Episode 130 – I’ll Drop It to My Cousin

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In this episode, I discuss the match between James E. Owens, who had a claim to the American Collar-and-Elbow Wrestling Championship, and his first cousin, the powerful John McMahon. I also review the May 16, 1984 episode of Championship Wrestling from Florida.

Update

Megan Bayne almost kills herself on one of those stupid toupe suicidas during March 28, 2026 AEW Collision. Roman Reigns almost missed one on Raw.

Pioneer Wrestlers book will be available in early May 2026. I set an ambitous goal for myself this year in publishing three books in 2026.

Main Content

In 1879, James E. Owens wrestled two controversial matches with Henry Moses Dufur. After a disputed finish in their second match, Owens asked Colonel Morse, the stakeholder, to hold onto the purse. Dufur demanded the purse based on his victory, but Morse refused to pay out the purse until the organizers settled the controversy.

Instead of wrestling a rematch with Dufur, Owens arranged a match with his cousin John McMahon in New York City on Wednesday, August 6, 1879. Harry Hill helped to setup the match at St. James Theater for the fictional amount of $2,000. Harry Hill served as refereever his eye. for this match.

Owens and McMahon worked the match with Owens dropping his claim to the American Collar-and-Elbow Wrestling Champion to McMahon. The only controversy occurred because McMahon accidentall injured Owens with a drop knee throw over McMahon’s shoulder. Owens landed face first on the mat suffering a cut above his right eye.

Recommendation

Wrestling Observer Yearbook 1984 (affiliate link)

AEW Wrestling matches from their PPV library on HBO Max: Kenny Omega vs. Adam Page, Adam Page vs. Adam Cole, and CM Punk vs. Adam Page. I really enjoyed Claudio Castagnoli vs. Zack Sabre, Jr. from Forbidden Door 2022.

Review

Championship Wrestling from Florida on May 16, 1984

Southern Champion Ron Bass versus Denny Brown – Brown wrestling as Dennis Brown. Bass wins a quick victory. Bass confronts new NWA Champion Kerry Von Erich, who is sitting at the commentary desk. An injured One Man Gang, who is managing Bass as Panama Gang, separates them and leads Bass from ringside.

Second segment is a recap of Kevin Sullivan attacking Dusty Rhodes with the golden spike but hitting Blackjack Mulligan instead.

Third segment is a returning Sir Oliver Humperdink commenting on Superstar Billy Graham arm wrestling Dennis Brown. Billy Jack interupts the arm wrestling match. Billy Graham is still the karate version of Billy Graham.

Billy Graham wins a squash match after beating Brown decisively in arm wrestling.

Fourth segment is a Mike Rotundo interview and lead in to the Black Bart versus Mike Fever match. Rotundo stops Bart from beating up Fever. Bart, Panama Gang, and Ron Bass all attack Rotundo. Barry Windham jumps in the ring to save Rotundo. The teams brawl outside the ring.

Fifth segment is Billy Jack  versus Mr. Olympia (not Jerry Stubbs; some non-descript putz in a mask). After Billy Jack defeated Olympia qucikly, Billy Jack walks over to commentary and delivers a promo. Could have been a huge star without his mental health challenges.

Take Five with Barbara Clary – Report on Lords of the Ring at the Orange Bowl on June 30, 1984.

Chief Joe Lightfoot and Mike Davis versus Hector Guerrero and Molokai – Sullivan’s Army of Darkness wins the match to close the show.

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