After a rare week-long pause in late January 1980, the Central States wrestling territory returned with a bang in early February. Highlights included an 8,000-fan packed tag team tournament crowning new champions, multiple disqualifications adding chaos, and several successful defenses of the NWA World Heavyweight title by Harley Race across various cities.
As January 1980 came to a close, the Central States wrestling territory experienced an unusual pause. From January 26th through February 1st, there were no verified events, spot shows, or TV tapings. This was a rare dark stretch for a territory that typically maintained a steady weekly rhythm of wrestling events.
When the lights came back on in early February, they did so with intensity. The first full week of February 1980 delivered one of the most stacked runs the Central States territory would see all year.
The action kicked off on Sunday, February 3rd, at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. The venue was packed with 8,000 fans eager to witness a one-night tournament to crown new Central States tag team champions.
The night began with several singles matches:
The tournament itself was marked by chaos and disqualifications:
Quarterfinal 1: Ernie Lad and Bruiser Brody faced Bob Brown and Dick the Bruiser. Dick the Bruiser lost his temper, grabbed a chair, and blasted Ernie Lad, resulting in a double disqualification. Lad and Brody advanced despite the chaos.
Quarterfinal 2: The Texas Outlaws, Dusty Roads, and Dick Murdoch advanced when the Funk Brothers were disqualified.
Quarterfinal 3: Rock Hunter and the Assassin advanced.
Quarterfinal 4: Jerry and Ted Oats defeated Bob Sweet Tan and Takihjo to move forward.
Two disqualifications in the first two matches set a wild tone for the night.
The finals pitted power against finesse: Ernie Lad and Bruiser Brody versus Jerry and Ted Oats. Ultimately, size and strength prevailed as Lad and Brody captured the Central States tag team titles, closing the night as the new champions.
The territory moved to Selena, Kansas, for a strong five-match card in front of 800 fans:
Another full card took place in Topeka:
The weekly stop at Memorial Hall featured six matches:
While the Central States territory went dark from January 26th through February 1st, the first full week of February more than made up for it. The week featured a massive tag team tournament filled with drama and disqualifications, multiple world title defenses by Harley Race, and a roster performing at a high level across several cities. This week remains one of the most memorable stretches in the territory's 1980 calendar.
