Back in the mid-80s The Boogie Woogie Man was a staple within Jim Crockett Promotions . I seem to recall Jimmy’s best days were behind him; however, he was a funny yet strange mid-card act that got over with the kids.
On World Championship Wrestling once you heard Manhattan Transfer’s “Boy From New York City” you knew The Boogie Woogie Man was on his way to the ring. He’d clap his hands, slap the hands of the studio audience, and make Tony Schiavone practically crack up on camera. I’m not 100% positive on this, but at least once he KISSED Tony! During some of his promos his manager (and I believe wife) Big Mama (who was only truly big in one department if you catch my drift) would join him at the commentary table. The peculiar thing about Valiant was his wrestling style. While unorthodox it was also very heelish. Despite that Schiavone and David Crockett played him up as a babyface in his quest to defeat Paul Jones’ army.
For Starrcade ’85 he teamed up with Miss Atlanta Lively (Ron Garvin in drag) to defeat the Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) in a tuxedo match. In 1986 tag team partner Pez Whatley turned on Valiant and cut off his “tail.” After Whatley changed his name to Shaska, he kept it as a trophy while mocking Valiant in his promos. During the Great American Bash tour of 1986 he would lose to Valiant in a hair versus hair match. Also in 1986 “The Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez turned on Valiant and joined Paul Jones’ army to feud with him.
What fond memories do you have of Jimmy The Boogie Woogie Man Valiant?
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