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59-578: The North American Wrestling Association was founded by George Scott , John Ringley and Mike Lamberth in January 1990. The first event and TV taping was held in Sumter, South Carolina on February 8, 1990. Matches from these shows were first shown in March and April 1990. The first North American Heavyweight Champion, Robert Fuller , won the championship in an 18-man tournament by defeating Ricky Steamboat in

118-624: A brief stint with Georgia Championship Wrestling and Jim Crockett Promotions , Scott eventually found his way back to Canada where he wrestled for promoter John Katan in Toronto and made his debut in Maple Leaf Gardens in November 1950. While there, he and Whipper Billy Watson had an altercation in which he appeared with Watson on the undercard facing Lee Henning . The following day, a local newspaper wrote how Scott's match stole

177-688: A broken sternum and a caved in eye socket as a result of the two-on-one attack. The promotion had a brief association with the World Wrestling Council after Manny Fernandez became SAPW's booker in August 1991. In November of that year, Fernandez was "suspended" from the promotion when he took the SAPW Heavyweight Championship to Puerto Rico. This led to a cross promotional effort with the WWC which saw Fernandez defend

236-539: A career in law enforcement. Although he began working as a bouncer for a time and was offered a managerial position at the bar he worked for, he declined and eventually returned to active competition in Stu Hart 's Stampede Wrestling in 1954. Helping his brother Angus break into the wrestling business in 1953, Scott began teaming with his brother in Stampede Wrestling shortly after his recovery later winning

295-649: A child, Scott began amateur wrestling at the local YMCA at age 12 and, during the next year, also started weightlifting. Living nearby Ben and Mike Sharpe , both well known professional wrestlers in Hamilton at the time, he also faced Martin Hutzler in an amateur bout at the YMCA. Making his professional debut in Wasaga Beach at age 17, he was helped in his early career by Pat Murphy and Dano Macdonald. During

354-500: A few months later on January 20, 2014. PWI Rookie of the Year This is a list of both active and inactive Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards which are voted on by Pro Wrestling Illustrated ( PWI ) readers every year from 1972 onwards, expanding to more categories in later years. Unlike other wrestling magazines and websites, PWI is largely a magazine written within the fictional realm of professional wrestling and

413-558: A four-year win streak from 1993 to 1996 and then a seven-year win streak from 2004 to 2010. The PWI Feud of the Year award recognizes the best rivalry of the year, normally between two wrestlers but also between groups as well. Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger is tied with Vince McMahon vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin , each winning twice. Ric Flair, Vince McMahon, and Triple H have won this award four times individually. The Four Horsemen , The Authority , The Nexus , and Aces & Eights are

472-488: A match between Abdullah the Butcher and Bruiser Brody at the supercard Christmas Star Wars '86 later that year. However, he secretly withheld from the participants that the match, in which Abdullah the Butcher would lose to Brody, would be a loser-leaves-Texas match. Brody would eventually find out about the arrangement and instead agreed to lose to Abdullah causing him to leave the promotion. Brody would return to WCCW as

531-571: A partner with Jim Crockett buying a third of Toronto promoter Frank Tunney 's promotion for $ 100,000. This allowed them access to southern Ontario and parts of the northeastern United States as well as bringing in wrestlers from Maple Leaf Wrestling and the Carolinas. This would continue for several years until Frank Tunney's death in 1983 and his nephew Jack Tunney sided with the World Wrestling Federation when they entered

590-484: A professional wrestling personality. It has been given yearly since 1981, originally known as the PWI Editor's Award , and it's considered the magazine highest honor. Beginning with the March 2003 year-end edition, the award was renamed in memory of PWI founder and longtime publisher Stanley Weston , who died in 2002. In 2020, PWI announced it would begin naming two winners per year. The PWI Midget Wrestler of

649-446: A promotion in the Carolinas called South Atlantic Pro Wrestling in the early 1990s. It got off to a promising start but shut down in 1994. Retiring to Indian Rocks Beach, Florida with his wife Jean, a former City Commissioner who has long been active in local politics. Scott also became involved in real estate and rental property , as well as his involvement in numerous charitable events, specifically his assistance in establishing

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708-512: A real-life fight between Ken Shamrock and The Nasty Boys left the future UFC fighter hospitalized. The drunken brawl had reportedly woken up other wrestlers staying in the motel. Frank Dusek claimed that it was only the intervention of Robert Fuller and the American Pit Bulldogs (Rex and Spike) that prevented Knobbs and Saggs from throwing the unconscious wrestler over the third floor balcony of their motel room. Shamrock suffered

