The WCCW Parade of Champions was a series of professional wrestling supercards promoted by Fritz Von Erich's World Class Championship Wrestling first in 1961, in 1972 and then annually from 1984 through 1988. Von Erich used the "Parade of Champions" name in 1984 as a way to honor his recently deceased son, David and the subsequent Parade of Champions were all "Von Erich Memorial" Parades of Champions. At the inaugural Von Erich Memorial event, in front of the largest crowd ever to watch a pro wrestling event in the United States up to that point, Kerry Von Erich defeated Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, only to lose it back to Flair 18 days later in Yokohama, Japan. Over the next few years, Von Erich altered the names as tragedy repeatedly struck his family. The Parade of Champions was the most recognized event that World Class Championship Wrestling, later known as World Class Wrestling Association, promoted. There was a Parade of Champions super card held by Southern Sports (precursor to WCCW) in 1961 and another held by Big Time Wrestling (the previous name of WCCW) in 1972. All Parade of Champions supercards were held at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. A wrestling organization out of Texas called NWA Southwest ran an event in late August, 2010, called Parade of Champions, which it claimed was the "Longest Running Wrestling Event In Texas History Dating Back To 1972," but there was no actual connection between the WCCW show event other than the name.

Southwest Sports Parade of Champions

Southwest Sports Parade of Champions
PromotionSouthwest Sports
DateJanuary 31, 1961
CityIrving, Texas
VenueTexas Stadium
Parade of Champions chronology
 Previous
First
Next 
Parade of Champions

The Southwest Sports Parade of Champions was a major professional wrestling event held by Dallas, Texas based Southwest Sports on January 31, 1961 at the Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. Southwest Sports would later be named Big Time Wrestling, then World Class Championship Wrestling and finally World Class Wrestling Association.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes
1"Wild" Bull Curry (c) defeated Tosh TogoSingles match for the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Championship
2Hogan Wharton and Pepper Gomez (c) defeated Jet Monroe and Sputnik MonroeTag team match for the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship
3Don Manoukian (c) defeated Alex PerezSingles match for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship
4Danny Hodge (c) defeated Jerry Kozak 2-0Two-out-of-three falls match for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship
5Pat O'Connor (c) vs. Dory Dixon ended in a drawTwo-out-of-three falls match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship90:00
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Southwest Sports Parade of Champions

Southwest Sports Parade of Champions
PromotionSouthwest Sports
DateJanuary 29, 1963
CityDallas, Texas
VenueDallas Sportatorium
Parade of Champions chronology
 Previous
Parade of Champions
Next 
Parade of Champions

The Southwest Sports Parade of Champions was a major professional wrestling event held by Dallas, Texas based Southwest Sports on January 29, 1963 at the Dallas Sportatorium in Dallas, Texas. Southwest Sports would later be named Big Time Wrestling, then World Class Championship Wrestling and finally World Class Wrestling Association.

No.ResultsStipulations
1Dolly Darcel defeated Baby CherylSingles match
2Rock Hunter vs. Tarzan Tyler ended in a drawSingles match
3Bill Dromo defeated Rip Hawk (c) by disqualificationSingles match for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship
4"Wild" Bull Curry and Relampago Cubano defeated Ivan the Terrible and Tony Borne (c)Tag team match for the NWA World Tag Team Championship
5Lou Thesz (c) vs. Ray Gunkel ended in a double count-outTwo-out-of-three falls match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Southwest Sports Parade of Champions

Southwest Sports Parade of Champions
PromotionSouthwest Sports
DateJune 4, 1963
CityDallas, Texas
VenueDallas Sportatorium
Parade of Champions chronology
 Previous
Parade of Champions
Next 
Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions

The Southwest Sports Parade of Champions was a major professional wrestling event held by Dallas, Texas based Southwest Sports on June 4, 1963 at the Dallas Sportatorium in Dallas, Texas. Southwest Sports would later be named Big Time Wrestling, then World Class Championship Wrestling and finally World Class Wrestling Association.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes
1Johnny Weaver defeated Tony BorneSingles match
2Chuck Conley defeated Black BartSingles match
3Penny Banner (c) defeated Madame XSingles match for the NWA Texas Women's Championship
4Bill Watts (c) defeated Mark LewinSingles match for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship
5The Kozak Brothers (Jerry Kozak and Nick Kozak) (c) defeated Jack Donovan and Louie Tillet by disqualificationTag team match for the NWA World Tag Team Championship
6Lou Thesz (c) defeated Dory DixonTwo-out-of-three falls match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship2:01
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions

Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions
PromotionBig Time Wrestling
DateJune 24, 1972
CityIrving, Texas
VenueTexas Stadium
Event chronology
 Previous
First
Next 
Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions
Parade of Champions chronology
 Previous
Parade of Champions
Next 
Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions

The Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions was a major professional wrestling event held by Dallas, Texas based Big Time Wrestling on June 24, 1972 at the Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. Southwest Sports would later be named World Class Championship Wrestling and later on World Class Wrestling Association.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes
1El Santo and Jose Lothario defeated Terry Funk and Mr. FujiTag team match
2George Scott vs. Tommy Seigler ended in a time-limit drawSingles match
3Lord Littlebrook (c) defeated Cowboy LangSingles match for the NWA World Midget Championship
4Mil Máscaras defeated The AlaskanSingles match
5Bearcat Wright won7-man Roulette match
6Billy Red Lyons defeated The Spoiler (c)Singles match for the NWA American Heavyweight Championship
7Stan Stasiak defeated Red Bastien (c)Singles match for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship
8Dory Funk, Jr. (c) vs. Fritz Von Erich ended in a time-limit drawSingles match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship60:00
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions

Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions
PromotionBig Time Wrestling
DateMarch 26, 1974
CityDallas, Texas
VenueMemorial Auditorium
Event chronology
 Previous
Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions
Next 
Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions
Parade of Champions chronology
 Previous
Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions
Next 
Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions

The Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions was a major professional wrestling event held by Dallas, Texas based Big Time Wrestling on March 26, 1974 at the Memorial Auditorium in Dallas, Texas. Big Time Wrestling would later be named World Class Championship Wrestling and later on World Class Wrestling Association.

No.ResultsStipulations
1Bob Orton Jr. defeated Jerry OatesSingles match
2Bull Ramos and Roger Kirby defeated Bob Roop and Doug SomersTag team match
3Black Angus defeated Blackjack LanzaSingles match
4Ivan Putski vs. the Great Mephisto ended in a drawSingles match
5The Texan defeated Fritz Von Erich (c)Singles match for the NWA American Heavyweight Championship
6Jack Brisco (c) defeated Clay SpencerSingles match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions

Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions
PromotionBig Time Wrestling
DateMarch 27, 1974
CitySan Antonio, Texas
VenueMunicipal Auditorium
Event chronology
 Previous
Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions
Next 
Superbowl of Wrestling
Parade of Champions chronology
 Previous
Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions
Next 
Final

The Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions was a major professional wrestling event held by Dallas, Texas based Big Time Wrestling on March 27, 1974 at the Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio, Texas. Big Time Wrestling would later be named World Class Championship Wrestling and later on World Class Wrestling Association.

No.ResultsStipulations
1Bob Roop vs. Bull Ramos ended in a drawSingles match
2Roger Kirby defeated the Great Mephisto (c) by disqualificationSingles match
3Blackjack Lanza and the Texan defeated Black Angus and Ivan PutskiTag team match
4Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens (c) defeated Bob Orton Jr. and Jose LotharioTag team match for the AWA World Tag Team Championship
5Jack Brisco (c) vs. Dory Funk Jr. ended in a drawSingles match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Superbowl of Wrestling

Superbowl of Wrestling
PromotionBig Time Wrestling
DateJune 5, 1976
CityIrving, Texas
VenueTexas Stadium
Event chronology
 Previous
Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions
Next 
Wrestling Star Wars

The Superbowl of Wrestling was a major professional wrestling event held by Dallas, Texas based Big Time Wrestling on June 5, 1976 at the Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. Big Time Wrestling would later be named World Class Championship Wrestling and later on World Class Wrestling Association.

