In January of 1967, the popular "All Star Wrestling" show that aired live from WDBJ TV studios in Roanoke, VA, since 1960 was cancelled following an ugly on-air incident between wrestlers Ike Eakins and Luther Lindsey. The cancellation got a small mention by a snarky writer for the Roanoke Times.
Six months later, promoter Pete Apostolu and Jim Crockett, Sr. were able to get a tape of the Raleigh-produced "All Star Wrestling" (taped at WRAL-5) on another local Roanoke channel WSJS channel 10.
Roanoke had been without wrestling on local TV for roughly six months. Fans were delighted it was back, even if without the familiar voice of former host at WDBJ Hal Grant.
Here are a couple of newspaper clippings mentioning the changes.
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WDBJ-7 in Roanoke cancels its long running and wildly popular "Wrestling from Roanoke" program in January 1967 that aired live on late Saturday afternoons since 1960. Some in the local media were happy to see it go. (January 7, 1967) |
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After six long months, fans were delighted when wrestling returned to Roanoke airwaves on WSLS channel 10. "Roanoke Sports Club presents Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling" (hosted by Bob Caudle out of Raleigh) aired early Saturday afternoons beginning in July of 1967. Fans missed their local announcer Hal Grant, but soon grew to love Caudle, too. (July 29, 1967) |
Thanks to Mark Eastridge and Carroll Hall.