767-401: A record four times. The New Day is the only trio to win the award. The Golden Role Models are the only women’s tag team to win this award. The PWI Faction of the Year award recognized the best faction of the year. This award made its debut in 2021. The PWI Match of the Year award recognizes the best match of the year. Shawn Michaels has won the award a record eleven times; he had

826-553: A reputation as one of the leading bookers in the industry. Brought in by John Ringly, who had recently taken over Jim Crockett Promotions after the death of his father-in-law Jim Crockett, Sr. , and stayed on after David and Jim Crockett, Jr. assumed control of the promotion. During his first few years in the Carolinas, he made major changes in the promotion including changing its focus from traditional tag team wrestling to singles competitors by bringing Wahoo McDaniel , The Super Destroyer and Johnny Valentine , with Valentine being

885-660: A short time (1968) in Championship wrestling based in Fort Worth Texas at the North side arena, the promotion was later bought by Fritz Von Erich and renamed WCCW. Scott as a baby face had bloody matches with Johnny Valentine, once Valentine ripped Scotts shirt off and ran him into the ring post, Scott spent the night in the hospital because Valentine went too far and really injured him. Remaining in Calgary, Scott had

944-735: A successful singles career while with Stampede Wrestling during the 1950s and 60s. When Billy Watson appeared in the area in the late 1960s, he refused to defend his title against Scott as well as Luther Lindsay and George Gordienko . According to Scott, this was the result of their argument in Toronto years before. While wrestling Killer Kowalski during a match in Calgary, fans reportedly began chanting "We want Scott" . The following night at an event in Edmonton, Watson asked Scott to team with him in Toronto to which Scott declined. Scott has stated in later interviews that he regretted that decision as

1003-618: The Friday night death slot throughout its two-year run. Jones and Dusek eventually sold SAPW to North Carolina promoter Greg Price who ran the promotion during its final year. Its last official show was held in Cerro Gordo, North Carolina on August 1, 1992. Male wrestlers Female wrestlers Stables and tag teams Managers and valets Commentators and interviewers Referees Other personnel George Scott (wrestler) George Scott (August 27, 1929 – January 20, 2014)

1062-773: The Monster Factory prior to his SAPW debut, was its first breakout star. During his first year in SAPW, he was voted 3rd runner up for Rookie of the Year in Pro Wrestling Illustrated . Chavis was also awarded the SAPW Heavyweight Championship before being signed to the World Wrestling Federation . Chavis attributed his early success to Ricky Steamboat and Wahoo McDaniel who mentored him during his time in SAPW. SAPW catered to traditional Southern wrestling fans that had grown up during

1121-571: The World Wrestling Federation , he was immediately sent to Atlanta to oversee the WWF's purchase of the Saturday night timeslot on TBS , forcing out Georgia Championship Wrestling and resulting what became known as " Black Saturday ". He was later involved in negotiations with Keith Hart for the McMahon's buyout of Stampede Wrestling which, according to Stu Hart in his biography Stu Hart: Lord of

1180-623: The Carolinas along with the original timeslots. In July 1990, Paul Jones and Frank Dusek took over the promotion and negotiated a deal with the America One Network to air "South Atlantic Pro Wrestling" on Friday nights later that year. George Scott and his partners hoped to revive the National Wrestling Alliance 's old Mid-Atlantic wrestling territory which traditionally covered Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. After securing key television markets in

1239-811: The Carolinas with his brother during the 1960s before eventually regained the Stampede International Tag Team Championship in 1963. They would also win the Indiana version of the AWA World Tag Team Championship and, while in Australia during the late 1960s, won the IWA World Tag Team Championship three times between 1966 and 1968. While in Stu Hart 's Stampede Wrestling in 1954, he and Angus would become one of

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1298-661: The Carolinas, the promotion signed contracts with all the old Jim Crockett Promotions arenas to hold pro wrestling shows on a regular basis. Within the first year of operation, house shows and TV tapings were held at the Columbia Township Auditorium , Grady Cole Center , Greenwood Civic Center , Limestone College Gym , and the Winston-Salem Memorial Coliseum . SAPW tours also included high school gyms, rec centers, and fairs in cities throughout Georgia, Mississippi, Virginia, and

1357-933: The Carolinas. In August 1991, SAPW held a benefit show in Wentworth, North Carolina for Operation Family Shield, a support group established by then Governor Jim Martin , that provided financial assistance to military families of North Carolina National Guardsmen and U.S. Army reservists stationed in the Persian Gulf . SAPW featured many Mid-Atlantic veterans such as Big John Studd , Bob Orton Jr. , Ivan Koloff , Junkyard Dog , Manny Fernandez , Matt Bourne , Paul Jones , Randy Colley , Ricky Steamboat , Robert Fuller , Ron Garvin , Tommy Rich , Wahoo McDaniel , and The Fantastics . Other legends such as Lou Thesz , Johnny Weaver , and Tim Woods appeared alongside SAPW announcer Ted Webb as special guest commentators for "South Atlantic Pro Wrestling". Bob Caudle also joined

