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{{about|the nationally-syndicated U.S wrestling program|the [[World Wrestling Federation]] program that aired during this period|WWF Superstars of Wrestling|the most recent WWF television series|WWE Superstars}}
#REDIRECT [[WWF Superstars of Wrestling]]

{{Infobox television
| show_name = Superstars of Wrestling
| show_name_2 = Saturday Night Superstars
| image =
| image_size =
| image_alt =
| caption =
| genre = [[Professional wrestling]]
| creator = [[Joe Pedicino]]
| based_on = <!-- {{based on|work|author}} -->
| developer =
| writer =
| screenplay =
| story =
| director =
| creative_director =
| presenter = [[Joe Pedicino]] (1985–1992) <br/> [[Boni Blackstone]] (1986–1992) <br/> [[Gordon Solie]] (1986–1987) <br/> [[Rhubarb Jones]] (1987) <br/> '''Regular guests''': <br/> [[Bill Apter]] (1986–1988) <br/> [[Paul Heyman|Paul E. Dangerously]] (1987–1988) <br/> [[Gary Hart]] (1986–1987) <br/> [[Michael Hayes]] (1986–1987)
| starring =
| narrated =
| theme_music_composer =
| opentheme = "[[Holding Out for a Hero]]" by [[Bonnie Tyler]]
| endtheme =
| composer =
| country = United States
| language =
| num_seasons = 6
| num_episodes = <!-- Value is incremented when new episodes air, or have been produced. -->
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer =
| producer =
| editor =
| location =
| cinematography =
| camera =
| runtime = <!--Reliable source required-->
| company =
| distributor =
| budget =
| channel = [[WATL]] (1985)<br />[[Broadcast syndication|Syndicated]] (1986 - 1992)
| picture_format =
| audio_format =
| first_run = <!-- The nation in which the series first aired, if different from country parameter. -->
| released = <!-- {{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| first_aired = May 1986
| last_aired = August 1992
}}
'''Superstars of Wrestling''' was a [[Broadcast syndication|nationally-syndicated]] [[professional wrestling]] [[list of professional wrestling television series|television program]] that aired throughout the United States from 1986 to 1992.<ref name="Sneed">{{cite news |author=Sneed, Mitch |date=September 16, 1993 |title=Fayette resident talks tough on the air - Blackstone reaches top as WWF personality |url= |newspaper=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]] |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref> Created and produced by [[Joe Pedicino]], the series broadcast eight hours of wrestling from around the country and was the first to provide national coverage of both the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] and international promotions.<ref name="PWHOF">{{cite web |url=http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/solie.asp |title=Gordon Solie |author=Westcott, Brian |date=2009 |website=PWHF.org |publisher=[[Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame]] |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> It was also the earliest U.S. television show to regularly broadcast Japanese [[puroresu]] and [[joshi|joshi wrestling]] as part of the [[Fuji Television Network]]'s efforts to develop a market in the American television industry.<ref name="King">{{cite news |author=King, Bill |date=July 5, 1986 |title=Live from Japan on Channel 36... |url= |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref>

The series was initially hosted by [[Joe Pedicino]] who was later joined by [[Boni Blackstone]]<ref name="Letawsky">{{cite web |url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/27377 |title=Ask 411 11.14.02: No Limit Soldiers, Barry O, Super Liger, Savinovich |accessdate= |author=Letawsky, Craig |authorlink= |date=November 14, 2002 |format= |work=Columns |publisher=411mania.com |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref><ref name="Byers">{{cite web |url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/90746 |title=Ask 411 11.19.08: The Macho/Taker Edition |accessdate= |author=Byers, Ryan |authorlink= |date=November 19, 2008 |format= |work=Columns |publisher=411mania.com |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref><ref name="Symkus">Symkus, Ed and Vinnie Carolan. ''Wrestle Radio U.S.A.: Grapplers Speak''. Toronto: ECW Press, 2004. (pg. 35, 81, 134, 148, 201, 204) ISBN 1-55022-646-0</ref> and [[Gordon Solie]].<ref name="Allyn">Allyn, Robert. ''Gordon Solie ... Something Left Behind''. Altamonte Springs, Florida: Florida Media, Inc., 2005. (pg. 220) ISBN 0-9763062-1-2</ref><ref name="Hartley">{{cite web |url=http://www.solie.org/interviews/solie2.html |title=Gordon Solie Interview |accessdate= |author=Hartley, Jeremy |authorlink= |author2=[[Earl Oliver]] |year=1998 |work=Interviews |publisher=Solie.org |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref><ref name="PWHF">{{cite web |url=http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/solie.asp |title=Gordon Solie |accessdate= |author=Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum |authorlink=Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum |year=2004 |format= |work=Hall of Famers |publisher=PWHF.org |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> Pedicino and Solie hosted a popular segment on the show, "Pro Wrestling This Week", which discussed the then current news from the "Big Three" ([[American Wrestling Association|AWA]], [[Jim Crockett Promotions|NWA]] and the [[World Wrestling Federation|WWF]]) as well as [[List of National Wrestling Alliance territories|regional territories]]. [[Bill Apter]], editor of ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'', has also credited Pedicino for considerably raising his profile among wrestling fans due to his weekly segment.<ref name="MediaMan">{{cite web |url=http://www.mediaman.com.au/interviews/apter.html |title=Interview - Bill Apter |accessdate= |author=Total Wrestling |authorlink= |date=July 14, 2003 |work=Interviews |publisher=MediaMan.com.au |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref><ref name="Apter">{{cite web |url=http://www.1wrestling.com/news/newsline.asp?news=29075 |title=Ask Apter -- "About Pro Wrestling This Week..." |accessdate= |author=Apter, Bill |authorlink= |author2=Andy Sternman |date=June 27, 2007 |format= |work=Newsline |publisher=1wrestling.com |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> The magazine's [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards|yearly awards ceremony]] was shown on ''Superstars of Wrestling'' in 1987 and 1988.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Pro Wrestling This Week |url= |access-date= |series=Superstars of Wrestling |first=Bill |last=Apter |first2=Gordon |last2=Solie |first3=Joe |last3=Pedicino |network=[[Broadcast syndication|Syndicated]] |station=[[WATL]] |city=[[Atlanta, Georgia]] |date=January 3, 1987 |season= |number= |minutes=4 |transcript= |quote= |language=}}</ref>

