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An academic exploration into Smoky Mountain Wrestling, Jim Cornette's traditional 'rasslin' promotion, its influential talent, notable controversies, and lasting imprint on professional wrestling history.

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Overview

Foundation & Ethos

Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) emerged in October 1991 as a professional wrestling promotion, a brainchild of Jim Cornette, Sandy Scott, and financially backed by music producer Rick Rubin.[1] Headquartered in Knoxville and Morristown, Tennessee, SMW was conceived as a bastion of traditional "rasslin'," aiming to recapture the classic regional wrestling style prevalent in the Appalachian area of the United States.[1]

Operational Span & Legacy

The promotion operated from October 1991 until its closure in December 1995.[1] Despite its relatively short lifespan, SMW carved out a significant niche, becoming a respected, albeit not always financially successful, independent entity. Its video library is now a part of the extensive archives held by WWE Libraries, ensuring its historical preservation.[23] NWA Smoky Mountain is considered an unofficial successor, continuing a regional wrestling tradition.

The Visionary: Jim Cornette

Jim Cornette, a renowned figure in professional wrestling, was the driving force and owner of SMW throughout its existence.[1] His vision was to present "professional wrestling the way it used to be, and the way you like it," a direct counterpoint to the burgeoning "edgy" and anti-hero narratives gaining traction in other promotions like Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). This commitment to traditional storytelling defined SMW's unique identity.[20]

Territory

Geographic Footprint

Cornette initially envisioned a broad territorial reach for SMW, extending from Kentucky as far south as South Carolina and Georgia. While the promotion did host events across this expansive region, including occasional shows at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta, Georgia, its primary strongholds remained Knoxville and Johnson City, Tennessee.[4] SMW's tours frequently brought its brand of wrestling to high school gymnasiums and local fairs throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina, embedding itself within the community fabric of the Appalachian region.[4]

National Collaborations

In a strategic move to broaden its exposure and talent pool, Smoky Mountain Wrestling forged working agreements with larger national promotions in 1993, notably World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).[8] These alliances allowed SMW wrestlers to be showcased on a grander stage, providing valuable exposure and inter-promotional storylines.

  • February 1993: The Rock 'n' Roll Express competed against The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) at WCW's SuperBrawl III.[9]
  • SummerSlam 1993: The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) challenged The Steiner Brothers for the WWF Tag Team Championship.[10][11]
  • Survivor Series 1993: The Heavenly Bodies (Prichard and Del Ray) defeated The Rock 'n' Roll Express to win the SMW Tag Team Championship.[12][13]

Talent

Established Stars

SMW's roster featured a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Prominent figures from the Southeastern wrestling circuit included The Heavenly Bodies (initially Stan Lane and Tom Prichard, later Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray), who were central to many storylines under Jim Cornette's management.[14] They engaged in memorable feuds with fan favorites such as The Rock 'n' Roll Express, The Fantastics, and the revered Armstrong Family (including patriarch Bob Armstrong).[14]

Future Legends

A significant aspect of SMW's legacy is its role as a proving ground for numerous younger wrestlers who would later achieve national and international acclaim. This roster included talents such as Bob Holly,[15] New Jack, Al Snow,[16] Balls Mahoney, Chris Jericho,[17] Glenn Jacobs (who would become widely known as Kane),[18] Lance Storm,[17] Chris Candido,[19] Tammy Lynn Sytch,[19] Brian Girard James (later Road Dogg), and D'Lo Brown. Their time in SMW provided crucial development before their broader impact on the industry.

Backstage Pillars

Beyond the in-ring performers, key personnel were instrumental in SMW's operation. Brian Hildebrand, known to fans as referee Mark Curtis, was a versatile and indispensable figure. He simultaneously held multiple roles, including Head of Merchandise, a prominent referee, and the sound director, highlighting the lean operational structure of independent promotions.[23]

Controversy

Traditionalism vs. Modernity

Jim Cornette's steadfast commitment to a traditional wrestling style, often referred to as "rasslin'," positioned SMW in stark contrast to contemporary promotions like Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). While ECW embraced edgy storylines, morally ambiguous characters ("tweeners"), and anti-heroes, SMW's narrative adhered to clear distinctions between "good guys" and "bad guys," where cheating was unequivocally a heel tactic. This ideological divide underscored a significant shift in professional wrestling's landscape during the 1990s.[20]

The "Gangstas" Gimmick

Despite its traditionalist stance, SMW was not immune to controversy. The "Gangstas" gimmick, featuring black wrestlers New Jack and Mustafa, became a flashpoint. Their promos, which referenced activist Medgar Evers, and the use of props such as fried chicken and watermelon, sparked accusations of racism. This controversial angle led to a lasting feud between Jim Cornette and wrestling journalist Mark Madden, who publicly condemned the gimmick as racist, drawing parallels to earlier controversies involving Bill Watts in WCW.[20][21]