No.ResultsStipulations
1Peter Maivia defeated Don FargoSingles match
2Red Bastien vs. Rick Martel ended in a drawSingles match
3Rocky Johnson defeated Larry SharpeSingles match
4Andre the Giant defeated J. J. Dillon and the Mongolian StomperHandicap match
5Diamond Lil defeated Darling DegmarSingles match
6El Santo and Jose Lothario defeated Paul Perschmann and Tim BrooksTag team match
7Terry Funk (c) vs. Fritz Von Erich ended in a double count-outSingles match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

1st Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions

1st Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions
PromotionWorld Class Championship Wrestling
DateMay 6, 1984[1][2]
CityIrving, Texas
VenueTexas Stadium[3]
Attendance32,123
Event chronology
 Previous
Independence Day Star Wars
Next 
Labor Day Star Wars
Parade of Champions chronology
 Previous
Big Time Wrestling
Next 
2nd Von Erich Memorial

The 1st Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions was a major professional wrestling event held by Dallas, Texas based World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) on May 6, 1984 at the Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The event was held by WCCW promoter Fritz Von Erich in memory of his son David Von Erich, who had died in February, 1984. In the main event David's brother Kerry Von Erich faced the NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair, taking the title match that was originally planned for David Von Erich that same year. In a very emotional match Von Erich defeated Flair to win the championship in honor of his brother.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes
1Kelly Kiniski vs. Johnny Mantell ended in a time-limit drawSingles match15:00
2Chris Adams and Sunshine defeated Jimmy Garvin and PreciousMixed tag team match06:00
3Butch Reed defeated Chick DonovanSingles match4:23
4Kamala (with Skandor Akbar and Friday) vs. The Great Kabuki (with Gary Hart) ended in a double disqualificationSingles match12:00
5Junkyard Dog defeated The Missing Link by disqualification.Singles match
6Rock & Soul (Buck Zumhofe and Iceman King Parsons) defeated The Super Destroyers (Bill Irwin and Scott Irwin) (c)Tag team match for the NWA American Tag Team Championship[3]
7Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, and Mike Von Erich defeated the Fabulous Freebirds (Buddy Roberts, Michael Hayes, and Terry Gordy) (c)Six-man tag team for the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship[3]
8Kerry Von Erich defeated Ric Flair (c) via pinfallSingles match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship[3]
This match had no time limit and the title could change hands on a disqualification.
11:24
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

2nd Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions

2nd Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions
PromotionWorld Class Championship Wrestling
DateMay 5, 1985[4][5]
CityIrving, Texas
VenueTexas Stadium[6]
Attendance26,153
Event chronology
 Previous
Wrestling Star Wars
Next 
Independence Day Star Wars
Parade of Champions chronology
 Previous
1st Von Erich Memorial
Next 
3rd Von Erich Memorial

The 2nd Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions was a major professional wrestling event held by Dallas, Texas based World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) on May 5, 1985 at the Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The event was held by WCCW promoter Fritz Von Erich in memory of his son David Von Erich that had died in February, 1984. As a result of Kerry Von Erich's victory over the One Man Gang, manager Gary Hart had his head shaved bald. If Kerry lost, Fritz would have to come out of retirement and face One Man Gang one-on-one. The match between The Fantastics and The Midnight Express for the vacant NWA American Tag Team Championship was held in two rings side-by-side. The Midnight Express' manager Jim Cornette was handcuffed to the Fantastics cornerman, "Little John", who stood over 7 feet tall. Referee David Manning awarded the match and the title to the Fantastics, although Manning's pin count of a Fantastics member pinning a Midnight Express member started after referee Rick Hazzard's pin count of a Midnight Express member pinning a Fantastics member ended at 3. This match appears on the WWE Home Video "The Triumphs and Tragedies of World Class Championship Wrestling" DVD. Per stipulations, the winning team of the main event split $100,000 and the wrestler who eliminated the last wrestler won a brand new Lincoln Continental. Kevin Von Erich won the event with a spectacular dive from one ring over the ropes to another to pin Steve Williams. After the match, Gino Hernandez destroyed the windshield of the Lincoln Continental with a chain, with Chris Adams placing a boot on the destroyed windshield for good measure causing it to cave in.