==History==
===Development===
''Superstars of Wrestling'' was developed by [[Joe Pedicino]] while working at [[WATL|WATL TV 36]] in 1985. A graduate of [[University of Pennsylvania]]'s [[Wharton Business School]]<ref name="LMH">{{cite web |url=http://www.legacymediaholdings.com/bios.htm |title=Joe Pedicino, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer,, Legacy Media Holdings, LLC |accessdate= |author= |authorlink= |year=2007 |work=Legacy Media Holdings, LLC Bios |publisher=LegacyMediaHoldings.com |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>, Pedicino had been with the station's sales department for only two months when he pitched the idea to management.<ref name="Rosen">{{cite news |author=Rosen, Chris |date=June 27, 1987 |title=Ch. 36 pins down new wrestling times |url= |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref> The [[Black Saturday (professional wrestling)|Black Saturday incident]] had occurred a year earlier and professional wrestling was still very popular in [[Atlanta, Georgia]]. The station's Saturday morning wrestling show from the [[Continental Wrestling Association|NWA's Memphis territory]] was getting very low ratings despite [[1980s wrestling boom|its booming popularity on television]]. Pedicino, a wrestling fan for most of his life, advised the program director that WATL was "running the wrong show at the wrong time". The Memphis promotion sent the station random footage that was out of order and confused Georgia area fans as the results from upcoming matches were never acknowledged the following week. Pedicino explained that it was the equivalent of a soap opera teasing the audience with a cliffhanger each week and then never following up on next week's episode. Instead, Pedicino argued, WATL should capitalize on the popularity of [[Jim Crockett Promotions]]' flagship show ''[[WCW Saturday Night]]'' on [[TBS]] by moving their show to [[prime time]].<ref name="Canoe">{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/07/25/18467076.html |title=Superstars host Pedicino still a fan |author=Andrews, Michael |date=August 2, 2011 |website=[[Canoe.ca|Canadian Online Explorer]] |publisher=SLAM! Sports |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref><ref name="Simms">{{cite podcast |last=Simms |first=Terry Garvin |title=World Domination with Terry Garvin Simms - guest Joe Pedicino |website=[[BlogTalkRadio]] |publisher= |date=16 July 2014|time=10:00|url=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/randombrainactivity/2014/07/16/world-domination-with-terry-simms--guest-joe-pedicino |access-date=1 July 2015}}</ref>

Inspired by the success of ''[[Elvira's Movie Macabre]]'',<ref name="Canoe"/> Pedicino proposed broadcasting eight hours of professional wrestling from the [[List of NWA territories|National Wrestling Alliance's regional territories]]<ref name="Darcy">{{cite news |author=Dancy, Lee |date=November 20, 1986 |title=Ms. Boni Blackstone adds a soft touch to pro wrestling as a co-hostess to the "Superstars of Wrestling" |url= |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref>, as well as from [[Puerto Rico]] and [[Japan]]<ref name="Allyn"/><ref name="PWHF"/>, allowing wrestling fans to watch programming from throughout the United States for the first time. The station agreed to extend the show to fill up its night time programming schedule. Pedicino was later able to acquire Japanese [[puroresu]] and [[joshi|joshi wrestling]] as part of the [[Fuji Television Network]]'s efforts to develop a market in the American television industry.<ref name="King"/>

===Early popularity===
''Superstars of Wrestling'' debuted in May 1986, airing on Saturday nights from 8:00 pm to 3:00 am, was a ratings success. Eight different wrestling organizations from as far away as [[Dallas, Texas]] and [[Birmingham, Alabama]] were broadcast during its first year. These would later include the [[Continental Wrestling Association]], [[Georgia Championship Wrestling]], [[Mid-South Wrestling]] and [[World Class Championship Wrestling]] as well as events from around the world.<ref name="PWHOF"/><ref name="Apter"/> Because the show never disclosed that the wrestling being shown was pre-taped, with Pedicino adding commentary during post-production, fans watching the show at home would often travel to the studio hoping to attend the show. In November, twenty fans drove in a van all the way from [[Snellville, Georgia]] to the [[closed set|locked studio]] in [[downtown Atlanta]] only to be turned away by security.<ref name="Darcy"/>

Pedicino served as both [[executive producer]] and host throughout its near 7-year run. He was joined by fellow ring announcer [[Rhubarb Jones]] and 21-year-old Boni Blackstone, who later became his wife. Pedicino had hosted the show alone for the first six months before an on-air contest was held to find a new co-host.<ref name="Simms"/> Out of 70 women, only 20 made the finals with Blackstone winning the competition.<ref name="Sneed"/><ref name="Darcy"/> [[Gordon Solie]] also joined the show as a regular [[color commentator]]<ref name="PWHOF"/> The popular wrestling announcer, then working for [[Championship Wrestling from Florida]], had to commute from [[Tampa, Florida]] to Atlanta each week.<ref name="Hartley"/> Solie would also host a featured segment with Pedicino, "Pro Wrestling This Week", which discussed wrestling news from around the country. They were sometimes joined by [[Bill Apter]], who had his own segment,<ref name="Apter"/> and co-produced interview segments with [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]] featuring many of wrestling stars of the 1980s.<ref name="CVI">{{cite web |url=http://www.1wrestling.com/news/newsline.asp?news=37198 |title=Classic Video Interview -- Captain Lou VS. Paul E! |accessdate= |author=Apter, Bill |authorlink=Bill Apter |date=October 14, 2009 |format= |work=Newsline |publisher=1wrestling.com |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> Apter's appearances, as well as those on [[TBS (TV channel)|TBS]], considerably raised his profile among wrestling fans of the era.<ref name="MediaMan"/>