The "StormTrooper" Gimmick

Another controversial instance involved the "StormTrooper" gimmick given to wrestler Chris Powers. His uniform, including a mask, was emblazoned with swastikas, and his ring entrance featured an arm raised to the crowd, evoking Nazi imagery. Such a provocative and historically charged presentation generated significant backlash, further highlighting the challenges and sensitivities inherent in wrestling character development.[20]

NWA

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Tournament (1994)

Following the departure of Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW) from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in August 1994, which left the NWA without a World Heavyweight Champion, SMW briefly became associated with the venerable organization. A 10-man tournament was orchestrated in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, in November 1994, featuring several SMW wrestlers. Chris Candido emerged victorious, becoming the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion and primarily defending the title at SMW events.[6][7][22]

The tournament featured a diverse lineup of talent:

  • Tracy Smothers
  • Devon Storm (Crowbar)
  • Eddie Gilbert
  • Johnny Gunn (Salvatore Sincere)
  • Chris Candido
  • Al Snow
  • Dirty White Boy (Tony Anthony)
  • Jerry Lawler
  • Lou Perez
  • Osamu Nishimura

Shifting Championship Dynamics

The NWA World Heavyweight Championship's tenure within SMW was short-lived. In February 1995, Chris Candido lost the title to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) winner Dan Severn.[22] As a freelancer, Severn opted to become a traveling World Champion, effectively removing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship as a consistent feature of SMW events. However, in April 1995, The Rock 'n' Roll Express secured the NWA World Tag Team Championship for an unprecedented fifth time, providing SMW with a prestigious tag team title to feature.[22]

Demise

Financial Headwinds

Despite critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, Smoky Mountain Wrestling faced persistent financial challenges. The promotion struggled to secure a profitable television deal, a crucial revenue stream for wrestling organizations. Compounding these difficulties was the broader wrestling recession of the mid-1990s, a period of declining interest and attendance that impacted many promotions. The eventual withdrawal of financial backing from music producer Rick Rubin further exacerbated SMW's economic precariousness.[23]

The Final Bell

Facing insurmountable financial obstacles, Jim Cornette made the difficult decision to close the promotion in December 1995, transitioning to a full-time role with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). The final SMW event took place on November 26, 1995, in Cookeville, Tennessee. This poignant last show featured the entire SMW roster collectively attacking Jim Cornette, who was then symbolically pinned by beloved referee Mark Curtis (Brian Hildebrand), marking an emotional end to the promotion's run.[23]

Enduring Legacy

The closure of SMW did not signify the end for many of its talents. Several SMW wrestlers, including Tracy Smothers, The Dirty White Boy (Tony Anthony), and Boo Bradley (Balls Mahoney), soon found employment with the WWF, carrying their experience to a national audience.[23] Today, the extensive video library of Smoky Mountain Wrestling is owned by WWE, ensuring that its unique brand of traditional "rasslin'" remains accessible for future generations of fans and scholars of professional wrestling history. Furthermore, "unofficial" reunion shows, such as "Curtis Comes Home" and its 2005 sequel, have been held in memory of Mark Curtis, underscoring the lasting impact and camaraderie forged within SMW.[24][25]

Major Events

Key Showcases

Smoky Mountain Wrestling hosted numerous significant events throughout its operational period, often featuring championship matches and high-stakes feuds. These events were crucial in defining the promotion's narrative and showcasing its talent.

1992 Events

Date Event Venue Location Main event
May 22 Volunteer Slam Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee Brian Lee vs. Paul Orndorff in a tournament final for the inaugural SMW Heavyweight Championship[4]
July 17 Summer Blast Brian Lee & Ron Garvin vs. Paul Orndorff & The Dirty White Boy[4]
August 8 Fire on the Mountain Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) (c) vs. The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton and Jackie Fulton) in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage match for the SMW Tag Team Championship[4]
November 26 Thanksgiving Thunder Memorial Gym Hazard, Kentucky The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) (c) vs. The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) in a Falls Count Anywhere match for the SMW Tag Team Championship[4]
November 27 National Guard Armory Welch, West Virginia The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) (c) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) in a Texas Deathmatch for the SMW Tag Team Championship[4]
November 28 Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) (c) vs. The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) in a street fight for the SMW Tag Team Championship[4]
November 29 Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) (c) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) in a Steel Cage match for the SMW Tag Team Championship[4]
December 25 Christmas Chaos The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) vs. The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) and Jim Cornette[4]
December 26 Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee
December 27 Raleigh County Armory Beckley, West Virginia

