Tommy Rich

[Tommy Rich GALLERY]

[York Foundation] [Full Blooded Italians]

Article: What Does A Wrestler Mean To Me
Article: Tommy Rich vs Buzz Sawyer

Title History

NWA (Mid America) United States Tag Team titles w/Tojo Yamamoto defeating Otto Von Heller & Karl Von Steiger (August 16, 1975);
NWA (Mid America) World Six Man Tag Titles w/George Gulas & Tojo Yamamoto by winning a Tournament (October ??, 1975);
NWA (Mid America) World Six Man Tag Titles w/Gulas & Yamamoto beat A.Greene & P.Hickerson & D.Condrey (November 1975);
NWA (Mid America) Southern Heavyweight title defeating Jerry Lawler (February 22, 1976);
NWA (Mid America) Southern Tag Team titles w/Bill Dundee defeating Dennis Condrey & Phil Hickerson (June ??, 1976);
NWA (Mid America) Southern Heavyweight title defeating Jerry Lawler (September 14, 1976);
NWA Mid America Heavyweight title defeating Roger Kirby (November ??, 1976);
NWA Georgia Tag Team titles w/Tony Atlas defeating Executioner & Pak Song (????, 1977);
NWA Georgia Tag Team titles w/Stan Hansen defeating Ole & Gene Anderson (????, 1977);
NWA Southeastern Tag Team titles w/Bill Dundee defeating Karl & Kurt Von Steiger (April 18, 1977);
NWA (Mid America) Southern Tag Team titles w/Tommy Gilbert defeating Dennis Condrey & Phil Hickerson (June 19, 1977);
NWA Georgia Tag Team titles w/Thunderbolt Patterson defeating Ole & Lars Anderson (March 31, 1978);
NWA Macon Heavyweight title won a tournament (April ??, 1978);
NWA Georgia Tag Team titles w/Rick Martel defeating Ivan Koloff & Ole Anderson (October 13, 1978);
NWA Georgia Tag Team titles w/Wahoo McDaniel defeating Ivan Koloff & Ole Anderson (May 18, 1979);
NWA Georgia Tag Team titles w/Stan Hansen defeating Ivan Koloff & Ole Anderson (July 2, 1979);
NWA Georgia Tag Team titles w/Crusher Lisowski defeating Ivan Koloff & Ole Anderson (September 21, 1979);
NWA Georgia Heavyweight title defeating Killer Karl Kox (October 26, 1979);
NWA Georgia Television title defeating Austin Idol (February 23, 1980);
AWA Southern Heavyweight title defeating Jimmy Valiant (September 1, 1980);
AWA Southern Heavyweight title defeating Jimmy Valiant (October 6, 1980);
AWA Southern Tag Team titles w/Bill Dundee defeating Roger Kirby & Guy Mitchell (December 22, 1980);
AWA Southern Tag Team titles w/Bill Dundee defeating Jerry & David Novak (February 15, 1981);
CWA (Memphis) World Tag Team titles w/Bill Dundee defeating Austin Idol & Dutch Mantell (March 12, 1981);
CWA (Memphis) World Tag Team titles w/Jerry Lawler defeating Mr. Onita & Masa Fuchi (March 23, 1981);
NWA World Heavyweight title defeating Harley Race (April 27, 1981);
NWA Georgia Heavyweight title defeating Greg Valentine in a tournament final (May 17, 1981);
NWA Georgia Heavyweight title defeating Masked Superstar (August 9, 1981);
NWA (Georgia) National Heavyweight title defeating Masked Superstar (September 28, 1981);
NWA (Georgia) National Heavyweight title defeating Masked Superstar (January 17, 1982);
NWA (Georgia) National Heavyweight title defeating Ron Bass (April 19, 1982);
AWA Southern Tag Team titles w/Eddie Gilbert defeating Koko Ware & Norvell Austin (March 26, 1984);
CWA (Memphis) International Heavyweight title defeating Masao Ito (July 9, 1984);
AWA Southern Heavyweight title defeating Rick Rude (July 16, 1984);
AWA Southern Tag Team titles w/Dutch Mantell defeating Danny Davis & Ken Wayne (September 15, 1984);
(Southeastern) Continental Heavyweight title defeating The Flame (August 2, 1985);
NWA Southeastern Tag Team titles w/Johnny Rich defeating Danny Davis & Ken Wayne (February 17, 1986);
NWA Southeastern Tag Team titles w/Steve Armstrong defeating Jimmy Golden & Robert Fuller (June 9, 1986);
WCW World 6-Man Tag Titles w/Junkyard Dog/Ricky Morton defeating Dr. X/Buddy Landell/Dutch Mantell (February 17, 1991);
WCW World 6-Man Tag Titles w/Richard Morton/Terrance Taylor beating Tom Zenk/Big Josh/Dustin Rhodes (October 8, 1991);
USWA Heavyweight title defeating Jeff Jarrett (September 13, 1993);
TASW (Tennessee All Star Wrestling) Heavyweight title defeating Buddy Landell (November 13, 1993);
USWA Heavyweight title defeating Buddy Landell in a tournament final (October 3, 1994);
USWA Heavyweight title defeating Brian Christopher (December 19, 1994);
USWA World Tag Team titles w/Doug Gilbert defeating PG-13 (JC Ice & Wolfie D) (January 9, 1995);
USWA World Tag Team titles w/Doug Gilbert defeating PG-13 (January 14, 1995);
AWF (American Wrestling Federation) Tag Team titles w/Greg Valentine defeating Tony Atlas & Koko B. Ware (May 21, 1995);
SMW (Smoky Mountain Wrestling) Heavyweight title defeating Brad Armstrong (November 25, 1995);
USWA World Tag Team titles w/Doug Gilbert defeating Jesse James Armstrong & Tracy Smothers (January 3, 1996):
USWA Heavyweight title defeating Jerry Lawler (January 13, 1996);
USWA World Tag Team titles w/Doug Gilbert defeating PG-13 (February 28, 1996);
XICW (Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling) Heavyweight title defeating Dangerous DBA (February 4, 2001);
WOMBAT tag team titles w Mike Jackson defeating 1 Called Manders & Mance Warner (December 7, 2019);