The show was watched in over 20 major television markets in its first year. By the summer of 1987, the show broadcast in 40 cities, including [[New York]], [[Los Angeles]] and [[Chicago]],<ref name="Rosen"/> and eventually [[broadcast syndication|syndicated]] throughout the country.<ref name="Darcy"/> At the height of its popularity, ''Superstars of Wrestling'' was aired in 90 cities across the country.<ref name="Simms"/> In May 1988, Pedicino claimed that the show was being aired in France.<ref name="DVDVR">{{cite journal |author=Muldoon, Ryan |date= |title=PRO WRESTLING THIS WEEK - 5/26/1988 |url=http://deathvalleydriver.com/dvdvr/dvdvr150.html |journal=Death Valley Driver Video Review |publisher= |volume= |issue=150 |pages= |doi= |pmc= |pmid= }}</ref> He and Blackstone became seen as local celebrities in Atlanta but Pedicino brushed off the attention regarding themselves as "wrestling fans who got lucky".<ref name="Hart">{{cite news |author=Hart, Anne |date=January 10, 1997 |title=Ex-wrestling show hosts team up in new career |url= |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref><ref name="Rosen"/> Earlier that year, he and Blackstone hosted the three-day 20th annual ''Miller High Life World of Wheels'' car show held at Atlanta's [[World Congress Center]]. Sponsored by the [[National Automotive Parts Association]], the event displayed over 500 of the most expensive custom designed antique vehicles in the world including the [[18 wheeler|18-wheel]] [[Volvo]] "Elvis' Eldorado". French entertainer "Miss World of Wheels" Danielle Cheavalier and [[professional wrestling valet|wrestling valet]] [[Sunshine (wrestling)|Miss Sunshine]] of [[The Fabulous Freebirds]] were also at the event.<ref>{{cite news |author=Around Intown |date=February 19, 1987 |title=Elvis' Eldorado, 18-wheel Volvo featured at World of Wheels Show |url= |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref> The two were also the first-ever wrestling personalities to host the Georgia-area [[Emmy Awards]].<ref name="Simms"/>

===Rivalry with Deep South Wrestling===
In early-1988, Pedicino began co-promoting [[Southern Championship Wrestling (Georgia)|Southern Championship Wrestling]] with [[Jerry Blackwell]]. Blackwell's ability to bring in top talent and Pedicino's television show saw SCW shoot to the top of the Georgia independent circuit. Their success, however, brought them into conflict with rival "outlaw" promotion [[Deep South Wrestling]] run by [[Jody Hamilton]]. DSW ran on [[WUPA|Channel 69]] which was a competitor against the station that aired ''Superstars of Wrestling''. The rival station had created its own Saturday night wrestling bloc to compete directly with Pedecino's show, but failed to challenge him in the ratings. When WATL began airing SCW programming in February 1988, DSW responded with parodying the ''Superstars of Wrestling'' hosts;

{{quote box|width=90%|align=center|fontsize=90%|quote=On a recent Deep South Wrestling show, they made fun of Joe Pedicino and Bonnie Blackstone. They did a skit with a guy in an easy chair pretending to be Pedicino, but getting stuck in his chair and needing help to get out. Blackstone was parodied as a total bimbo. Southern countered by showing a clip of The Invader vs The Assassin, with Pedicino saying, "This is the Puerto Rican Assassin because there is nobody named The Assassin in the United States that can wrestle," a dig at Jody Hamilton, the group's headliner.<ref name="WO-FEB15">{{cite journal |editor=[[Dave Meltzer|Meltzer, Dave]] |date=February 15, 1988 |title=Southern Championship Wrestling |journal=[[Wrestling Observer]] |volume= |issue= |pages= |publisher= |doi= |pmid= |pmc= |url= |accessdate= }}</ref>}}

Pedicino also helped promote the Southern Championship Training Center, a rival training facility of Hamilton's ''American Academy of Professional Wrestling'', in [[Cumming, Georgia]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Graham, Keith |date=February 26, 1988 |title=School of Hard Knocks - Wrestlers learn man-size moves in roped ring |url= |newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref> The year-long promotional war ended when Hamilton suffered an in-ring injury and was forced to sell DSW at the end of the year.

===Charity appearances===
Pedicino and Blackstone used their celebrity status to promote charity events through ''Superstars of Wrestling'' including, most notably, their two-hour "Wrestlethon" television special. The first show raised an estimated $10,000 and helped save the life of teenager Deloris Wadsworth who needed a [[liver transplant]]. The second show raised between $12,000-$13,000 for wounded police officers J.J. Biello and Richard Williams. "Wrestlethon '88", which aired on July 17, 1988, was broadcast nationwide via [[satellite]] by [[Fox Broadcasting]] as part of ''[[The Late Show (1986 TV series)|The Late Show]]''. It was able to raise enough money to purchase 200-300 [[bulletproof vests]] of the 1,100 needed for the [[Atlanta Police Department]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Greppi, Michele |date=June 17, 1988 |title=Unlikely tag team finds perfect match in TV wrestling fans |url= |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref> Four months later, Pedicino appeared with a number of media figures and television celebrities at a benefit show, "Celebrity Cookoff for a Cure", held by the [[Juvenile Diabetes Foundation]] at [[Benihana]]. Other participants included ''[[Atlanta Magazine]]'' editor Lee Walburn, ''[[Atlanta Business Chronicle]]'' editor Anita Sharpe, ''[[Creative Loafing]]'' publisher Deborah Eason and local [[WSB-TV]] personalities John Pruitt and Bebe Emerman.<ref>{{cite news |author=Graham, Keith |date=November 16, 1988 |title=Reach Out: Good Meal Ambassadors |url= |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref>

===Later years===
The early-1990s saw new changes to ''Superstars of Wrestling''. After a brief hiatus, the show returned under the name ''Saturday Night Superstars''.<ref name="JR">{{cite interview |last=Pedicino |first=Joe |subjectlink=Joe Pedicino |interviewer=[[Jim Ross]] |title=An Interview with Joe Pedicino |program=''Wrestling with Jim Ross'' |call-sign=[[WSB (AM)|WSB AM-750]] |city=Atlanta, Georgia |date=January 18, 1991 }}</ref> [[Scott Hudson (wrestling commentator)|Scott Hudson]] and [[Steve Prazak]], announcers for [[Georgia All-Star Wrestling]], were brought in for a "[[Laurel and Hardy]]"-style segment called "Point-Counterpoint". Both men had been fans of the show prior to being hired by Pedicino. That same year, he and Blackstone became married.<ref name="Sneed"/> This came a surprise, both to wrestling fans and the staff, as the two had a well-known [[kayfabe]] adversarial relationship on the show much like [[Gorilla Monsoon]] and [[Bobby Heenan|Bobby "The Brain" Heenan]] on ''[[WWF Wrestling Challenge]]''. Pedicino played the "[[wiktionary:Straight man|straight man]]" of the team who teased and played pranks on Blackstone. The two would continue their routines off-camera, keeping even the production crew in the dark, by driving home in separate cars and Blackstone addressing her then boyfriend as "Mr. Pedicino" in front of studio employees during the first two years of their relationship. Pedicino also had an 11-year-old son, Vince, from a previous marriage and was also sometimes seen on the show.<ref name="Hart"/> Creative differences between Pedicino and Solie also saw the longtime commentator depart from the show.<ref name="Allyn"/>

