Southeastern Wrestling: How a Long-forgotten Territory Still Haunts WWE, Brad Armstrong Your Favorite Wrestlers Favorite Wrestler, 5 Wrestling Families That Went Through Tragedy and Darkness, Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. Steve Armstrong started wrestling in 1983 in the Alabama-based Southeast Championship Wrestling. Condolences to his family, friends, and fans. I think somebody up there likes me, Armstrong said during his induction speech. Going to be very weird not seeing them out and about when things get back to normal. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! The tough-as-nails grappler, taking the name Bob Armstrong because of his big arms, was the consummate hometown hero whose blue-collar work ethic and traditional Southern values made him one of the top babyfaces on Southeastern wrestling circuits during the territorial era. Sometime later, WWE confirmed his death. He lost to Ken Lucas at a Robert Gibson Promotion event in Mobile, Alabama, on February 22, 1997. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. At Against All Odds on February 12, 2006, Kip and B.G. Armstrong's wife of 42 years, Miranna, died in 2008, the statement said. The sons of Bob Armstrong, Scott and Brian, announced on August 27th, 2020, that the Bullet Pep, if you knew him had passed after fighting bone cancer for the better part of a year. Armstong, whose real name is Joseph James, wrestled . Styles (c) & Tomko (c) def. He had prostate cancer, which spread and became bone cancer, and due to it being terminal, he opted not to receive treatment. His passing was announced on Twitter by his sons, "Road Dogg" BG James and Scott Armstrong. He has won awards from press associations in several states, including a General Excellence award from the Georgia Press Association while sports editor at The Statesboro Herald. He included the same message as his brother. Id been watching on TV for three years or so. chose Armstrong as his tag team partner for his Feast or Fired Tag Title shot. Charleston, SC 29403, News tips/online questions: newstips@postandcourier.com, Delivery/subscription questions: subserve@postandcourier.com, var html = new Date().getFullYear(); "Bullet" Bob Armstrong died in August at age 80 after a career in pro wrestling that earned him induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011 though he had never been a WWE wrestler. Typically working as a babyface, Bob Armstrong boasted a powerful physique and had the right mix of toughness and humility that made for the perfect babyface during the territory era. His feuds with Jos LeDuc and the Mongolian Stomper (Archie Gouldie) were legendary in the South, rough and bloody battles that left every customer satisfied. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Bob Armstrong (215011718)? He could talk like nobody else.. I dont mind and you dont matter.. Rest well Bullet!. He was always more concerned about everybody else. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. He used George Thorogoods Bad To The Bone as an entrance theme and Id say it was a well fit choice. In addition to making occasional appearance on the independent circuit in Georgia and Alabama, Armstrong acted as the commissioner of Smoky Mountain Wrestling and worked backstage with Southeast Championship Wrestling and the Continental Wrestling Federation. The Bullet: Bob Armstrong: The Brown Bombers (Alabama) Bobby Eaton and Arvil Hutto: Canadian Cougar (FIP) Tony Kozina: Captain USA (WCCW) John Studd: Charlie Brown (Mid-Atlantic) He worked exactly like you would have expected this guy to work. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Popularly known as the Wrestler of United States of America. Upon being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, the self-proclaimed "ol' war horse" also made the case that his many triumphs likely benefited from divine intervention, too. Armstrong declared that he would reunite the Kru and unsuccessfully petitioned the fourth former member, Ron Killings, to that effect on the December 24, episode of Impact!. They had done everything they could do, and they were told to go ahead and make the final arrangements because they didnt think I would come off the ventilator. Thirteen days later they would defeat The Power Company on WCW Saturday Night. In October 2005 he had match with Elix Skipper for the NWA Wrestle Birmingham in the Boutwell Memorial Auditorium. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. I never intended to use Bob Armstrong in any other fashion, and I never intended for Bob Armstrongs spot to be taken by anybody else. In 1995 he made a few appearances in the United States Wrestling Association. Marietta, Georgia's Bullet Bob Armstrong was introduced to the WWE Hall of Fame 2011 induction ceremony stage by his son, Jesse James, who rhymes like a furious Al Sharpton and leads the evening's catch phrase race so far. Menu Upon being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, the self-proclaimed "ol . And they were perfect talents for wrestling in the South because they knew exactly how to do it. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! We have set your language to Unfortunately Mrs. Armstrong (Vida Gail) died earlier this year as well and Bullet was suffering from bone cancer. On April 25, 1995, he returned to work for WCW and wrestled Craig Pittman at a WCW Saturday Night episode. 0; Now Im one that believes in the power of prayer. The run proved to be short, as after only a few TV appearances and some house show victories over Skinner and Terry Taylor, he left the WWF in January 1993. But once he explained to Armstrong that he would be more valuable as the face of the promotion, a believable authority figure who still had the muscle to enforce the rules, Armstrong agreed. Everyone here at CAC is deeply saddened to hear that wrestling Legend and WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong has passed away at the age of 80. