Plenty of CWF memories at Robarts Arena. NWA returns there for tapings and to honor Austin Idol

“The Universal Heartthrob” Austin Idol, who at 74 years young, is part of the NWA roster, under the direction of Billy Corgan, frontman/vocalist/guitarist of the popular eclectic band Smashing Pumpkins, a post-punk blend of progressive rock, grunge and psychedelia that also incorporates goth rock and dream pop.

The mix of styles works with Corgan’s unique singing voice, and the same can be said for the NWA, which offers a mix of wrestling styles, fusing new school with old school, like Idol.

The NWA is the longest running pro wrestling promotion in the world. During the territory days, Championship Wrestling from Florida, led by Eddie Graham, was an integral part of the NWA.

CWF, with the legendary broadcaster Gordon Solie, featured newcomers, those rising up the ranks, veteran talent, and established stars. Idol was one of them.

Idol earned his start with CWF as a young referee, after grueling and extensive training sessions for about one year in Tampa at the Sportatorium, where they taped TV each week. There he learned from legends, i.e. Jack Brisco, Jerry Brisco, Bob Roop, Hiro Matsuda, Eddie Graham, Mike Graham.

Prior, a baseball player for Robinson High School in Tampa, Idol became friends with Mike Graham, who was an outstanding amateur wrestler at Robinson. Graham also powerlifted, and Idol did the same, working out, competing together.

Occasionally Idol asked Graham if he could try pro wrestling, since Graham’s dad, Eddie, ran the promotion. Finally, Graham told him don’t eat for five hours and took him to the Sportatorium.

A torture test ensued. Tossed around and stretched by the best, to see if he could take it, Idol said he felt beat up and battered (because he was), worst he ever felt, but when Graham asked him what he taught, Idol said he loved it and wanted to continue training.

Fifty years later and Idol’s legendary career continues with the NWA.

During his early times with CWF, Idol wrestled as Mike McCord, and he twice found himself on the card at the historic Robarts Arena in Sarasota, Florida, about an hour from Tampa. One of the CWF-housed buildings still standing in the Sunshine State, Robarts Arena will host the NWA for “NWA Powerrr” TV tapings on Saturday, Nov. 18.

The NWA will also be honoring Idol there for 50 years in the business. Quite an accomplishment.

Here is Part 1 of my audio interview with CWF alum “The Universal Heartthrob” Austin Idol of the NWA.

BTW, at Robarts Arena, Mike McCord wrestled “Bullet” Bob Armstrong, the patriarch of the legendary Armstrong family, on Feb. 15, 1975 with Armstrong the victor. McCord did much better there two years later as he beat The Great Mephisto on July 9, 1977.

Mike McCord also wrestled in Australia, not an easy gig to land, before getting a huge opportunity -- via Jim Barnett -- in New York wrestling for Vince McMahon Sr.’s WWWF. “Iron” Mike McCord was managed by the great Capt. Lou Albano. McCord, quite possibly the first Floridian to work WWWF.

Prior he wrestled for Jim Crockett Promotions in the Carolinas, which also helped launch his career. He thanks Jerry Brisco greatly for the opportunity to wrestle for Crockett, a pivotal point in his young journey.

Jerry Lawler in Memphis and Gary Hart also helped put Idol on the map. Idol had a good look, charisma, a solid physique and worked well in the ring; he could cut a promo with the best of them. He just had that “It” factor. The name, the nickname, the hat, the chin pose, the promos, that was all Austin Idol, his creations, a creative mind for the biz.

Here is Part 2 of my audio interview with CWF alum “The Universal Heartthrob” Austin Idol of the NWA.

Someone who has drawn, putting butts in seats and eyes on TV, now he is helping others do the same. Idol runs a pro wrestling type college -- Universal Wrestling College -- where you learn how to make money in professional wrestling as a wrestler, manager, referee, commentator, etc. The cool facility is in Greenville, South Carolina.

For info, go to:http://universalwrestlingcollege.com/signup.htm

NWA on YouTube, Social Media & FITE

“NWA Powerrr” and “NWA USA” are available weekly for free on the NWA’s YouTube channel, and the company also offers six annual pay-per-views available for purchase on FITE TV.

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