1416-729: The Eblen Foundation in Asheville, North Carolina , which helps underprivileged families. In 2001, he was among several honorees at the Cauliflower Alley Club Banquet & Reunion . Scott was also acknowledged by Vince McMahon, who publicly thanked him for his contributions to the World Wrestling Federation during a wrestling event later that year. Scott was diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2011. He entered hospice care in October 2013 and died

1475-526: The Mid-Atlantic territory's "glory years" of previous decades. The promoters promised a back-to-basics approach to pro wrestling that provided an alternative to " sports entertainment " marketed by the World Wrestling Federation . They were also critical of the independent promotions beginning to emerge with the weakening of the NWA. Its " family friendly " environment was not without controversy, however, as

1534-583: The NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship in 1954. After a brief stint in Maple Leaf Gardens in 1955, The Flying Scotts, as they were known, became one of the top tag teams in the Toronto and Buffalo areas during the late 1950s. Defeating Chris and John Tolos for the Stampede International Tag Team Championship in 1958, they would feud with Butcher and Mad Dog Vachon the following year. Scott would also return to

1593-532: The Ring , was concluded by a handshake agreement. The official sale was finalized by Jim Barnett on August 24, 1984, for $ 1,000,000 to be paid off $ 100,000 a year. While in the area, he began running events in Miami, Florida , which soon became very profitable for the company, and he soon began booking for the entire promotion. Between 1984 and 1985, the WWF was grossing between $ 3 million and $ 4 million on weekends. He

1652-642: The Steve Austin Show Unleashed Podcast, Scott was credited by Ric Flair as the person who came up with the idea that to reverse the Figure-four leglock, the opponent would simply turn over onto their stomach. George Scott was the first born son to his parents, Walter James Scott Sr. (1903-1991) and Jeannie Mackay (1904-1995). He was born in Dalmeny, Scotland while his parents were visiting relatives and, returning to Canada,

1711-481: The WWF's Tuesday Night Titans . Eventually, Scott decided to resign due to overwork, the changing direction of the company and ongoing conflicts with Hogan and other wrestlers. After leaving the WWF in 1986, he briefly worked for Fritz Von Erich in Dallas replacing Ken Mantell , who had left the promotion earlier that year. Although David Meltzer 's The Wrestling Observer newsletter reported that he had joined

1770-463: The Year award recognizes the best wrestler who competes on the independent circuit . The PWI Inspirational Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the most inspirational professional wrestler of the year. The award has been given yearly since 1972, and in this time, Bob Backlund , Hulk Hogan , Eddie Guerrero , Jerry Lawler , Bayley , and Roman Reigns are the only people to have won the award more than once, with all six winning twice. Generally,

1829-413: The Year award typically recognizes the most effective heel (villainous) professional wrestler of the year. Triple H has won this award a record five times, with his fourth win as part of The Authority . In 2010, the award was given to a stable , The Nexus for the first time. Roman Reigns is the only wrestler to win this award while presented as a face (heroic character). The PWI Comeback of

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1888-487: The Year award, given yearly since 1992, recognizes the most impressive comeback by a professional wrestler during the year. Sting and Jeff Hardy have won this award a record three times each (Hardy's third win is shared with his brother Matt as part of the Hardy Boyz ). The PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the most improved professional wrestler of the year. The PWI Indie Wrestler of

1947-421: The Year but the award was again reinstated in 2021. Trish Stratus has won this award a record four times. AJ Lee is the only wrestler to win the award three times consecutively. Mickie James is the only wrestler to have won the award competing for two different organizations. The PWI Tag Team of the Year award recognizes the best tag team of the year. The Road Warriors ( Animal & Hawk ) have won

2006-426: The area during the mid-1980s; Scott later sued Jack Tunney and eventually received a $ 500,000 settlement and $ 150,000 in legal expenses in 1992. In 1981, Scott chose to leave Jim Crockett Promotions due to a pay dispute and resigned his position after giving Jim Crockett six weeks notice. Although Jim Crockett attempted to take Scott to court, the matter was soon dropped. Receiving numerous offers from promoters across

