Championship Wrestling From Florida (CWF)

[8.0] "Reviewing the CWF from the 1980's. 1982: After watching other promotions, the CWF focused more on speed and athleticism in the ring. You could see an attempt with storytelling, especially in the case of big baby face Dusty Rhodes. Interesting seeing David Von Erich work as a heel. Wrestler of the Year Dusty Rhodes 1983: We begin with Dusty Rhodes on a suspension, and he poses as the Midnight Rider, even winning titles, but having to relinquish them in order to conceal his identity. Great storytelling in this territory, Dusty was ahead of his time. The wrestling was grittier than some other promotions of the era. Gordon Solie was a consummate professional, Buddy Colt not so good on color commentary, but the role of Barbara Clary was another example of how CWF was a trailblazing promotion. Wrestler of the Year: Barry Windham. 1984: The storytelling in this territory is tremendous. There is a great balance of great baby faces (Dusty Rhodes, Blackjack Mulligan, Barry Windham, Billy Jack Haynes) and heels (Kevin Sullivan, One Man Gang, Ron Bass, Billy Graham). Sullivan had created his Prince of Darkness gimmick, and was one of the best heels in the industry. Even had an angle where he stabbed Blackjack Mulligan in the chest. During the summer the House of Humperdink stable kicks One Man Gang out, and leads to his face turn. Superstar Billy Graham also turns face and feuds with Kevin Sullivan. Fallen Angel (Woman) debuts as part of Sullivan's satanic entourage. However, by the Fall of '84, most of the best names left for either the WWF or JCP's Mid-Atlantic, and it left us with the likes of Scott McGee and Jesse Barr in the title picture, which was lackluster, and vanilla babyfaces like Mike Graham. Down the stretch Neidhart & Khrushchev carried the territory, and then Michael Hayes & Dutch Mantel are brought in to feud with the arriving PYT. Wrestler of the Year: Kevin Sullivan"