===Cancellation===
Pedicino decided to end Superstars of Wrestling in August 1992<ref name="Hart"/> due to his involvement in the [[Global Wrestling Federation]] and other commitments.<ref>{{cite news |author=Vesey, Susannah |date=September 21, 1992 |title=Peach Buzz: Tag Team Fax |url= |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref><ref name="Nash">{{cite news |author=Nash, Rebecca |date=November 19, 1992 |title=Cobb At Work - Couple links up with `all the news that's fit to eat' |url= |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref> Scott Hudson and Steve Prazak were brought into the GWF<ref name="Letawsky"/><ref name="Speed1">{{cite web |url=http://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/gwf/gwfintro.htm |title=Regional Territories: GWF |accessdate= |author=Speed, Steve L. |authorlink= |year=2004 |work=Regional Territories |publisher=KayfabeMemories.com |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref><ref name="Speed2">{{cite web |url=http://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/gwf/gwfintro.htm |title=Regional Territories: GWF #4, Page #2 |accessdate= |author=Speed, Steve L. |authorlink= |year=2004 |work=Regional Territories |publisher=KayfabeMemories.com |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> where they continued their "Point-Counterpoint" segment on ESPN.<ref name="Wojcik">{{cite web |url=http://alanwojcik.com/id134.html |title=Extensive Scott Hudson Interview |accessdate= |author=Wojcik, Alan |authorlink= |year=2008 |work= |publisher=AlanWojcik.com |pages= |language= |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222172358/http://alanwojcik.com/id134.html |archivedate=February 22, 2010 |quote= }}</ref><ref name="Mooneyham">{{cite web |url=http://www.mikemooneyham.com/pages/viewfull.cfm?ObjectID=04FF9027-A06C-4175-95D0166366D1318E |title=De Truth, And Nothing But De Truth |accessdate= |author=Mooneyham, Mike |authorlink= |year=1992 |format= |work=The Wrestling Gospel According to Mike Mooneyham |publisher=MikeMooneyham.com |pages= |language= |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080312151929/http://www.mikemooneyham.com/pages/viewfull.cfm?ObjectID=04FF9027-A06C-4175-95D0166366D1318E |archivedate=March 12, 2008 |quote= }}</ref> Pedicino considered bringing the show back after leaving the GWF in 1992 but ultimately decided to return to the radio industry.<ref name="Letawsky"/>

==Production==
The show aired on Saturday nights from 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM and was approximately 368 minutes in length (produced for a 7-8 hour time-slot) per episode. "Pro Wrestling This Week" had a 46 minute runtime. The show was filmed at [[WATL|WATL TV 36]] in [[downtown Atlanta]] with some segments and interviews being shot on location. After WATL became a Fox affiliate in 1988, the show moved to [[WGCL-TV|WGCL]] in an effort to remain on prime time. It later broadcast from [[WPXA-TV|WPXA]] in [[Rome, Georgia]].<ref name="Canoe"/>

===Episode format===
Unlike the "traditional" wrestling programs which which standard wrestling matches, ''Superstars of Wrestling'' was presented as a news and entertainment . was a groundbreaking concept that took the average wrestling fan through each of the major NWA territories and discussed various storylines and major news of the day.<ref name="PWHOF"/> pre-taped matches interspersed with interviews, light comedy, and news commentary/reporting.<ref name="Canoe"/><ref name="DVDVR"/> The show's unique nature allowed for wrestlers working in different promotions to interact with each other. On the July 27, 1987 edition of ''Superstars of Wrestling'', [[Lou Albano]] and [[Paul E. Dangerously]], from the [[World Wrestling Federation]] and the [[American Wrestling Association]] respectively, had a showdown on who was the best manager in pro wrestling.<ref name="CVI"/>

===Memorable episodes===
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #FCFDFF; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
!Episode||Date||Rating||Notes
|-
|''Superstars of Wrestling'' Debut
|May 1986
|N/A
|{{small|The first ever Superstars of Wrestling episode.}}
|-
|Wrestlethon '86
|July 1986
|N/A
|{{small|Telethon for teenager in need of a [[liver transplant]].}}
|-
|1986 PWI awards
|January 3, 1987
|N/A
|{{small|Pro Wrestling This Week: [[The Rock 'n' Roll Express]] accepts the [[PWI Tag Team of the Year|PWI Tag Team of the Year Award]], [[Lex Luger]] accepts the [[PWI Rookie of the Year Award]], [[Paul Orndorff]] accepts [[PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year|PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year Award]], [[Lou Albano]] accepts the [[PWI Manager of the Year|PWI Manager of the Year Award]], Cathy Gagne (on behalf of her father) accepts the [[PWI Editor's Award]], and [[Ric Flair]] accepts the [[PWI Wrestler of the Year|PWI Wrestler of the Year Award]].}}
|-
|''Pro Wrestling This Week''
|April 25, 1987
|N/A
|{{small|Death of [[Mike Von Erich]].}}
|-
|''Pro Wrestling This Week''
|July 27, 1987
|N/A
|{{small|Confrontation between [[Lou Albano]] vs. [[Paul E. Dangerously]].}}
|-
|''Pro Wrestling This Week''
|June 13, 1987
|N/A
|{{small|[[The Rock 'n' Roll Express]] defeats [[Rick Rude]] and [[Manny Fernandez]] for the [[WCW World Tag Team Championship|NWA World Tag Team Championship]].}}
|-
|Wrestlethon '87
|July 1987
|N/A
|{{small|Telethon for two police officers wounded in the line of duty.}}
|-
|Wrestlethon '88
|July 17, 1988
|N/A
|{{small|Telethon for the [[Atlanta Police Department]]. Eddie Gilbert attacked Joey Maggs during the show.}}
|-
|1987 PWI awards
|January 9, 1988
|N/A
|{{small|Pro Wrestling This Week: [[Owen Hart]] accepts the [[PWI Rookie of the Year Award]], [[Curt Hennig]] accepts [[PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year|PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year Award]], and [[Paul Boesch]] accepts the [[PWI Editor's Award]].}}
|}

==Revival on FOX Sports Radio==
In August 2000, Pedicino and his wife Boni began hosting ''Pro Wrestling this Week'' on [[FOX Sports Radio]],<ref name="Letawsky"/> which ran on Sunday nights from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am. They later appeared together at the [[NWA Anniversary Show#2000|NWA 52nd Anniversary Show]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nwa-wildside.com/news/search.cgi?category=1&keyword=belltime&page=16 |title=NWA Wildside & Worldwide News 10/6/00 |accessdate= |author=Behrens, Bill |authorlink= |date=October 16, 2000 |format= |work=NWA Wildside/Worldwide News |publisher=NWA-Wildside.com |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