2065-482: The award is originally meant to go to a wrestler who overcomes great odds to achieve success in the ring, however, it has also been awarded to wrestlers who overcome real-life hardships and struggles. The PWI Rookie of the Year award recognizes the best professional wrestler of the year who, in that year, had their first year in the business. Since it is a rookie award, wrestlers can qualify only once. The PWI Stanley Weston Award recognizes lifetime achievement by

2124-422: The awards recognize this. The PWI Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the best professional wrestler of the year. Ric Flair has won the award a record six times, and remains the only wrestler with more than three wins; he also established the record for most consecutive wins with three from 1984 to 1986, with AJ Styles later tying that record in 2016-2018. Since 2020, female wrestlers have been included in

2183-423: The belt as the " WWC North America Champion ". In spite of a strong start, the promotion operated at a loss during its first six months in business. George Scott lost an estimated $ 600,000 before deciding to cut his losses and retire to Florida. There was a noticeable drop in quality after the original investors pulled out and many of the promotion's top stars left the area. "South Atlantic Pro Wrestling" remained in

2242-419: The country, Scott took several months off before agreeing to temporarily assist Atlanta promoter Jim Barnett and Georgia Championship Wrestling for two months. Scott was approached by Eddie Einhorn to become a partner in his International Wrestling Association , offering him a $ 250,000 salary and a percentage of the promotion, but Scott eventually declined. During this time, he also looking into purchasing

2301-539: The finals on June 30, 1990, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina . The first North American Tag Team Champions were crowned in a tournament final that same month, also in Winston-Salem, when The Nasty Boys defeated Danny Allen and Bob Emery. Scott and Ringley, as former Jim Crockett Promotions employees, recognized the importance of television exposure. The group purchased all the old JCP market stations in

2360-422: The following category. The PWI Woman of the Year award recognized the best female professional wrestling personality of the year. Originally known as Girl Wrestler of the Year , it was rendered defunct in 1976 and its history would be subsumed into the current award when women have again bestowed their category in 2000. It was again abandoned in 2020, and several female wrestlers were nominated for Wrestler of

2419-538: The following year, he lost to Superstar Billy Graham in Chicago, Illinois on November 3, 1972 Suffering a neck injury while wrestling in Texas, he was forced to retire the following year reuniting with his brother Angus against Atlantic Coast Tag Team Champions Gene & Ole Anderson in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on May 26, 1973, retiring later that year. In the years following his retirement, George gained

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2478-470: The late 1940s, Scott attempted to convince local promoter Joe Maiche to wrestle in the Brantford armories before being signed by Toledo promoter Jack Pfefer and promoted as an up-and-coming wrestler. As Benny Becker, would gain considerable experience from many veteran wrestlers in the territory and would later face "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers and Gorgeous George several times in his early career. After

2537-590: The masked wrestler Red River Jack and, with Scott leaving the promotion shortly after, Brody replaced him as head booker. . He later went back to work for Crockett in 1988, taking over creative rights of the promotion but lightning didn't strike twice and his run was brief as he was fired in April 1989, due to the lack of promotion for the Clash of the Champions, and was replaced by the NWA booking committee. He started up

2596-553: The most popular tag teams in Western Canada during their six-year stay in the promotion. At one event, in which they were featured in the main event against The Miller Brothers ( Bill and Ed Miller ), promoters were forced to turn away 6,000 at a Stampede Wrestling event before splitting up. The two would eventually have a falling out after the death of their mother resulting in Angus refusing to attend her funeral. Scott spent

2655-402: The only stables to win the award. The PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the best face or heroic professional wrestler of the year. Sting and John Cena have won this award a record four times. Rob Van Dam is the only wrestler to win the award as a heel (villain). In 2019, Becky Lynch became the first woman to win the award. The PWI Most Hated Wrestler of

2714-480: The promotion in August, other sources such as David Manning's Heroes of World Class have claimed he had joined the promotion shortly before Kerry Von Erich 's motorcycle accident the previous month. Scott's time in WCCW was brief however and, according to Gary Hart , he resigned his position after failing to force Hart out of the promotion. Scott, who reportedly regarded Hart as a threat to his position, had scheduled

2773-422: The promotion in late 1991. Henry Marcus, another longtime JCP associate, promoted his final house show for the group. The promotion also showcased younger talent, including Baron Samdi , Curtis Thompson , Dean Malenko , Nelson Frazier , The Patriot , P. N. News , Ric Savage, Rob Van Dam , Vince Torelli , The American Pit Bulldogs and The Nasty Boys . Chris Chavis , who had trained under Larry Sharpe at