1993 Events

Date Event Venue Location Main event
April 2 Bluegrass Brawl Pikeville College Gymnasium Pikeville, Kentucky Bobby Eaton and The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) vs. Arn Anderson and The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) vs. Dutch Mantel and The Stud Stable (Robert Fuller and Jimmy Golden)[5]
May 9 Volunteer Slam II: Rage in a Cage Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee Brian Lee, The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) and The Stud Stable (Robert Fuller and Jimmy Golden) vs. Kevin Sullivan, The Tazmaniac, Killer Kyle and The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) in a Rage in a Cage match[5]
May 15 The Last Tango in Tennessee Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) (c) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) in a Loser Leaves SMW match for the SMW Tag Team Championship[5]
July 8 Summer Blast Memorial Gymnasium Hazard, Kentucky The Armstrong Family (Bob Armstrong, Scott Armstrong and Steve Armstrong) vs. Jim Cornette and The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray)[5]
July 9 Fleming-Neon High School Fleming-Neon, Kentucky
July 10 Raleigh County Armory Beckley, West Virginia
July 15 Evarts High School Evarts, Kentucky
July 16 Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee
July 17 Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee
August 13 Hot August Night in Mo-Town East High School Gymnasium Morristown, Tennessee
August 14 Fire on the Mountain Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee The Armstrong Family (Bob Armstrong, Scot Armstrong and Steve Armstrong) and The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) vs. Jim Cornette, The Bruise Brothers (Ron Bruise and Don Bruise) and The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) in a Rage in a Cage match with The Big Boss Man as special guest referee[5]
August 20 K-Town Showdown Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee Bob Armstrong vs. Jim Cornette in a Lumberjacks with Tennis Rackets match with The Big Boss Man as special guest referee[5]
October 1 Big Apple Grapple Paintsville High School Gymnasium Paintsville, Kentucky 13-man Battle Royal
October 7 Parade of Champions Memorial Gymnasium Hazard, Kentucky The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) vs. The Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner)[5]
October 8 Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee
October 9 Knox County High School Barbourville, Kentucky
October 10 Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee
November 25 Thanksgiving Thunder Memorial Gymnasium Hazard, Kentucky The Bruise Brothers (Ron Bruise and Don Bruise) vs. The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) in a street fight[5]
November 26 Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee
November 27 Knox Central High School Gymnasium Barbourville, Kentucky
November 28 Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee
December 25 Christmas Chaos Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee Brian Lee (c) vs. Tracy Smothers vs. The Dirty White Boy for the SMW Heavyweight Championship[5]
December 26 Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee
December 27 Knox Central High School Gymnasium Barbourville, Kentucky