No.ResultsStipulations
1Johnny Mantell vs. Skip Young ended in a drawSingles match
2Scott Casey and Brian Adias defeated Kelly and Nick KiniskiTag team match
3Terry Gordy defeated Kamala the Ugandan GiantSingles match
4Mike Von Erich defeated Rip OliverSingles match
5Gino Hernandez and Chris Adams defeated The Great Kabuki and Scott Casey.
Casey subbed for Hercules Hernandez who quit the promotion immediately before this event.
Tag team match
6The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers) defeated The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey) (with Jim Cornette)Tag team match for the vacant NWA American Tag Team Championship[6]
7The Von Erichs (Kerry Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich and Mike Von Erich) and the Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts) defeated Chris Adams, Gino Hernandez, Rip Oliver, One Man Gang, Kamala and "Dr. Death" Steve Williams (with Skandor Akbar and Gary Hart)12-man two-ring tag team match
8Ric Flair (c) vs. Kevin Von Erich ended in a double count-outSingles match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
9Kerry Von Erich (with Fritz Von Erich) defeated One Man Gang (with Gary Hart)Hair vs. One Man Gang facing Fritz Von Erich match
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

3rd Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions

3rd Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions
PromotionWorld Class Wrestling Association
DateMay 4, 1986[7][8]
CityIrving, Texas
VenueTexas Stadium
Attendance24,121
Event chronology
 Previous
Wrestling Star Wars
Next 
Independence Day Star Wars
Parade of Champions chronology
 Previous
2nd Von Erich Memorial
Next 
4th Von Erich Memorial

The 3rd Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions was a major professional wrestling event held by Dallas, Texas based World Championship Wrestling Association (WCWA) on May 4, 1986 at the Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The event was held by WCCW promoter Fritz Von Erich in memory of his son David Von Erich who died in 1984. On the show the Great Kabuki was to have faced four wrestlers in this handicap match, one at a time. The fourth wrestler he was to have faced was Chris Adams. Michael Hayes began berating Adams after Steve Simpson defeated Kabuki, prompting Adams to superkick both Hayes and Kabuki out of the ring.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes
1Sunshine defeated Missy HyattMud match
2The Missing Link and King Parsons defeated One Man Gang and Skandor AkbarTag team match
3The Great Kabuki defeated Mark YoungbloodSingles match: Gauntlet Match #1
4The Great Kabuki defeated Jerry Allen.Singles match: Gauntlet Match #2
5Steve Simpson defeated The Great KabukiSingles match: Gauntlet Match #3
6Brian Adias (c) defeated Steve RegalSingles match for the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship13:00
7Chris Adams and Brickhouse Brown defeated John Tatum and The GrapplerTag team match12:00
8Bruiser Brody defeated Terry GordyBarbed wire match
9Rick Rude (c) (with Percy Pringle III) defeated Bruiser Brody by disqualificationSingles match for the WCWA World Heavyweight Championship07:30
10Steve Simpson, Kerry Von Erich and Lance Von Erich defeated the Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts) (c)
  • Terry Gordy pinned Kerry Von Erich
  • Steve Simpson pinned Michael Hayes
  • Buddy Roberts pinned Steve Simpson
  • Terry Gordy was thrown over the top rope by Lance Von Erich
  • Lance Von Erich pinned Buddy Roberts
Lumberjack elimination match for the WCWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

4th Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions

4th Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions
PromotionWorld Class Wrestling Association
DateMay 3, 1987[9][10]
CityIrving, Texas
VenueTexas Stadium
Attendance5,900
Event chronology
 Previous
Wrestling Star Wars
Next 
Labor Day Star Wars
Parade of Champions chronology
 Previous
3rd Von Erich Memorial
Next 
5th Von Erich Memorial

The 4th Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions was a major professional wrestling event held by Dallas, Texas based World Championship Wrestling Association (WCWA) on May 3, 1987 at the Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The event was held by WCCW promoter Fritz Von Erich in memory of his sons David Von Erich and Mike Von Erich.

This event won the 1987 award for Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter; the combination of Mike Von Erich's name attached to the event (his suicide had been less than a month before it) and use of stipulations such as a scaffold match and women's mud wrestling was seen as exploitative.

