From the Sam Houston Coliseum. Early Magnum TA footage as he defends the North American Title against Hacksaw Butch Reed - with Ernie Ladd in his corner! Sorry for the commentary.
I never was a fan of Butch Reed but I didn't dislike him neither. I've got a ton of respect for him. He was definitely a genetic freak. Absolute power house. One of the toughest in the business
As a black kid growing up a fan Hacksaw Reed was my favorite should have atleast been a transitional NWA champion. Even as a heel I preferred him over JYD even though JYD was a demigod face in Mid-South. As far as Magnum TA, he was destined for greatness. His accident plus David Von Erich dying a couple years earlier hurt the NWA.
Midsouth was trying to make a star headliner of Magnum TA . I think the Magnum name was first used there . He was beginning to draw fans when he left for MidAtlantic and became a star .
When Magnum first appeared in Houston he was going by his real name Terry Allen. When he showed up again as part of MidSouth, he had adopted the Magnum TA name which was a wise move as it fit with his real name.
A 357 ON A 44 FRAME, THAT'S HOW YOU SOLVE PROBLEMS WITH PEOPLE COMING INTO THE LOCKER ROOM AFTER HOURS, R.I.P. HACKSAW BUTCH REED THANKS FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT.
Friday 8/31/84(Houston Wrestling/Mid-south Wrestling) Houston, Texas: Sam Houston coliseum:Referee: Jose lothario (replaced Sonny King) Mid-south North American hw title Match: Magnum TA (champion) vs Hacksaw Butch Reed (with advisor Ernie Ladd)
Cagematch.net lists a Magnum TA-Butch Reed match with the same details as taking place on Aug. 31, 1984. I don't know if that's this specific match, but they don't list any others that might qualify.
I do not think Ernie Ladd was capable of standing upright . He was nearly 6'10" but looked about 6'7" because of his knees always being bent and he leaned forward to balance himself . Ernie weighed close to 400 lbs here ...about 380 or so ....Andre was the legendary drinket but Ernie was the legendary eater . It was catching up to hin . He was normally 60 lbs lighter .