Career Highlights

In the Beginning:

Tommy Rich is a former high school football player…

Getting into the Business:

1974: Tommy Rich made his pro wrestling debut when he was only eighteen years old..
1978: Tommy Rich won Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Rookie of the Year award..
October 26, 1979: Tommy defeated Killer Karl Kox to win his first regional title, the Georgia heavyweight title..
1979: Tommy Rich won Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s “Most Improved Wrestler” award..
1980: Tommy Rich moved to Memphis and quickly turned heel, attacking the injured Jerry Lawler and hiring manager Jimmy Hart..

Georgia Championship Wrestling – Tommy Rich:

1981: Tommy Rich returned to the Georgia territory and won the Georgia Television title..
Tommy Rich teamed with the Junk Yard Dog in a series of matches against The Fabulous Freebirds..
April 27, 1981: Tommy Rich defeated Harley Race to win the NWA World Heavyweight title in Augusta, Georgia..
Michael Hayes placed a bounty on Tommy Rich, and there were no shortage of heels trying to collect..
1983: Tommy Rich began a bloody feud with Buzz Sawyer which climaxed with the “Last Battle of Atlanta” Cage match..
October 23, 1983: Tommy Rich beat Buzz Sawyer in a CAGE match (Paul Ellering was suspended above the ring in a small cage)..
Tommy Rich battled NWA World Champion Ric Flair several times but failed to win the title for a 2nd time..
Tommy Rich (still in Georgia) lost a “loser leave the state” match, but continued to wrestle under a mask as “Mister R”..
Ted DiBiase was defending the National title against “Mister R” when Tommy Rich made a surprise appearance at ringside..
~~~DiBiase was distracted and lost to the “fake” Mister R, who turned out to be Brad Armstrong..
~~~Shortly after that, Tommy Rich left the Georgia territory..