==Legacy==
''Superstars of Wrestling'' was the first and only independently-produced wrestling U.S. television program. Prior to the development of the internet, television audiences were often subject to region-specific programming. The series allowed wrestling fans to watch promotions outside their local areas for the first time.<ref name="BCN">{{cite news |author=Bridges, Chris |date=February 28, 2007 |title=The tradition of Saturday night Atlanta wrestling |url=http://www.mainstreetnews.com/2007/February/B0228SC.html |newspaper=Banks County News |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref><ref name="MSN">{{cite news |author= |date=July 17, 2013 |title=New promotion seeks return to wrestling's past |url=http://www.mainstreetnews.com/archives/28664-New-promotion-seeks-return-to-wrestlings-past.html |newspaper=MainStreetNews.com |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref> It was considered a groundbreaking concept at the time. Initially available to Atlanta, Georgia it eventually spread to wrestling fans across the country. Chris Bridges of ''Banks County News'' called it "a teenage pro wrestling fan’s dream come true".<ref name="BCN"/> Among its fans included runner Scott Ludwig,<ref>{{cite book |last=Ludwig |first=Scott |date=2013 |title=My Life: Everything but BUY THE BOOK |url= |location= |publisher=iUniverse |page=325 |isbn=1491701331 |access-date= }}</ref> [[NWA Anarchy]] promoter Charles Anschutz,<ref name="MSN"/> manager Dave Wills, best known as the "Crying Wrestling Fan",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.davewillswrestling.com/bio.html |title=Biography and FAQ |author=Wills, Dave |date=2010 |website=DaveWillsWrestling.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> and wrestling historian Brian Shields.<ref>{{cite news |author=Corrigan, John |date=October 9, 2014 |title='30 Years of WrestleMania' author Brian Shields discusses working with and going behind the scenes of WWE |url=http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/10/30_years_of_wrestlemania_autho.html |newspaper=[[The Birmingham News]] |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref>

''Superstars of Wrestling'' was supported by the wrestling industry, including WWF owner [[Vince McMahon]], then competing against NWA promoters, who saw the show as free advertising.
<ref name="Woodward">{{cite web |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=31162&p=1 |title=PWINSIDER Q&A: DROPPING THE BALL WITH ECW, PRO WRESTLING THIS WEEK AND MORE |author=Woodward, Buck |date=May 23, 2008 |website=PWInsider.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> [[Jim Ross]], then play-by-play commentator for ''[[WCW Saturday Night]]'', was a supporter of the show and commented that "our fans in Atlanta are lucky to get to see it".<ref name="JR"/> The show was a "launching pad" for up-and-coming stars in the business. [[Bill Apter]], [[Gary Hart]], [[Michael Hayes]], and [[Paul E. Dangerously]] all hosted segments for "Pro Wrestling This Week". Dangerously credited his appearances on ''Superstars of Wrestling'' as an opportunity to improve as an on-air performer.<ref name="Canoe"/> [[Scott Hudson (wrestling commentator)|Scott Hudson]] and Steve Prazak were fans of the show and given their first big break by Pedicino when he began promoting events in the late 1980s. They eventually went on to become announcers for [[World Championship Wrestling]].<ref name="Wojcik"/><ref name="Mooneyham"/>

In June 2014, wrestling columnist Brian Bayless suggested the [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] study Pedicino's program in order to improve its [[WWE Network|24-hour wrestling network]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rspwfaq.net/2014/06/how-wwe-can-truly-take-network-over-top.html |title=How The WWE Can Truly Take the Network Over the Top |author=Bayless, Brian |date=June 4, 2014 |website=RSPWFAQ.net |publisher=Scott's Blog of Doom! |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> Buck Woodward of PWInsider.com speculated on using Pedicino's using the internet to cover the 21st century [[independent circuit]].<ref name="Woodward"/>

==See also==
*[[List of professional wrestling television series]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book |last=Hamilton |first=Joe |authorlink=Joe Hamilton |last2=Teal |first2=Scott |date= |title=Assassin: The Man Behind the Mask |url=http://www.crowbarpress.com/cbp-books/03-jh.html |location= |publisher=Crowbar Press |chapter=Slow Motion |page=211-214, 216 |isbn=0-9745545-3-7 |access-date= }}

==External links==
*{{cite web |url=http://squaredcirclepit.blogspot.com/2014/12/before-youtube-there-was-pro-wrestling.html |title=Before YouTube There Was Pro Wrestling This Week |author= |date=December 8, 2014 |website=SquaredCirclePit.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}
*{{cite web |url=https://ringthedamnbell.wordpress.com/2015/04/20/great-ideas-that-didnt-last-pro-wrestling-this-week/ |title=Great Ideas That Didn’t Last: Pro Wrestling This Week |author= |date=April 20, 2015 |website=RingTheDamnBell.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Superstars of Wrestling}}
[[Category:American professional wrestling television series]]
[[Category:1980s American television series]]
[[Category:1986 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:1992 American television series endings]]
[[Category:First-run syndicated television programs in the United States]]

Revision as of 08:25, 31 August 2015

This article is about the nationally-syndicated U.S wrestling program. For the World Wrestling Federation program that aired during this period, see WWF Superstars of Wrestling. For the most recent WWF television series, see WWE Superstars.
Superstars of Wrestling
GenreProfessional wrestling
Created byJoe Pedicino
Presented byJoe Pedicino (1985–1992)
Boni Blackstone (1986–1992)
Gordon Solie (1986–1987)
Rhubarb Jones (1987)
Regular guests:
Bill Apter (1986–1988)
Paul E. Dangerously (1987–1988)
Gary Hart (1986–1987)
Michael Hayes (1986–1987)
Opening theme"Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler
Country of originUnited States
No. of seasons6
Original release
NetworkWATL (1985)
Syndicated (1986 - 1992)
ReleaseMay 1986 –
August 1992

Superstars of Wrestling was a nationally-syndicated professional wrestling television program that aired throughout the United States from 1986 to 1992.[1] Created and produced by Joe Pedicino, the series broadcast eight hours of wrestling from around the country and was the first to provide national coverage of both the National Wrestling Alliance and international promotions.[2] It was also the earliest U.S. television show to regularly broadcast Japanese puroresu and joshi wrestling as part of the Fuji Television Network's efforts to develop a market in the American television industry.[3]

