Monday, April 4, 2011

J. C. Dykes

J.C. Dykes was a hot deal as a manager in Tennessee, Alabama, Texas and other states, but only made one appearance in Arizona as far as I can recall, when Amarillo was sending people to Tucson in the early 1970s. He  came in with The Infernos and did his thing, then left without returning. A pity, as a lengthy stay could have drawn loads of heat.

While his Arizona trip was limited, his exploits elsewhere became legendary. Many times he caused riots and had to fight his way back to the locker room with the aid of his prize tag team. On other occasions he was booed so loudly, even when speaking into the microphone, he could not be heard.

After Dykes retired, he became a minister at a small church in Cleveland, Tennessee. A heart attack ended his life several years ago.

One story behind the scenes is seldom spoken of, but Dykes inadvertently saved the life of wrestler Don Green one night in Memphis.

Dykes did not want to drive back alone from Memphis to Nashville after a show and asked Green to ride with him to be sure he stayed awake. Green agreed.

Don Green was supposed to ride back with Pepe Lopez, Frank Hester and Sam Bass.

This car crashed, killing all three men within when the ruined automobile exploded in flames.

Green would have been the fourth man in the car had it not been for Dykes not wanting to drive alone.

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