Back To The Territories #09 | “The Masked Superstar” Bill Eadie | Georgia

Today much is made about wrestling wars, but how much do wrestling fans know about the “war for Atlanta?” It was very real and saw the biggest stars in wrestling being utilized by the NWA to protect what was seen as an assault on one of its major territories. Standing opposite the Alliance and Jim Barnett was Ann Gunkel, widow of promoter and wrestling star Ray Gunkel.Join host Jim Cornette and Bill Eadie, The Masked Superstar, one of the Georgia territory’s huge stars and bookers, for a trip down Atlanta way. Go inside the Georgia wrestling operation before TBS, Black Saturday, and the Crocketts. Hear the stories surrounding the area’s colorful stars like Tommy Rich, T Bolt Patterson, Freebirds, Mr. Wrestling I and II, Ole Anderson, and so many more. Jump in, we’re heading to Hot-lanta!00:00 The Rise of Professional Wrestling in Georgia01:37 The Golden Era of Georgia Wrestling02:53 The Tragic Death of Ray Gun Gun03:56 The Wrestling War of 197204:43 Jim Barnett's Influence and the Return of Georgia Championship Wrestling05:55 Introduction to Back to the Territories06:20 Bill Edie's Journey in Georgia Wrestling08:14 The Wrestling TV Block and Behind the Scenes10:07 The Wrestling War: Personal Experiences14:33 Transition to the Mass Superstar18:38 The Omni and the Wrestling Scene in the 1970s25:54 The Grueling Weekly Schedule of Georgia Wrestlers32:08 Locker Room Stories and Promoter Dynamics46:03 The Importance of Authenticity in Wrestling Personas46:53 The Art of Improvisation in Wrestling47:32 Trust and Confidence Among Wrestlers51:13 The Role of Promos in Building Wrestling Feuds57:39 The Financial Landscape of Wrestling in the Late 70s and Early 80s01:05:41 Challenges and Controversies in Wrestling01:14:59 The Legacy of Wrestling Territories and Events01:22:40 Touring Japan: A Wrestler's Experience01:23:04 The Rise of TBS and Nationwide Wrestling01:23:54 Ohio Territory Revival01:24:26 Memorable Matches and Venues01:26:50 Dusty Rhodes' Impact and Betrayal01:37:27 The Influence of Roddy Piper01:39:13 Ray Stevens: A Wrestling Legend01:49:52 The Decline of Georgia Wrestling01:51:44 The Fall of Georgia Championship Wrestling02:03:14 Final Thoughts on Georgia Wrestling