1994 Events

Date Event Venue Location Main event
February 13 Sunday Bloody Sunday Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee The Bruise Brothers (Don Bruise and Ron Bruise) vs. The Moondogs (Moondog Spot and Moondog Rex) in a Steel Cage match[6]
March 10 Golden Week Cobb County Civic Center Marietta, Georgia Bob Armstrong vs. Jim Cornette in a Steel Cage match[6]
March 11 Johnson Central High School Paintsville, Kentucky The Dirty White Boy and The Dirty White Girl vs. Brian Lee and Tammy Fytch[6]
March 12 Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) (c) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) in a 60-minute iron man match for the SMW Tag Team Championship[6]
March 13 Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee
March 15 Clinton County High School Albany, Kentucky The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) (c) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) for the SMW Tag Team Championship[6]
March 17 Nixon Center Hyden, Kentucky
March 18 Knox County High School Barbourville, Kentucky The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) (c) vs. Tim Horner and Robert Gibson in a 60-minute iron man match for the SMW Tag Team Championship[6]
March 19 Cawood High School Gymnasium Harlan, Kentucky The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) (c) vs. Tracy Smothers and Robert Gibson for the SMW Tag Team Championship[6]
April 1 Bluegrass Brawl II: The Famous Final Scene Pikeville College Gymnasium Pikeville, Kentucky The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) (c) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) in a Loser Leaves Town Steel Cage match for the SMW Tag Team Championship[6]
May 20 Volunteer Slam III Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee Jake Roberts (c) vs. The Dirty White Boy for the SMW Heavyweight Championship[6]
July 1 Summer Blast Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee The Dirty White Boy vs. Bruiser Bedlam in a Steel Cage match[6]
July 2 Knox County High School Barbourville, Kentucky The Dirty White Boy vs. Jim Cornette in a Steel Cage match[6]
July 3 Cobb County Civic Center Marietta, Georgia The Dirty White Boy vs. Bruiser Bedlam in a steel cage[6]
July 4 Paintsville High School Gymnasium Paintsville, Kentucky Bambi and The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) vs. Tammy Fytch, Chris Candido and Brian Lee[6]
July 7 Cawood High School Harlan, Kentucky Tracy Smothers vs. Bruiser Bedlam in a street fight[6]
July 8 Raleigh County Armory Beckley, West Virginia
July 9 Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee The Dirty White Boy vs. Chris Candido in a Steel Cage match for the SMW Heavyweight Championship[6]
August 5 The Night of the Legends Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee Bob Armstrong, Tracy Smothers and Road Warrior Hawk vs. Bruiser Bedlam and The Funk Brothers (Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk) in a "Coward Waves the Flag" match[6]
August 6 Fire on the Mountain Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee Bob Armstrong, Tracy Smothers and Road Warrior Hawk vs. Bruiser Bedlam and The Funk Brothers (Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk) in a Texas Deathmatch
September 30 Big Apple Grapple Paintsville High School Gymnasium Paintsville, Kentucky The Dirty White Boy, Tracy Smothers and The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) vs. Boo Bradley, Bruiser Bedlam and The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustafa)[6]
November 17 SMW/NWA Championship Wrestling America (NWA World Heavyweight Championship tournament) Stanton Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustafa) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) for the SMW Tag Team Championship
November 18 Pleasantville High School Pleasantville, New Jersey
November 19 National Guard Armory Cherry Hill, New Jersey Chris Candido vs. Tracy Smothers in a tournament final for the vacant NWA World Heavyweight Championship
November 24 Thanksgiving Thunder Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustafa) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) in a Ghetto Street Fight for the SMW Tag Team Championship[6]
November 25 Paintsville High School Gymnasium Paintsville, Kentucky
November 26 Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee
November 27 Cobb County Civic Center Marietta, Georgia
December 25 Christmas Chaos Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustafa) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) for the SMW Tag Team Championship[6]
December 26 Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) (c) vs. The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustafa) for the SMW Tag Team Championship[6]
December 27 Mulberry Street Recreation Center Lenoir, North Carolina
December 29 Peel's Palace Erlanger, Kentucky Battle Royal[6]
December 30 National Guard Armory Ashland, Kentucky Bobby Blaze and The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) vs. D-Lo Brown and The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustafa)[6]

1995 Events

Date Event Venue Location Main event
January 28 Super Saturday Night Fever Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee 16-man K-Town Rumble match[7]
February 25 Brawl in the Hall Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) vs. The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustafa) in a street fight
February 26 Sunday Bloody Sunday II Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee Jim Cornette and The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) vs. D-Lo Brown and The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustafa) with Bob Armstrong as special guest referee[7]
March 18 March Madness Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee The Dirty White Boy vs. Buddy Landel in a Steel Cage match[7]
March 19 Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee
April 7 Bluegrass Brawl III Pikeville College Gymnasium Pikeville, Kentucky Tracy Smothers and The Undertaker vs. D-Lo Brown and The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustafa) in a Loser Salutes the Flag match[7]
April 8 Fright Night Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee Bob Armstrong, Tracy Smothers and The Undertaker vs. D-Lo Brown and The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustafa) in an "I quit" match[7]
May 19 Volunteer Slam IV Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee Ricky Morton vs. Al Snow in a scaffold match[7]
May 20 Charlotte Memories Grady Cole Center Charlotte, North Carolina The Dynamic Duo (Al Snow and Unabomb) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson)[7]
July 15 Summer Blast Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee The Dynamic Duo (Al Snow and Unabomb) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) in a street fight[7]
August 4 Super Bowl of Wrestling Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee Shawn Michaels (c) vs. Buddy Landel for the WWF Intercontinental Championship[7]
August 12 Fire on the Mountain: Night of the Dream Matches Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) (c) vs. The Thugs (The Dirty White Boy and Tracy Smothers) for the SMW Tag Team Championship[7]
August 13 Carolina Cup Grady Cole Center Charlotte, North Carolina The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) vs. The Thugs (The Dirty White Boy and Tracy Smothers) in the Carolina Cup Tag Team Tournament Finals
October 20 Halloween Scream Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee Tommy Rich vs. Buddy Landel in a chain match[7]
October 21 East High School Gymnasium Morristown, Tennessee Tommy Rich vs. Buddy Landel in a Falls Count Anywhere match[7]
October 27 Cookeville Community Center Cookeville, Tennessee Tommy Rich vs. Buddy Landel in a First Blood match[7]
October 28 Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee Tommy Rich vs. Buddy Landel in a barbed wire match[7]
November 23 Thanksgiving Thunder Civic Coliseum Knoxville, Tennessee Robert Gibson and The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) vs. The Thugs (The Dirty White Boy and Tracy Smothers) and a mystery partner[7]
November 24 Knox Central High School Gymnasium Barbourville, Kentucky Robert Gibson and The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) vs. Ricky Morton and The Thugs (The Dirty White Boy and Tracy Smothers)[7]
November 25 Freedom Hall Civic Center Johnson City, Tennessee
November 26 Cookeville Community Center Cookeville, Tennessee Jim Cornette vs. Mark Curtis[7]