The series was initially hosted by Joe Pedicino who was later joined by Boni Blackstone[4][5][6] and Gordon Solie.[7][8][9] Pedicino and Solie hosted a popular segment on the show, "Pro Wrestling This Week", which discussed the then current news from the "Big Three" (AWA, NWA and the WWF) as well as regional territories. Bill Apter, editor of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, has also credited Pedicino for considerably raising his profile among wrestling fans due to his weekly segment.[10][11] The magazine's yearly awards ceremony was shown on Superstars of Wrestling in 1987 and 1988.[12]

History

Development

Superstars of Wrestling was developed by Joe Pedicino while working at WATL TV 36 in 1985. A graduate of University of Pennsylvania's Wharton Business School[13], Pedicino had been with the station's sales department for only two months when he pitched the idea to management.[14] The Black Saturday incident had occurred a year earlier and professional wrestling was still very popular in Atlanta, Georgia. The station's Saturday morning wrestling show from the NWA's Memphis territory was getting very low ratings despite its booming popularity on television. Pedicino, a wrestling fan for most of his life, advised the program director that WATL was "running the wrong show at the wrong time". The Memphis promotion sent the station random footage that was out of order and confused Georgia area fans as the results from upcoming matches were never acknowledged the following week. Pedicino explained that it was the equivalent of a soap opera teasing the audience with a cliffhanger each week and then never following up on next week's episode. Instead, Pedicino argued, WATL should capitalize on the popularity of Jim Crockett Promotions' flagship show WCW Saturday Night on TBS by moving their show to prime time.[15][16]

Inspired by the success of Elvira's Movie Macabre,[15] Pedicino proposed broadcasting eight hours of professional wrestling from the National Wrestling Alliance's regional territories[17], as well as from Puerto Rico and Japan[7][9], allowing wrestling fans to watch programming from throughout the United States for the first time. The station agreed to extend the show to fill up its night time programming schedule. Pedicino was later able to acquire Japanese puroresu and joshi wrestling as part of the Fuji Television Network's efforts to develop a market in the American television industry.[3]

Early popularity

Superstars of Wrestling debuted in May 1986, airing on Saturday nights from 8:00 pm to 3:00 am, was a ratings success. Eight different wrestling organizations from as far away as Dallas, Texas and Birmingham, Alabama were broadcast during its first year. These would later include the Continental Wrestling Association, Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-South Wrestling and World Class Championship Wrestling as well as events from around the world.[2][11] Because the show never disclosed that the wrestling being shown was pre-taped, with Pedicino adding commentary during post-production, fans watching the show at home would often travel to the studio hoping to attend the show. In November, twenty fans drove in a van all the way from Snellville, Georgia to the locked studio in downtown Atlanta only to be turned away by security.[17]

Pedicino served as both executive producer and host throughout its near 7-year run. He was joined by fellow ring announcer Rhubarb Jones and 21-year-old Boni Blackstone, who later became his wife. Pedicino had hosted the show alone for the first six months before an on-air contest was held to find a new co-host.[16] Out of 70 women, only 20 made the finals with Blackstone winning the competition.[1][17] Gordon Solie also joined the show as a regular color commentator[2] The popular wrestling announcer, then working for Championship Wrestling from Florida, had to commute from Tampa, Florida to Atlanta each week.[8] Solie would also host a featured segment with Pedicino, "Pro Wrestling This Week", which discussed wrestling news from around the country. They were sometimes joined by Bill Apter, who had his own segment,[11] and co-produced interview segments with Pro Wrestling Illustrated featuring many of wrestling stars of the 1980s.[18] Apter's appearances, as well as those on TBS, considerably raised his profile among wrestling fans of the era.[10]

The show was watched in over 20 major television markets in its first year. By the summer of 1987, the show broadcast in 40 cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago,[14] and eventually syndicated throughout the country.[17] At the height of its popularity, Superstars of Wrestling was aired in 90 cities across the country.[16] In May 1988, Pedicino claimed that the show was being aired in France.[19] He and Blackstone became seen as local celebrities in Atlanta but Pedicino brushed off the attention regarding themselves as "wrestling fans who got lucky".[20][14] Earlier that year, he and Blackstone hosted the three-day 20th annual Miller High Life World of Wheels car show held at Atlanta's World Congress Center. Sponsored by the National Automotive Parts Association, the event displayed over 500 of the most expensive custom designed antique vehicles in the world including the 18-wheel Volvo "Elvis' Eldorado". French entertainer "Miss World of Wheels" Danielle Cheavalier and wrestling valet Miss Sunshine of The Fabulous Freebirds were also at the event.[21] The two were also the first-ever wrestling personalities to host the Georgia-area Emmy Awards.[16]

Rivalry with Deep South Wrestling

In early-1988, Pedicino began co-promoting Southern Championship Wrestling with Jerry Blackwell. Blackwell's ability to bring in top talent and Pedicino's television show saw SCW shoot to the top of the Georgia independent circuit. Their success, however, brought them into conflict with rival "outlaw" promotion Deep South Wrestling run by Jody Hamilton. DSW ran on Channel 69 which was a competitor against the station that aired Superstars of Wrestling. The rival station had created its own Saturday night wrestling bloc to compete directly with Pedecino's show, but failed to challenge him in the ratings. When WATL began airing SCW programming in February 1988, DSW responded with parodying the Superstars of Wrestling hosts;

On a recent Deep South Wrestling show, they made fun of Joe Pedicino and Bonnie Blackstone. They did a skit with a guy in an easy chair pretending to be Pedicino, but getting stuck in his chair and needing help to get out. Blackstone was parodied as a total bimbo. Southern countered by showing a clip of The Invader vs The Assassin, with Pedicino saying, "This is the Puerto Rican Assassin because there is nobody named The Assassin in the United States that can wrestle," a dig at Jody Hamilton, the group's headliner.[22]

Pedicino also helped promote the Southern Championship Training Center, a rival training facility of Hamilton's American Academy of Professional Wrestling, in Cumming, Georgia.[23] The year-long promotional war ended when Hamilton suffered an in-ring injury and was forced to sell DSW at the end of the year.

