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Bill Dundee

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William Cruickshanks (born 24 October 1943) [1] appeared in every year of the Jerry Jarrett promotion from 1977 to 1997.

Born in Scotland, he moved to Australia when he was 10 and started his wrestling career there in 1962. In 1974 he travelled to the United States, teaming with George Barnes. He got his big break at a time where the Memphis area was without its biggest star Jerry Lawler, who had been sent to Florida and Alabama by Jarrett for several months as punishment for no-showing a number of small cards. [2]

He had three significant stints away from the Memphis area. In 1984 he worked for Mid-South Wrestling, and in 1986 appeared in the Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Central States and Florida NWA promotions. In early 1993 he joined World Championship Wrestling as manager 'Sir William', returning to the USWA in late 1994.

His son Jamie Dundee also wrestled in Memphis, and he was the father-in-law of Bobby Eaton

Career[]

1977[]

After teaming with Tommy Rich in a feud against Dennis Condry and Phil Hickerson over the Southern Tag Team Championship, Dundee moved into his most famous feud against Jerry Lawler. It started when he was beaten up by Lawler's partner Leroy Brown. He had matches against Brown with Lawler's money on the line, before facing The King directly.

In a legendary series of matches Dundee won Lawler's Cadillac (in reality he had already bought it in real life [3] ) and took the Southern Heavyweight Championship for the first time. By the time the feud was over, Lawler's manager Mickey Poole, Dundee and Dundee's wife Beverley had their heads shaved. The feud ended with Lawler winning the Southern Heavyweight Championship back and retiring, while Dundee and Beverley were paid $3000 each by promoter Jerry Jarrett to agree to have their heads shaved. When Lawler returned a month later Dundee reluctantly accepted his friendship.

On Saturday 12 November, Mike Stark knocked Dundee out with a roll of coins during their match, sparking a feud.

1978[]

1979[]

1980[]

1981[]

1982[]

Managed by Jimmy Hart for one match.

Out early in the year with torn ligaments in his arm/shoulder. [4]

In August he suffered a broken jaw in an out of the ring fight with Randy Savage. The incident resulted in police charges but they were dropped.

1983[]

Turned heel in March.

Lost a Loser Leaves Town match to Steve Keirn on Monday 26 December, after which he moved to the Mid-South promotion.

1984[]

Made a guest appearance in a tag team tournament on Monday 6 August, his only appearance in the promotion for the year.

1985[]

Returned to Memphis in late September.

1986[]

Teamed with Buddy Landel

Lost a loser leaves town match to Jerry Lawler on Monday 14 July and moved to the Mid-Atlantic promotion. There he reunited with Buddy Landel, also appearing in the Central States and Florida areas.

1987[]

Returned to the CWA in May.

George Barnes returned to feud against him

Won the AWA World Tag Team Championship with Jerry Lawler

1991[]

1992[]

Teamed with Danny Davis under masks as The American Eagles

1993[]

1994[]

Returned on Saturday 12 November as a mystery partner for Brian Christopher and Jerry Lawler against Tommy Rich and Doug Gilbert.

1996[]

Managed by Samantha.

1997[]

Video[]

External links[]

References[]

  1. ↑ Wikipedia profile
  2. ↑ 1977 - The War for Memphis by Mark James
  3. ↑ 1977 - The War for Memphis by Mark James
  4. ↑ World/American Wrestling Results - March 1982
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