World Class Memories: The Latest

RIP: Harold Harris

We are sad to report that Harold Harris' death has now been confirmed by Dr. Jeff Cunningham at Wrestling Classics. According to reports, Harris was found "slumped over at the table of the family home" on Tuesday, July 8; the cause of death is not yet confirmed but, according to Dr. Cunningham, may have been an overdose of pain medication.

Harold is fondly remembered by fans in D/FW and Memphis for his late '80s stints in both cities and, as manager of the Blackbirds (Iceman Parsons and Brickhouse Brown), played a significant role in the transition from World Class to USWA Dallas. WCM mourns his untimely death; may he rest in peace.

Another former WCCW venue to bite the dust

Looks like the next former site of World Class Championship Wrestling's glory days to kiss the wrecking ball will be Reunion Arena. The venue, constructed in 1980 for the then-NBA expansion team the Dallas Mavericks, will officially close on June 30, with demolition apparently to follow shortly afterward. The Dallas Morning News has more details.

Action Jackson's daughter passes away

We want to extend our best wishes and heartfelt condolences to Perry "Action" Jackson, whose daughter passed away on June 5.

As of now, few details are available, but there is apparently talk of an upcoming benefit show in east Texas to help cover funeral expenses. When we find out more, we'l post it here. Again, all our best to AJ and his family.

More Kerry-Flair action on upcoming DVD

The 8/15/82 Kerry Von Erich-Ric Flair classic at Reunion Arena will be included on WWE's upcoming triple DVD set Nature Boy Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection, set for U.S. release on July 8. You can preorder the set at the Concession Stand for a super low price starting now!

Industrial Boulevard to be renamed

Dallas' Industrial Boulevard -- on which the Sportatorium was located -- is about to get a new name, according to this report from KXAS-TV. The City of Dallas is apparently searching for a name that "better reflects Industrial Boulevard as a gateway" to the Trinity River Corridor Project [Adobe Acrobat required], a planned river park in the downtown area. The list of potential street names has been narrowed down to these ten:

Riverfront Boulevard
Trinity Lakes Boulevard
EBJ Parkway
Waterfront Boulevard
Cesar Chavez Boulevard
Stevie Ray Vaughan Boulevard
Stanley Marcus Boulevard
Post Industrial Boulevard
Trinity View Parkway
Ascension Drive

The plan is for the Dallas City Council to narrow the list to three names next week, then put the choices up for an online vote. We'll update this post as further info becomes available.

UPDATE [5/6/08]: The Council, unable to reach a consensus on three street names, has reduced the field to six for a final vote: Cesar Chavez Boulevard, Eddie Bernice Johnson Boulevard (named for the Texas Congresswoman and apparently suggested at the last minute), Riverfront Boulevard, Trinity Lakes Boulevard, Trinityview Boulevard and Waterfront Boulevard. Your esteemed webmaster's personal preference, Stevie Ray Vaughan Boulevard, unfortunately didn't make the cut. :)