Tourneys

SMW Tag Team Championship Tournament

This tournament was held between March 12 and April 23, 1992, to crown the inaugural SMW Tag Team Champions. The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) ultimately defeated The Fantastics in the final, which aired on May 9, 1992.[26]

Quarterfinals Semifinals Final
The Heavenly Bodies
(Stan Lane and Tom Prichard)		 Pin
The Batten Twins
(Bart Batten and Brad Batten)		 06:15
The Heavenly Bodies Pin
Joey Maggs and Danny Davis Pin
The Koloffs
(Ivan Koloff and Vladimir Koloff)		 07:21
The Heavenly Bodies Pin
The Fantastics 09:55
The Maulers
(Rip Morgan and Jack Victory)		 Pin
Johnny Rich and Davey Rich 10:31
The Maulers Pin
The Fantastics 08:37
The Wild Bunch
(Joel Deaton and Billy Black)		 Pin
The Fantastics
(Bobby Fulton and Jackie Fulton)		 11:52

King of Kentucky Tournament

This one-night single-elimination tournament was held in Hazard, Kentucky, on June 24, 1993. Brian Lee emerged as the victor, solidifying his status within the promotion.[27]

Quarterfinals Semifinals Final
Bobby Blaze DQ
Killer Kyle
Bobby Blaze
Brian Lee
Brian Lee
Jimmy Golden
Brian Lee Pin
Brian Lee
The Dirty White Boy
The Dirty White Boy
Tim Horner
Tracy Smothers
Chris Candido Pin
Tracy Smothers

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Tournament (1994)

This tournament, held on November 19, 1994, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, aimed to crown a new NWA World Heavyweight Champion after Shane Douglas famously vacated the title. Chris Candido ultimately claimed the championship.[28]

Qualifiers Quarterfinals Semi-finals Finals
Tracy Smothers Pin
Devon Storm
Tracy Smothers Pin
Eddie Gilbert
Eddie Gilbert Pin
Johnny Gunn
BYE
BYE
Chris Candido Pin
Al Snow
Chris Candido Pin
The Dirty White Boy
The Dirty White Boy DQ
Jerry Lawler
Tracy Smothers Pin
Osamu Nishimura Draw Chris Candido
Lou Perez
BYE
BYE
BYE
BYE

Carolina Cup Tag Team Tournament

This single-elimination tournament was held on August 13, 1995, at the Grady Cole Center. The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) emerged victorious, defeating The Thugs (The Dirty White Boy and Tracy Smothers) in the finals.[29]

Quarterfinals Semifinals Final
The Heavenly Bodies
(Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray)		 Pin
Bobby Fulton and Boo Bradley
The Heavenly Bodies
BYE
BYE
The Heavenly Bodies Pin
The Heavenly Bodies Pin
The Thugs
The Thugs
(The Dirty White Boy and Tracy Smothers)		 Pin
Tommy Rich and The Punisher
The Headbangers Pin
The Thugs
The Headbangers
(Mosh and Thrasher)		 Pin
Robert Gibson and Curtis Thompson

Champions

Final Recognized Champions

At its closure, Smoky Mountain Wrestling recognized several champions across its various divisions. These titles represented the pinnacle of achievement within the promotion and were held by some of its most prominent talents.

Championship Last Recognized Champion From Until Notes
SMW Heavyweight Championship Jerry Lawler May 22, 1992 December 30, 1995 [2][30]
SMW "Beat The Champ" Television Championship Bobby Blaze December 12, 1992 1995 [30][31]
SMW Tag Team Championship The Heavenly Bodies
(Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray)		 April 23, 1992 November 26, 1995 [3][30]
SMW United States Junior Heavyweight Championship Bobby Blaze September 13, 1993 July 29, 1994 [30][32]

Note: After SMW's closure, Brad Armstrong briefly declared himself SMW Heavyweight Champion and defended the title in the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) before losing it to Jerry Lawler on December 30, 1995.[2]

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References

References

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