This feature was originally published on the Mid-Atlantic Gateway during Thanksgiving week of 2005, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the events in Greensboro in November 1975. The events of that one month transformed the territory.

These cards are still talked about by Mid-Atlantic Wrestling fans today.

Project research by Dick Bourne.



 

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1975  • GREENSBORO COLISEUM

TERRY FUNK WINS THE UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP, DEFEATING PAUL JONES IN THE TOURNAMENT FINAL

Reflections

Paul Jones looks back at the month that set up his major run as United States champion and top challenger to the NWA title.

Reflections

30 years later, Terry Funk remembers the grueling night he won the U.S. title, the competitors he fought, and how it all helped prepare him to be NWA champion.

Broadcast Audio

Special audio highlights from the original television broadcast, including the tournament final between Jones and Funk!NK

The Poster
Newspaper Ad & Pre-Tournament Articles
Brackets & Results

Newspaper Reports:

Greensboro Daily News  |  Greensboro Record

Post Event Press Release
Photographs by Bob McAlister and Gene Gordon | Photos in Mid-Atlantic Magazine
Page from George Scott's Day Planner: November 9, 1975
Framed Photo from Jim Crockett's Office
News Stand Magazine Coverage
Eye-Witness Accounts

ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SPECTACULAR

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1975 • GREENSBORO COLISEUM

• PAUL JONES DEFEATS TERRY FUNK FOR THE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP IN A REMATCH FROM THE TOURNAMENT FINAL THREE WEEKS EARLIER

• JACK BRISCO DEFENDS THE NWA WORLD TITLE AGAINST WAHOO MCDANIEL

The Poster
Newspaper Clippings
Page from George Scott's Day Planner: November 27, 1975
Paul Jones Straps on the Title

Reflections

Paul Jones still gets hot when he looks at the poster from the annual Thanksgiving wrestling card in Greensboro.

Broadcast Audio

No Longer Available

Rare audio clips following Paul Jones historic win over Terry Funk for the U.S. Championship, including television interviews and Paul's reaction when it was announced Terry Funk has won the NWA title!


The Almanac for November 1975:

David Chappell's Mid-Atlantic History | The Roster


Thanks to all those who made contributions (directly or indirectly) along the way and that assisted me with this project including Mark Eastridge, Don Holbrook, George South, Carroll Hall, John Hitchcock, Scooter Lesley, Mike Cline, Peggy Lathan, Kent Smith and Leslie Smith Johnson, Greg Price, and David Chappell.

My Special Thanks to Terry Funk and Paul Jones.

Photo used for Paul Jones icon above taken by Jeff Siner for the Charlotte Observer.

Mid-Atlantic Gateway Material © 2005 Dick Bourne | Mid-Atlantic Gateway