No.ResultsStipulations
1Matt Borne and Scott Casey defeated Black Bart and Jack VictoryTag team match
2Steve Doll defeated Killer Tim BrooksSingles match
3Cousin Junior defeated The GrapplerSingles match
4Red River Jack and Spike Huber defeated Abdullah the Butcher and Eli the EliminatorIf the team of Jack and Huber wins Red River Jack gets a match with manager Gary Hart
5Red River Jack defeated Gary Hart by count-outSingles match
6Mil Máscaras defeated Al MadrilSingles match
7Skip Young defeated Brian AdiasLumberjack match
8Kevin Von Erich (c) vs. Nord the Barbarian ended in a double countoutSingles match for the WCWA World Heavyweight Championship
9The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers) and Steve Simpson defeated the Rock 'n' Roll RPMs (Mike Davis and Tommy Lane) and Eric EmbrySix-man Scaffold match
10Bruiser Brody defeated Jeep SwensonSingles match
11Candi Divine defeated five other wrestlersSix-woman Mud Pit Match
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

5th Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions

5th Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions
PromotionWorld Class Wrestling Association
DateMay 8, 1988[11][12]
CityIrving, Texas
VenueTexas Stadium
Attendance7,000
Event chronology
 Previous
Christmas Star Wars
Next 
5th Cotton Bowl Extravaganza
Parade of Champions chronology
 Previous
4th Von Erich Memorial
Next 
Last

The 5th Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions was a major professional wrestling event held by Dallas, Texas based World Championship Wrestling Association (WCWA) on May 7, 1988 at the Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The event was held by WCCW promoter Fritz Von Erich in memory of his sons David Von Erich and Mike Von Erich. The fifth version of the Parade of Champions would be the last show promoted under that name by the Von Erich family. Also only highlights of select matches aired on ESPN.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes
1The Missing Link and Jason Sterling defeated Vince Apollo and The Angel of Death.Tag team match
2Mike George (c) defeated Jeff RaitzSingles match for the WWA World Heavyweight Championship
3Steve Casey defeated Eric EmbrySingles match00:19
4Black Bart defeated Bill Irwin by disqualification.Singles match
5Terry Gordy defeated Michael Hayes"Triple Dome of Terror" Match
6Terry Taylor (c) defeated Chris AdamsSingles match for the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship
7Jason Sterling, Steve Casey and John Tatum won by defeating Angel of Death, Terry Gordy, Michael Hayes, King Parsons, Buddy Roberts, Jack Victory, Shaun Simpson and six others"Triple Dome Texas Roundup" Match
8Bruiser Brody and Kevin Von Erich defeated Buddy Roberts and a Masked ManTag team match
9John Tatum and Jack Victory defeated Terry Gordy and Steve Simpson by count-outTag team match for the vacant Wild West Tag Team Championship
10Kerry Von Erich defeated Iceman Parsons (c)Singles match for the WCWA World Heavyweight Championship
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

References

  1. "Historical Cards: David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions (May 5, 1984. Irving, Texas)". PWI Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanak and book of facts. Kappa Publications. p. 172. 2007 Edition.
  2. "1st Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions". Pro Wrestling History. May 6, 1984. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 F4W Staff (May 6, 2015). "On this day in pro wrestling history (May 6): Verne Gagne Vs. Danny Hodge, 1st Annual Von Erich Parade of Champions show". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 10, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. "Historical Cards: Parade of Champions 2 (May 5, 1985. Irving, Texas)". PWI Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanak and book of facts. Kappa Publications. p. 172. 2007 Edition.
  5. "2nd Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions". Pro Wrestling History. May 5, 1985. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  6. 1 2 F4W Staff (May 5, 2015). "On this day in pro wrestling history (May 5): Bruno Vs. Gorilla in Puerto Rico, 2nd annual Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 10, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. "Historical Cards: Parade of Champions 3 (May 5, 1986. Irving, Texas)". PWI Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanak and book of facts. Kappa Publications. p. 172. 2007 Edition.
  8. "3rd Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions". Pro Wrestling History. May 4, 1986. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  9. "Historical Cards: Parade of Champions 4 (May 3, 1987. Irving, Texas)". PWI Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanak and book of facts. Kappa Publications. p. 173. 2007 Edition.
  10. "4th Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions". Pro Wrestling History. May 3, 1987. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  11. "Historical Cards: Parade of Champions 5 (May 8, 1988. Irving, Texas)". PWI Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanak and book of facts. Kappa Publications. p. 173. 2007 Edition.
  12. "5th Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions". Pro Wrestling History. May 8, 1988. Retrieved April 10, 2015.

External sources

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