WCCW, and AJPW showcases his adaptability and broad appeal. His later persona as "The Sheik of Araby" further demonstrated his creativity and commitment to entertaining audiences, paying homage to wrestling legends.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "Bobby Fulton" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- "Bobby Fulton To Begin Chemotherapy", WhatCulture.com
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Academic Disclaimer
Important Notice
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, synthesizing information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. It is intended for academic and informational purposes, aimed at providing a comprehensive overview for higher education students.
This is not professional sports analysis or biographical advice. The content presented is based on data available at the time of generation and may not encompass all nuances or recent developments. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source, users are encouraged to consult primary sources and academic literature for definitive research.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations, decisions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.