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. He has three brothers who also entered the wrestling business: Scott, Brad (who died in 2012) and Brian. "Bullet" Bob Armstrong Highlight Video. WWE remembers "Bullet" Bob Armstrong WWE 93.3M subscribers 116K views 2 years ago A look back at the legendary career of WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. I sat on my dads shoulders and thought this must be what an angel looks like, he said in Heroes and Icons. He was dressed in all gold with that platinum and it made such an impression on me.. James, in a 2008 TNA tag-team title match with A.J. His four sons became professional wrestlers and he partnered with them in tag team matches at various points in his career.Armstrong was born Joseph Melton James, Jr. in Marietta, Ga. in 1939. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. What are your favorite memories of "Bullet" Bob Armstrong? Brian James rose to success in the WWF as The Road Dogg Jesse James, Brad Armstrong teamed with his fatherand worked in singles competition, and brothers Steve and Scott had varying degrees of success. You still got it" may be an appropriate chant for "Bullet" Bob Armstrong this morning. All Rights Reserved, Follow Us on Snapchat for All Our Breaking News. He has three brothers who also entered the wrestling business: Scott, Brad (who died in 2012) and Brian. In 1993, he started to work for Jim Cornettes Smoky Mountain Wrestling. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? But his best asset was that he could talk people into the building. His prime was well before my time, but I always enjoyed seeing him and Mrs. Armstrong at the local wrestling events. WWE issued the following statement on Armstrong's passing: WWE Hall of Famer 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong passes away Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? He wrestled his last match in 2009 at the age of 69. And listen Jay, Fla., is not even on the map. Let us know in the comments below. He was well-rounded in all of it.. Never thought I would see this posted here. Success continued for The Armstrong Brothers in 1999. What You Didnt See Before WWE SmackDown This Week. He has three brothers who also entered the wrestling business: Scott, Brad (who died in 2012) and Brian. James. Brad Armstrong (right) with Sid Vicious, and Blondie singer, Debbie Harry. He was jacked up, but he was lean. After leaving the military, he began working for the Fair Oaks (later Cobb County) Fire Department as a firefighter in 1962. After this they were winless for the rest of 1997 in matches with Mortis and Wrath, as well as The Public Enemy. We invite you to share condolences for "Bullet" Bob Armstrong in our Guest Book. Current Impact Champions Future Uncertain: AEW or WWE Return Possible? Equal parts strongman and showman . cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. He was going over to Scotts house to bench-press. Bullet was a known name in the wrestling territories back in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Cornette scoffs at critics who point to Armstrongs long runs mainly on the Southern circuit. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Gimmick: Year: They were winless against High Voltage in multiple encounters. One of the reasons he was such an over babyface in the South is because babyfaces in the South had to be able to talk. document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "© " + html; Bob Armstrong & Kip James: TNA Against All Odds '08 Feb 10th 2008: A.J. Despite the two consecutive victories, Armstrong remained hungry for revenge, and challenged Konnan to an arm wrestling contest on the April 8 Impact!. Road Dogg also posted a tribute to his mother after her passing. We had just heard news that Bob Armstrongs health is failing as well. Armstrong's career spanned more than five decades. On April 29, on WCW Monday Nitro the team faced Raven in a handicap match and were victorious. UFC Fighter Paddy Pimblett Throws His Hat in the Ring to Fight Jake Paul, Former UFC Fighter Gets Slapped by Jake Gyllenhaal in Filming of Road House Remake, Dana White Confirms Francis Ngannou is No Longer Welcome in the UFC, 2023 Ringside News. In 1988 he went into quasi-retirement.Armstrong and his wife, Gail, had four sons. Pro beachballs at pro wrestling shows, pro dives if someone catches, anti bullies, olives, and pineapples on pizza. Upon being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, the . WWE said Armstrong earned a "tough man" reputation during the territorial days of pro wrestling, thanks to his tour of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps and his seven-year tenure as a member of . Gail was working as a volunteer secretary at a church, and Bob came home from the gym and said, Gail, get in the car, were going to church! Gail, happy as everything, said, What is it Pep?. The TV station started sending me stacks of printouts of emails that were coming to me at the station. Low 53F. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. Brad Armstrong dead at 51 Posted by Greg Oliver | Nov 1, 2012 Brad Armstrong has died at the age of 51. Three weeks ago, Platt made the trip to Jay, Fla., to visit with Armstrong, the legendary wrestler often referred to as "Bullet Bob," who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 80. Armstrong, who had lived in the Pensacola area for years, had moved into an assisted living facility to be with his wife, who was suffering from Alzheimers disease. And one Joseph James entered the scene and beat the living stuffing out of this guy. Armstrong wrestled his last match on May 11, 2019, for Continental Championship Wrestling in Dothan, Alabama, where he defeated The Assassin. The family is very close. Special to The Post and Courier, The Berkeley Independent - Moncks Corner, SC, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison after conviction in double-murder trial, Jay Lethal, 'The Franchise' for Ring of Honor wrestling, still on the rise at age 35, Wrestling's Doug Gilbert lived up to his mat moniker as 'The Pro', Former WCW star Buff Bagwell recovering from serious car accident, Dick Bournes new wrestling book is a Crown Jewel, Oh, what a rush! Remembering Road Warrior Animal Joe Laurinaitis. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. It was one of the most touching experiences of my life. , Post and Courier, an Evening Post Publishing Newspaper Group. This is a carousel with slides. Armstrong won a number of singles and tag team titles in the territories and earned a title shot against NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jack Brisco, coming up short but looking like a champion nonetheless. His four sons: Brad, Scott, Steve and Brian "Road Dogg" James, all became wrestlers in their father's footsteps. We were just having a good time listening to him tell all the old music stories, and Im just sitting on the edge of my chair, said Platt, a former disc jockey. On March 29, 2000 Steve made his last TV appearance for the promotion as he lost to Hugh Morrus on Saturday Night. Must be just a coincidence though. Bob Armstrong with his son Brad Georgia Championship Wrestling 1982 Reunited. "It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of our Father and @WWE Hall of Famer 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong. A pillar of the wrestling business, he could command the attention and respect of every locker room he ever shared. His next appearance was on the August 14, 2002 pay-per-view, where he was introduced as an on-screen authority figure and informed Jeff Jarrett that he would face a mystery opponent one week later. For whatever reason, because the business has changed, you cant find guys like this anymore that have everything. A talented wrestler, Brad Armstrong worked a number of gimmicks, but never found the same success as his father, or brother. Footage from Armstrong's knee surgery earlier that month aired on iMPACT! Konnan: arm wrestling: TNA iMPACT! May he rest in peace with his lovely bride! Ron Fuller (Welch) posted on social media. At the time wrestling promotions were regional and he became a regular on the southeast circuit. The name Bob Armstrong was known far and wide throughout the South by not only wrestling fans, but many others in the entertainment business. Born Joseph Melton James on Oct. 3, 1939, on a farm near Marietta, Ga., Bob Armstrong would leave his indelible mark on the wrestling business through a six-decade career in the ring and four sons who would carry on his legacy and family tradition. August 27, 2020) was an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. But he knew the people that were coming to The Crossing that night had paid good money to see the legendary Bullet, and there was no way he was going to let them down. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. While bench pressing a dumbbell weighing upwards of 180lb (82kg) in a gym in Georgia, the bench that Armstrong was lying upon broke, leading to the weight falling on his face. Wiki Biography & Celebrity Profiles as wikipedia. It was in the 1970s that Armstrongs star began to rise as he wrestled in Georgia and later, Championship Wrestling from Florida. I was lucky enough to work with him. Bob Armstrong squares off with the Mongolian Stomper. It is with a very heavy heart we . The confrontation led to a six-man bout between LAX and Armstrong and The James Gang at Destination X on March 12, which was won by Kip James. These two things drive me. A life well lived, Bob Armstrong left a legacy that will live forever. Thank you for everything. Bob Armstrong is a guy that should never have had even the one heel turn, a fan wrote. Bullet Bob Armstrong was born October 3, 1939 When he was a child, Bob's father took him to see Gorgeous George wrestle. Try again later. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. However, at Turning Point on December 11, 2005, the Four Live Kru disintegrated, with Konnan betraying fellow members Kip and B.G. Really nice guy and was a true credit to the industry. Year should not be greater than current year. tastier star jellies cookie run kingdom Search. Bullet was the leader of the pack. He was of the generation where you could get over in your home area or in the adjacent territories and you could work a 15- or 20-year career and never have to work in Washington state or California. James" in TNA. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. I just dont know anybody in the history of the business that was more loved than Joseph James, said Platt. Youll never tire of him as a face because he was every single man out there. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); No spam. The all became wrestlers: Joseph, aka Scott Armstrong, Brad, Steve, and Brian, aka WWE Hall of Famer "Road Dogg" Jesse James. At this time we respectfully ask for your thoughts and prayers for our family. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. I gave my son my cell phone when I was going to the emergency room. There was an error deleting this problem. Armstrong achieved considerable popularity in the Southeastern United States, particularly in Alabama and his home state of Georgia. Well I came through the other side after seven days on the ventilator. Every wrestler is from Marietta, but Armstrong may have been one of the first.