Tracy Smothers
Tracy Smothers | |
---|---|
![]() Smothers in November 2007 | |
Birth name | Tracy Stanton Smothers |
Born | Springfield, Tennessee, U.S. | September 2, 1962
Died | October 28, 2020 Evansville, Indiana, U.S. | (aged 58)
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Freddie Joe Floyd Jason the Terrible Shaquille Ali Tracy Smothers |
Billed height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)[1] |
Billed weight | 235 lb (107 kg)[1] |
Billed from | Nashville, Tennessee "Nashville, Italy" (ECW) Southern Italy (ECW) Bowlegs, Oklahoma (as Freddie Joe Floyd) Cheyenne, Wyoming |
Trained by | Stan Lane Steve Keirn |
Debut | 1982 |
Retired | 2019 |
Tracy Stanton Smothers (September 2, 1962 – October 28, 2020)[2] was an American professional wrestler, best known for his appearances with World Championship Wrestling, Smoky Mountain Wrestling, the World Wrestling Federation, and Extreme Championship Wrestling.
Early life
Smothers was born in Springfield, Tennessee, on September 2, 1962,[3] and graduated from Springfield High School, where he played football, golf, and wrestled.[4] Smothers was the first person in Springfield High School history to go to the state championship in wrestling.[5]
Professional wrestling career
Early career (1982–1984)
Smothers started his career in 1982 after being trained by Steve Keirn and Stan Lane.[4] He later appeared in the combined promotional effort Pro Wrestling USA, making his televised debut at a taping on September 18, 1984, that was held in Memphis.[3]
Continental Wrestling Association (1984–1986)
A month later, Smothers traveled to the
For the first time in his nascent career, Smothers, a natural babyface, began to receive a noticeable push,
While in Continental, Smothers wrestled an unmuzzled bear that was announced as 550 lbs; Tracy took the bear to the mat several times. The bear, incapable of understanding the situation, thought they were playing.[3][6]
Championship Wrestling from Florida and other promotions (1987–1989)
Smothers joined
The Southern Boys (originally without Armstrong) also spent time in Japan to work for
World Championship Wrestling (1990–1992)
Smothers reunited with Steve Armstrong and made their debuts for
The Southern Boys defeated
On May 19, they lost to The Freebirds at
In April, Armstrong left WCW, leaving Tracy to soldier on as a singles competitor. He remained as a heel, and on May 17 at
Smoky Mountain Wrestling (1992–1995)
Three months after departing World Championship Wrestling and following a very brief period in the
In 1993, he began a feud with
Smothers lost the Beat the Champ Championship to
After winning his feud with Anderson in early 1995, he formed a team with Scott Armstrong, beginning a feud with the newly arrived Gangstas in which they were winless.[2] Smothers then formed a team with the Dirty White Boy as the Thugs.[19] The Thugs feuded with The Gangstas during the spring, but did not get a win until April 13.[20] The war between them continued until June, when the Gangstas departed for Extreme Championship Wrestling.
That summer. an interpromotional war broke out between SMW and the USWA; on June 16, the Thugs defeated
United States Wrestling Association (1995–1997)
After SMW folded, Smothers continued to work for the USWA. Now teaming with Steve's youngest brother
World Wrestling Federation (1996–1997)
Faced with an expanding WCW and their own limited talent pool, Jim Cornette suggested that a number of unsigned wrestlers be brought in to flesh out the WWF roster. This ultimately led to the signing of Smothers, Tony Anthony,
Initially used primarily for television tapings, Floyd rebounded to defeat
Extreme Championship Wrestling (1997–1999)
While still a part of the WWF, Floyd joined
Smothers became an ECW regular, frequently teaming with Little Guido that spring in matches against
On February 21, 1998, he wrestled former SMW opponent
Smothers wrestled at both of the ECW reunion shows, defeating
Return to World Wrestling Federation (1999–2000)
On July 11, 1999, Smothers returned to the WWF using his real name as he lost to former Freebird
Later that year he worked for WWF's developmental territory Memphis Championship Wrestling until November 2000.