2832-404: The rights for the NWA's Oklahoma territory although he walked away from the deal allowing Bill Watts to purchase the territory for his Universal Wrestling Federation /Mid-South promotion. In 1983, Scott received a call from Vince McMahon, Sr. with whom he had a close working relationship while with Jim Crockett Promotions. Agreeing to assist his son Vince McMahon who had recently taken over

2891-429: The ring as he was supposed to be an outside-the-ring referee. Prior to WrestleMania, he took part in the initial negotiations with Mr. T to appear in the main event. Despite an argument between him and Mr. T, the disagreement was eventually settled and he agreed to appear; Mr. T later ran up $ 22,000 in expenses during the week leading up to WrestleMania. Scott was also one of the key officials who attempted to clean up

2950-465: The show and Scott began appearing in the opening matches for much of his time in the promotion thereafter. In 1952, following a match against Buddy Rogers in Florida, Scott collapsed in the bathroom of his apartment. He was eventually found by a friend who, noticing the bathroom light on, broke into the apartment when Scott failed to respond to his knocking on the door. Brought to a local hospital, Scott

3009-420: The top wrestler in the territory. Although fans were slow to respond to the sudden shift, Valentine had become one of the most popular wrestlers in the region within several months. He also signed younger wrestlers such as "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka , Roddy Piper , Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat and "Nature Boy" Ric Flair , and became a major influence during their early careers. During the late-1970s, Scott became

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3068-531: The widespread drug use among wrestlers in the promotion. He was involved in setting up the WWF's initial drug testing program. Those who failed the drug test would be suspended for six weeks and, if caught a second time, would be released from the company. Although having control of most of the roster, he and then WWF World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan became involved in a heated argument during an event at Madison Square Garden regarding "some unsavory characters" hanging around backstage. Hogan, who by this time

3127-459: The wrestler who eventually teamed with Watson, Billy Red Lyons whose career would take off after that match. Involved in booking for Stu Hart and Jim Crockett during the early 1970s, he declined offers to tour Japan and instead chose to continue wrestling for both Stampede Wrestling and the Mid-Atlantic territory. He teamed with El Mongol and Jimmy Dancing Bear in 6-man tag team matches against Buddy Colt and The Assassins in late 1971 and,

3186-630: Was a Canadian professional wrestler , booker and promoter. From the 1950s until the 1970s, he and his younger brother Sandy competed as The Flying Scotts in North American regional promotions including the National Wrestling Alliance , particularly the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic territories , as well as successful stints in the American Wrestling Association , Maple Leaf Wrestling and Stampede Wrestling . Scott

3245-619: Was also the longtime head booker for the Jim Crockett Promotions working under promoter Jim Crockett, Jr. during the 1970s and with Vince McMahon during the World Wrestling Federation 's national expansion during the early 1980s. He helped organize many of the early PPV events such as WrestleMania I and WrestleMania 2 as well as the early cards for the WWF's weekly television shows Saturday Night's Main Event , Prime Time Wrestling and Superstars of Wrestling . On

3304-442: Was directly involved in planning some of the biggest events in the promotion's history including WrestleMania I and 2 , the first televised shows for Saturday Night's Main Event and the supercard Big Event at Toronto's Exhibition Stadium . Scott appeared on-camera at WrestleMania when, during the main event between Hulk Hogan & Mr. T and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff , he pulled guest official Muhammad Ali out of

3363-431: Was gaining some political clout, went over Scott's head complaining about the incident to promoter Vince McMahon. He worked three days straight with NBC producer Dick Ebersol on Saturday Night's Main Event I . He and Ebersol disagreed on the show's content, with Ebersol in favor of a Saturday Night Live -style show as opposed to Scott's ideas for a traditional wrestling event. The format had been previously used on

3422-683: Was raised in Hamilton, Ontario . He grew up with his siblings Angus (AKA Sandy Scott, 1934–2010), and beloved Walter (1936-2014). His sister Jeannie Gow Scott, at the age of 11, suffered appendicitis during a return trip from Scotland on the SS ; Athenia , and was pronounced dead in Montreal, Quebec on October 25, 1937. She is buried in Woodland Cemetery, Hamilton, Ontario. Involved in hockey , basketball , and roller skating as

3481-677: Was told he had passed out due to a deep bruise in his hip and was eventually flown back to Toronto where he was diagnosed with three ruptured discs in his back caused when Rogers had kicked him in the back during their match. Although doctors recommended surgery, Scott refused when he was told he would be unable to wrestle again. Taking a year off to recuperate, he lived with his parents while John Katan, Jack Laskin and Jack Tunney held stags and fundraising events to help his family as Scott remained paralyzed for six months. Worried that he might suffer another more serious injury, his parents had tried to encourage him to retire and his mother suggesting

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