Charlie Smith embodies the true meaning of the words "wrestling legends." He got his start in wrestling in the Atlanta, Georgia area in the late 1950s, first wrestling at Lakewood Boys Club, and then refereeing for Ray Gunkel and Don McIntyre's promotion. For more than two decades, he made his living traveling from town to town, setting up the ring and refereeing in towns, both big and small, throughout the state. In later years, he promoted and booked shows in many of the smaller towns.
Some of the topics covered by Charlie include:
His introduction to the wrestling business
Wrestling with a semi-pro "outlaw" promotion
Making a $7 investment to make $5
Traveling and working with Freddie Blassie
Working at the wrestling office for Ray Gunkel and Don McIntyre
Selling tickets at the back door to avoid the fire marshall
Referee Doug Smith "kills" promoter Ray Gunkel
Life on the road and traveling to towns
Getting blood the hardway
"When two fools meet ..."
Wrestling at the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary
Doug Gilbert accepts Robert Fuller's challenge
Juice and the blade
"The entire crew and the night watchman, too."
Life after wrestling
Don and Ray Stevens