Return to World Championship Wrestling (2000)
Smother made a one night return to WCW on January 5, 2000 losing to
IWA Mid-South (1996–2010, 2016–2019)
Smothers would spend most of his career in IWA Mid-South starting in 1996.[3] His appearances remained sporadic over the next few years, but he wrestled and defeated such opponents as Flash Flanagan, J. C. Ice, and Bull Pain. On September 11, 1997, he defeated Pain to win the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title, but would lose it the following day to fellow WWF roster member Salvatore Sincere.[2] After wrestling a handful of shows in 1998 and 1999 for IWA Mid-South, Smothers became a full-time regular, and on August 18, 2001, he unsuccessfully challenged Trent Baker for the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title at Night The Lights Went Out In Charlestown.[2]
Smothers then reunited with a former tag team partner, Chris Hambrick, as Southern Comfort, defeating The Second City Saints (CM Punk &
In 2016, Smothers returned to IWA Mid-South after a six-year hiatus. On October 6 at IWA Mid-South's Mid-South 20th Anniversary Show, Smother defeated JJ Garrett to win the IWA Mid-South Championship but lost it to Mitch Page on December 22 at the IWA Mid-South Winter Tryout Show. On February 28, 2019, he attempted to regain the IWA Mid-South Championship but was defeated by Aaron Williams at The Heartbreak Ends event.[2]
Independent circuit (2005–2010)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/Tracy_Smothers_in_the_ring.jpg/220px-Tracy_Smothers_in_the_ring.jpg)
Now more than twenty years a veteran of the industry, Smothers had become a universally well-regarded figure to the crop of young wrestlers growing up around him, passing on wisdom in car trips and finding places for them to stay.
Smothers journeyed to CCW (Coliseum Championship Wrestling), where on January 11, 2006, he defeated Chuck Taylor in the main event to win the CCW Heavyweight Championship.[2] On February 26, Smothers was declared the inaugural OPW (Omni Wrestling Promotions) Heavyweight Champion; he lost the title the same night to Taylor.[37] Smothers traveled to CAPW (Cleveland All Pro Wrestling), where at CAPW Seasons Beatings on December 3, he defeated champion Claudio Castagnoli and Jason Bane to win the CAPW Heavyweight Championship.[38] He remained the champion until he was defeated for the title by The Blue Meanie on June 3, 2007.[39]
Smothers competed in various independent promotions in 2008 in the United States, but returned once more to Japan to appear at an XWF event, teaming with
Tracy Smothers began to wind down his schedule in 2009. He would not wrestle again until April 17, 2010, where he and Chris Hamrick challenged PWF Tag Team Champions Jay Shaft & JD Hogg for the titles in a losing effort. He wrestled frequently for the remainder of the year, appearing in
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2010)
On August 8, 2010, Smothers took part in
Juggalo Championship Wrestling (2007–2011)
Tracy Smothers debuted in
Tracy and 2 Tuff Tony continued their rivalry into season two. In the first episode, both men faced off in a match which saw Tracy win after a fast count by the referee, who was later revealed as Tracy's illegitimate daughter, Isabella.[49] Two weeks later, Tracy caught Isabella listening to Boondox, the rapper who sings 2 Tuff Tony's entrance music.[50] The following week, 2 Tuff Tony attacked Tracy after his match. Tracy later caught Isabella engaging in sexual actions with Boondox, through storyline, and assaulted him.[51] Tracy and Isabella Smothers were then scheduled to face Boondox and 2 Tuff Tony on August 10, 2008, at Bloodymania II.[52] However, Isabella was replaced by Bull Pain after she injured her leg, and Smothers and Pain lost to Tony and Boondox.
At
Return to the independent circuit (2011–2019)
Tracy Smothers continued to wrestle on the independent circuit after finishing his work with JCW in 2011. He jumped to Ohio Valley Wrestling on August 31, where he and his daughter Jessie Belle Smothers won a mixed tag team match against CJ Lane & Mysterie.[54] On June 16, 2013, at the Brad Armstrong Memorial Event, Smothers teamed with old partner Steve Armstrong for the first time in over twenty one years. The reunited Southern Boys teamed with Doug Gilbert to defeat Paul Lee, The Storm Trooper & Vordell Walker.[2] Smothers soon captured the D1W Heavyweight Championship, but lost it to Mad Man Pondo while splitting his time with D1W and IWA Mid South.[2]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Tracy_Smothers_2016.jpg/220px-Tracy_Smothers_2016.jpg)
In March 2016, Smothers appeared in HLW (Heroes And Legends Wrestling), where he teamed with Bobby Fulton and defeated Jake Omen & Scotty Young to with the HLW Tag Team Championship. Smothers continued to wrestle frequently in 2017, making appearances in the PWA (Pure Wrestling Association) in Canada, as well as RCCW (Rocket City Championship Wrestling), ZERO-1 USA, and IWA Mid-South.[2] He began to wind down appearances on the independent circuit in 2018, and continued to wrestle shows the following year despite health issues; he had a quick temper due to concussions, and believed he had suffered more than two dozen concussions during his career and suffered greatly from the effects.[3] His final match came at HLW Heroes And Legends XIII on October 5, 2019, dropping the HLW Legends title to Dru Skillz.[2]
Personal life
In July 2016, Smothers was named part of a class action lawsuit filed against WWE which alleged that wrestlers incurred traumatic brain injuries during their tenure and that the company concealed the risks of injury. The suit was litigated by attorney Konstantine Kyros, who has been involved in a number of other lawsuits against WWE.[55] US District Judge Vanessa Lynne Bryant dismissed the case in September 2018.[56]
Death
