| The legendary ‘Wild’ Bill Longson was never really a Georgia mainstay, but the interest generated by his many appearances here as NWA World Heavyweight Champion garner his induction. With his reputation preceding his arrivals, he reportedly spiked the house to standing-room-only crowds in more than twenty trips to Georgia to defend the belt between 1943 and 1948. Facing challengers such as Al Massey, Babe Zaharias, Nick Carter, Blockbuster Talun, Lou Thesz, and Laverne Baxter, Longson was a huge drawing card in Paul Jones’ pre-territory development period. He also had cups of coffee in the 1940s and 1950s, as well as appearances in the 1960s. |