Charity appearances

Pedicino and Blackstone used their celebrity status to promote charity events through Superstars of Wrestling including, most notably, their two-hour "Wrestlethon" television special. The first show raised an estimated $10,000 and helped save the life of teenager Deloris Wadsworth who needed a liver transplant. The second show raised between $12,000-$13,000 for wounded police officers J.J. Biello and Richard Williams. "Wrestlethon '88", which aired on July 17, 1988, was broadcast nationwide via satellite by Fox Broadcasting as part of The Late Show. It was able to raise enough money to purchase 200-300 bulletproof vests of the 1,100 needed for the Atlanta Police Department.[24] Four months later, Pedicino appeared with a number of media figures and television celebrities at a benefit show, "Celebrity Cookoff for a Cure", held by the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation at Benihana. Other participants included Atlanta Magazine editor Lee Walburn, Atlanta Business Chronicle editor Anita Sharpe, Creative Loafing publisher Deborah Eason and local WSB-TV personalities John Pruitt and Bebe Emerman.[25]

Later years

The early-1990s saw new changes to Superstars of Wrestling. After a brief hiatus, the show returned under the name Saturday Night Superstars.[26] Scott Hudson and Steve Prazak, announcers for Georgia All-Star Wrestling, were brought in for a "Laurel and Hardy"-style segment called "Point-Counterpoint". Both men had been fans of the show prior to being hired by Pedicino. That same year, he and Blackstone became married.[1] This came a surprise, both to wrestling fans and the staff, as the two had a well-known kayfabe adversarial relationship on the show much like Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan on WWF Wrestling Challenge. Pedicino played the "straight man" of the team who teased and played pranks on Blackstone. The two would continue their routines off-camera, keeping even the production crew in the dark, by driving home in separate cars and Blackstone addressing her then boyfriend as "Mr. Pedicino" in front of studio employees during the first two years of their relationship. Pedicino also had an 11-year-old son, Vince, from a previous marriage and was also sometimes seen on the show.[20] Creative differences between Pedicino and Solie also saw the longtime commentator depart from the show.[7]

Cancellation

Pedicino decided to end Superstars of Wrestling in August 1992[20] due to his involvement in the Global Wrestling Federation and other commitments.[27][28] Scott Hudson and Steve Prazak were brought into the GWF[4][29][30] where they continued their "Point-Counterpoint" segment on ESPN.[31][32] Pedicino considered bringing the show back after leaving the GWF in 1992 but ultimately decided to return to the radio industry.[4]

Production

The show aired on Saturday nights from 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM and was approximately 368 minutes in length (produced for a 7-8 hour time-slot) per episode. "Pro Wrestling This Week" had a 46 minute runtime. The show was filmed at WATL TV 36 in downtown Atlanta with some segments and interviews being shot on location. After WATL became a Fox affiliate in 1988, the show moved to WGCL in an effort to remain on prime time. It later broadcast from WPXA in Rome, Georgia.[15]

Episode format

Unlike the "traditional" wrestling programs which which standard wrestling matches, Superstars of Wrestling was presented as a news and entertainment . was a groundbreaking concept that took the average wrestling fan through each of the major NWA territories and discussed various storylines and major news of the day.[2] pre-taped matches interspersed with interviews, light comedy, and news commentary/reporting.[15][19] The show's unique nature allowed for wrestlers working in different promotions to interact with each other. On the July 27, 1987 edition of Superstars of Wrestling, Lou Albano and Paul E. Dangerously, from the World Wrestling Federation and the American Wrestling Association respectively, had a showdown on who was the best manager in pro wrestling.[18]

Memorable episodes

Episode Date Rating Notes
Superstars of Wrestling Debut May 1986 N/A The first ever Superstars of Wrestling episode.
Wrestlethon '86 July 1986 N/A Telethon for teenager in need of a liver transplant.
1986 PWI awards January 3, 1987 N/A Pro Wrestling This Week: The Rock 'n' Roll Express accepts the PWI Tag Team of the Year Award, Lex Luger accepts the PWI Rookie of the Year Award, Paul Orndorff accepts PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year Award, Lou Albano accepts the PWI Manager of the Year Award, Cathy Gagne (on behalf of her father) accepts the PWI Editor's Award, and Ric Flair accepts the PWI Wrestler of the Year Award.
Pro Wrestling This Week April 25, 1987 N/A Death of Mike Von Erich.
Pro Wrestling This Week July 27, 1987 N/A Confrontation between Lou Albano vs. Paul E. Dangerously.
Pro Wrestling This Week June 13, 1987 N/A The Rock 'n' Roll Express defeats Rick Rude and Manny Fernandez for the NWA World Tag Team Championship.
Wrestlethon '87 July 1987 N/A Telethon for two police officers wounded in the line of duty.
Wrestlethon '88 July 17, 1988 N/A Telethon for the Atlanta Police Department. Eddie Gilbert attacked Joey Maggs during the show.
1987 PWI awards January 9, 1988 N/A Pro Wrestling This Week: Owen Hart accepts the PWI Rookie of the Year Award, Curt Hennig accepts PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year Award, and Paul Boesch accepts the PWI Editor's Award.

Revival on FOX Sports Radio

In August 2000, Pedicino and his wife Boni began hosting Pro Wrestling this Week on FOX Sports Radio,[4] which ran on Sunday nights from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am. They later appeared together at the NWA 52nd Anniversary Show.[33]

Legacy

Superstars of Wrestling was the first and only independently-produced wrestling U.S. television program. Prior to the development of the internet, television audiences were often subject to region-specific programming. The series allowed wrestling fans to watch promotions outside their local areas for the first time.[34][35] It was considered a groundbreaking concept at the time. Initially available to Atlanta, Georgia it eventually spread to wrestling fans across the country. Chris Bridges of Banks County News called it "a teenage pro wrestling fan’s dream come true".[34] Among its fans included runner Scott Ludwig,[36] NWA Anarchy promoter Charles Anschutz,[35] manager Dave Wills, best known as the "Crying Wrestling Fan",[37] and wrestling historian Brian Shields.[38]

Superstars of Wrestling was supported by the wrestling industry, including WWF owner Vince McMahon, then competing against NWA promoters, who saw the show as free advertising. [39] Jim Ross, then play-by-play commentator for WCW Saturday Night, was a supporter of the show and commented that "our fans in Atlanta are lucky to get to see it".[26] The show was a "launching pad" for up-and-coming stars in the business. Bill Apter, Gary Hart, Michael Hayes, and Paul E. Dangerously all hosted segments for "Pro Wrestling This Week". Dangerously credited his appearances on Superstars of Wrestling as an opportunity to improve as an on-air performer.[15] Scott Hudson and Steve Prazak were fans of the show and given their first big break by Pedicino when he began promoting events in the late 1980s. They eventually went on to become announcers for World Championship Wrestling.[31][32]

