Ron Garvin: The 'Hands of Stone' Chronicle
An In-Depth Examination of a Professional Wrestling Icon.
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Biographical Overview
Personal Details
Roger Barnes, widely recognized by his ring name "Rugged" Ronnie Garvin, was born on March 30, 1945, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is currently 80 years old. His professional wrestling career spanned several decades, establishing him as a notable figure in the industry.
Family Connections
Garvin's family ties extend into the wrestling world. His stepson, Jimmy Garvin, is also a former professional wrestler, and Patricia Williams is his stepdaughter-in-law, further embedding the Garvin name within wrestling lore.
Physical Attributes
Standing at 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) and weighing approximately 242 lb (110 kg), Garvin possessed a physique that commanded attention in the ring. His billed hometowns included Montreal, Quebec, Canada, as well as Charlotte, North Carolina, and Knoxville, Tennessee, reflecting his extensive career across different regions.
Professional Wrestling Journey
Early Career (1962-1984)
Barnes began his wrestling career in 1962, adopting the ring name Ron Garvin. He initially formed a tag team with Terry Garvin, billed as brothers, achieving success in regional promotions. Later, he established himself as a singles competitor in territories across Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee. His time in International Championship Wrestling (ICW) was marked by intense rivalries, including memorable encounters with Randy Savage and Pez Whatley, and a notorious incident involving stomping on Ox Baker's dentures.
Jim Crockett Promotions (1984-1988)
Garvin's return to Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) in 1984 marked a significant period of success. He gained prominence as "The Man With the Hands of Stone," engaging in high-profile feuds with wrestlers like Tully Blanchard and members of The Midnight Express. He held the NWA United States Tag Team Championship with Barry Windham. His most significant achievement during this era was capturing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1987, albeit briefly, before losing it back to Ric Flair at Starrcade. He later transitioned to a heel persona, departing JCP in 1988.
World Wrestling Federation (1988-1990)
In the WWF, Garvin adopted the moniker "Rugged" Ronnie Garvin and initially portrayed a fan favorite. He participated in the 1989 Royal Rumble and had a notable feud with Greg Valentine, which included matches where Garvin also served as a referee. His tenure saw him involved in various storylines, including a memorable confrontation with Valentine at the 1990 Royal Rumble in a submission match.
Later Career (1991-2014)
Following his WWF departure, Garvin made appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), World Wrestling Council (WWC), and Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW). He also ran his own promotion, Tennessee Mountain Wrestling (TMW), from 1995 to 2001. Garvin continued to make independent appearances on a semi-retired basis, with his final recorded match occurring in 2014 at the age of 69.
Championships & Accolades
Major Titles
- NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- NWA United States Tag Team Championship (1 time) โ with Barry Windham
- NWA National Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- NWA National Television Championship (2 times)
Regional & Other Titles
- NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship (2 times) โ with Terry Garvin
- NWA Florida Tag Team Championship (1 time) โ with Ole Anderson
- WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- AWA International Television Championship (1 time)
- ICW Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- And numerous other regional tag team and heavyweight championships.
Recognition
- Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Class of 2019
- Cauliflower Alley Club Men's Wrestling Award (2008)
- Ranked No. 126 in the PWI 500 (1991)
- Ranked No. 142 of the PWI Years (2003)
Life Beyond the Ring
Business Ventures
Post-wrestling, Roger Barnes has successfully transitioned into business, owning several used car dealerships in Gaston County, North Carolina. This demonstrates a keen entrepreneurial spirit beyond his athletic career.
Aviation Acumen
Garvin is also an accomplished pilot, holding commercial and instrument ratings for both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft. This pursuit mirrors that of his stepson, Jimmy Garvin, who became an airline pilot in his own retirement from professional wrestling.
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References
References
- Federal Aviation Administration
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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 educational and informational purposes only, providing an academic perspective on the career and achievements of Ron Garvin.
This is not professional sports commentary or endorsement. The content presented is based on historical data and may not capture every nuance or recent development. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source material, users are encouraged to consult primary sources for definitive verification. The AI and its creators are not liable for any inaccuracies or omissions.