Smothers announced on his Facebook page in December 2019 that he was diagnosed with
Many wrestlers paid tribute to Smothers following his death, including Jim Cornette, CM Punk, Edge, Frankie Kazarian, Taz, Jeff Jarrett, Ricky Morton, Bobby Fulton and Tom Prichard.[4][6]
Championships and accomplishments
- All-Star Wrestling
- ASW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- ASW Southern Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- All-State Wrestling
- ASW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[57]
- Bad 2 The Bone Wrestling
- BBW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- British Real Attitude Wrestling League
- BRAWL Tag Team Championship (1 time)
- Bruiser Wrestling Federation
- BWF Championship (1 time)
- Celtic Wrestling
- CW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Central Wrestling Federation
- CWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Paul Diamond[57]
- Championship Wrestling from Florida
- Coliseum Championship Wrestling
- CCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling
- CAPW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Cloverleaf Radio Hall of Fame
- Class of 2008
- Continental Wrestling Association / Championship Wrestling Association
- CWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with John Paul
- NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- Destination One Wrestling
- D1W Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Extreme Championship Wrestling
- Little Guido[58]
- Georgia Wrestling Federation
- GWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Heroes And Legends Wrestling
- HLW Legend Championship (1 time)
- HLW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Bobby Fulton
- Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South
- Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame
- International Wrestling Association of Japan
- IWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Cactus Jack
- International Wrestling Cartel
- IWC Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Chris Hamrick
- Jersey All Pro Wrestling
- JAPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Little Guido
- Main Event Championship Wrestling
- MECW Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Memphis Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2022
- Midwest Wrestling United
- MWU Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- Mountain Wrestling Association
- MWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[57]
- National Wrestling Federation
- NWF World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with The Golfer
- New Focus Wrestling
- NFW Tag Team Championship (2 time) – with "Marvelous" Mitch Ryder and with Johnny Richards
- New South Championship Wrestling
- NSCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[57]
- NWA Mid-South
- NWA Mid-South Unified Heavyweight Championship (2 times)[61]
- Ohio Valley Wrestling
- OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Steve Armstrong
- Omni Wrestling Productions
- OWP Mid-South Championship (1 time)
- Premier Destination Wrestling
- PDW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 371 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003
- Ranked No. 371 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "
- Pro Wrestling Unplugged
- PWU Hardcore Championship (1 time)
- Smoky Mountain Wrestling
- SMW Beat the Champ Television Championship (3 times)
- SMW Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- SMW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Dirty White Boy
- SMW Carolina Cup Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Dirty White Boy
- Southeastern Championship Wrestling / Continental Wrestling Federation
- CWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Steve Armstrong
- NWA Southeastern Continental Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Steve Armstrong
- Southern Wrestling Alliance
- SWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Steel Domain Wrestling
- SDW Television Championship (1 time)
- Southern States Wrestling
- Supreme Wrestling
- AWA Central States Heavyweight Championship (1 time) [62]
- United States Wrestling Association
- Jesse James Armstrong
- World Championship Wrestling
- 1 time) – with Steve Armstrong
World Wrestling Alliance World Champion 1×
- Wrestle Zone Wrestling
- wZw British Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[63]
- Wrestlers Of West Virginia
- West Virginia Championship (1 time)
- WOW Appalachian Championship (1 time)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7566-4190-0.
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- ^ Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
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- ^ a b c d e f Mooneyham, Mike (October 31, 2020). "'Wild-Eyed Southern Boy' Tracy Smothers left his mark on the wrestling business". The Post and Courier. Evening Post Industries. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
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- ^ ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
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- ^ Martínez, Sebastián (January 7, 2022). "LuFisto es nominada al Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame de GCW". Solowrestling (in Spanish). Retrieved January 7, 2022.
- ^ "NWA Mid-South Unified Heavyweight Championship History".
- ^ "Supreme Wrestling – Champions and Title History". www.supremewrestlingevents.com. Retrieved October 1, 2019.[permanent dead link]
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- ^ Meltzer, Dave (March 12, 2021). "MARCH 15, 2021 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: AEW REVOLUTION, WRESTLEMANIA 37 TICKET DETAILS". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Tracy Smothers at IMDb
- Tracy Smothers's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database