In June 2014, wrestling columnist Brian Bayless suggested the World Wrestling Entertainment study Pedicino's program in order to improve its 24-hour wrestling network.[40] Buck Woodward of PWInsider.com speculated on using Pedicino's using the internet to cover the 21st century independent circuit.[39]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Sneed, Mitch (September 16, 1993). "Fayette resident talks tough on the air - Blackstone reaches top as WWF personality". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  2. ^ a b c d Westcott, Brian (2009). "Gordon Solie". PWHF.org. Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.
  3. ^ a b King, Bill (July 5, 1986). "Live from Japan on Channel 36...". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  4. ^ a b c d Letawsky, Craig (November 14, 2002). "Ask 411 11.14.02: No Limit Soldiers, Barry O, Super Liger, Savinovich". Columns. 411mania.com.
  5. ^ Byers, Ryan (November 19, 2008). "Ask 411 11.19.08: The Macho/Taker Edition". Columns. 411mania.com.
  6. ^ Symkus, Ed and Vinnie Carolan. Wrestle Radio U.S.A.: Grapplers Speak. Toronto: ECW Press, 2004. (pg. 35, 81, 134, 148, 201, 204) ISBN 1-55022-646-0
  7. ^ a b c Allyn, Robert. Gordon Solie ... Something Left Behind. Altamonte Springs, Florida: Florida Media, Inc., 2005. (pg. 220) ISBN 0-9763062-1-2
  8. ^ a b Hartley, Jeremy; Earl Oliver (1998). "Gordon Solie Interview". Interviews. Solie.org.
  9. ^ a b Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (2004). "Gordon Solie". Hall of Famers. PWHF.org.
  10. ^ a b Total Wrestling (July 14, 2003). "Interview - Bill Apter". Interviews. MediaMan.com.au.
  11. ^ a b c Apter, Bill; Andy Sternman (June 27, 2007). "Ask Apter -- "About Pro Wrestling This Week..."". Newsline. 1wrestling.com.
  12. ^ Apter, Bill; Solie, Gordon; Pedicino, Joe (January 3, 1987). "Pro Wrestling This Week". Superstars of Wrestling. 4 minutes in. Syndicated. WATL. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |city= ignored (|location= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ "Joe Pedicino, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer,, Legacy Media Holdings, LLC". Legacy Media Holdings, LLC Bios. LegacyMediaHoldings.com. 2007.
  14. ^ a b c Rosen, Chris (June 27, 1987). "Ch. 36 pins down new wrestling times". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  15. ^ a b c d e Andrews, Michael (August 2, 2011). "Superstars host Pedicino still a fan". Canadian Online Explorer. SLAM! Sports.
  16. ^ a b c d Simms, Terry Garvin (16 July 2014). "World Domination with Terry Garvin Simms - guest Joe Pedicino". BlogTalkRadio (Podcast). Event occurs at 10:00. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  17. ^ a b c d Dancy, Lee (November 20, 1986). "Ms. Boni Blackstone adds a soft touch to pro wrestling as a co-hostess to the "Superstars of Wrestling"". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  18. ^ a b Apter, Bill (October 14, 2009). "Classic Video Interview -- Captain Lou VS. Paul E!". Newsline. 1wrestling.com.
  19. ^ a b Muldoon, Ryan. "PRO WRESTLING THIS WEEK - 5/26/1988". Death Valley Driver Video Review (150).
  20. ^ a b c Hart, Anne (January 10, 1997). "Ex-wrestling show hosts team up in new career". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  21. ^ Around Intown (February 19, 1987). "Elvis' Eldorado, 18-wheel Volvo featured at World of Wheels Show". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  22. ^ Meltzer, Dave, ed. (February 15, 1988). "Southern Championship Wrestling". Wrestling Observer.
  23. ^ Graham, Keith (February 26, 1988). "School of Hard Knocks - Wrestlers learn man-size moves in roped ring". The Atlanta Constitution.
  24. ^ Greppi, Michele (June 17, 1988). "Unlikely tag team finds perfect match in TV wrestling fans". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  25. ^ Graham, Keith (November 16, 1988). "Reach Out: Good Meal Ambassadors". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  26. ^ a b Pedicino, Joe (January 18, 1991). "An Interview with Joe Pedicino" (Interview). Interviewed by Jim Ross. {{cite interview}}: Unknown parameter |call-sign= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |city= ignored (|location= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |program= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |subjectlink= ignored (|subject-link= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ Vesey, Susannah (September 21, 1992). "Peach Buzz: Tag Team Fax". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  28. ^ Nash, Rebecca (November 19, 1992). "Cobb At Work - Couple links up with `all the news that's fit to eat'". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  29. ^ Speed, Steve L. (2004). "Regional Territories: GWF". Regional Territories. KayfabeMemories.com.
  30. ^ Speed, Steve L. (2004). "Regional Territories: GWF #4, Page #2". Regional Territories. KayfabeMemories.com.
  31. ^ a b Wojcik, Alan (2008). "Extensive Scott Hudson Interview". AlanWojcik.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2010.
  32. ^ a b Mooneyham, Mike (1992). "De Truth, And Nothing But De Truth". The Wrestling Gospel According to Mike Mooneyham. MikeMooneyham.com. Archived from the original on March 12, 2008.
  33. ^ Behrens, Bill (October 16, 2000). "NWA Wildside & Worldwide News 10/6/00". NWA Wildside/Worldwide News. NWA-Wildside.com.
  34. ^ a b Bridges, Chris (February 28, 2007). "The tradition of Saturday night Atlanta wrestling". Banks County News.
  35. ^ a b "New promotion seeks return to wrestling's past". MainStreetNews.com. July 17, 2013.
  36. ^ Ludwig, Scott (2013). My Life: Everything but BUY THE BOOK. iUniverse. p. 325. ISBN 1491701331.
  37. ^ Wills, Dave (2010). "Biography and FAQ". DaveWillsWrestling.com.
  38. ^ Corrigan, John (October 9, 2014). "'30 Years of WrestleMania' author Brian Shields discusses working with and going behind the scenes of WWE". The Birmingham News.
  39. ^ a b Woodward, Buck (May 23, 2008). "PWINSIDER Q&A: DROPPING THE BALL WITH ECW, PRO WRESTLING THIS WEEK AND MORE". PWInsider.com.
  40. ^ Bayless, Brian (June 4, 2014). "How The WWE Can Truly Take the Network Over the Top". RSPWFAQ.net. Scott's Blog of Doom!.

Further reading

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