Memphis Wrestling – Tommy Rich:

Tommy Rich returned to the Memphis territory and was paired with Hotstuff Eddie Gilbert..
Tommy Rich & Eddie Gilbert were given the “WFIA Tag Team of the Year” award, even after the split up!
Tommy Rich & Eddie Gilbert engaged in a bloody feud after their split!
1985: Tommy Rich disappeared into obscurity working occaisionally in southeastern indy promotions..

Memphis Wrestling – Tommy Rich:

1987: Tommy Rich’s career began to rebound as he made his big comeback..
1987: Tommy Rich & Austin Idol turned against top babyface Jerry Lawler, igniting another enormous feud..

Tommy Rich:

Tommy Rich was given a brief babyface push in the American Wrestling Association..

World Championship Wrestling – Tommy Rich:

1989: Tommy Rich resurfaced nationally in Ted Turner’s NWA: World Championship Wrestling promotion..
September 12, 1989 – The Clash #8: Lex Luger defeated Tommy Rich to retain the United States title..
October 28, 1989 – Halloween Havoc: Tommy Rich defeated The Cuban Assassin..
November 15, 1989 – The Clash #9: Doom (Ron Simmons & Butch Reed) defeated Eddie Gilbert & Tommy Rich..
May 19, 1990 – Capital Combat: Fatu & Samoan Savage defeated Mike Rotunda & Tommy Rich..
June 13, 1990 – The Clash #11: Tommy Rich defeated Bam Bam Bigelow by Disqualification..
July 7, 1990 – Great American Bash: Harley Race defeated Tommy Rich in a rematch from 9 years prior)..
September 5, 1990 – The Clash #12: Tommy Rich defeated Bill Irwin..
October 27, 1990 – Halloween Havoc: Tommy Rich & Ricky Morton beat The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane)..
December 16, 1990 – Starrcade: Tommy Rich & Ricky Morton defeated The Freebirds (Jimmy Garvin & Michael Hayes)..
January 5, 1991 – Main Event: Buddy Landel defeated Tommy Rich.
January 13, 1991 – Main Event: Ricky Morton & Tommy Rich defeated Jeff Sword & Rip Rogers.
January 30, 1991 – The Clash #14: The Freebirds (Jimmy Garvin & Michael Hayes) defeated Tommy Rich & Allen Iron Eagle..
February 2, 1991 – Worldwide: Tommy Rich defeated John Peterson.
February 9, 1991 – Worldwide: Ricky Morton, The Junkyard Dog & Tommy Rich defeated Lt. James Earl Wright & The Master Blasters (Master Blaster Blade & Master Blaster Steele).
March 2, 1991 – Power Hour: Tommy Rich defeated John Peterson.
March 22-24, 1991 – House Show: Tommy Rich defeated Dr. X.
April 3, 6, 1991 – House Show: Junkyard Dog & Tommy Rich defeated Dr. X & Moondog Rex.
April 17, 20, 1991 – House Show: Tommy Rich defeated Rip Morgan.
May 19, 1991 – SuperBrawl: Nikita Koloff defeated Tommy Rich..
June 7, 1991 – House Show: Steve Austin defeated Thomas Rich.
June 14, 1991 – The Clash #15: The Diamond Stud (Scott Hall) defeated Tommy Rich..

World Championship Wrestling – Thomas Rich with the York Foundation:

Tommy Rich joined the York Foundation led by Alexandra York and became known as “Thomas Rich”..
August 29-30, 1991 – House Show: Ron Simmons defeated Thomas Rich.
September 5, 1991 – The Clash #16: Thomas Rich defeated Joey Maggs in a dark match..
October 12, 1991 – Saturday Night: Big Josh & Flyin’ Brian defeated The York Foundation (Terrance Taylor & Thomas Rich).
October 12, 1991 – Worldwide: Flyin’ Brian & Mike Graham defeated The York Foundation (Terrance Taylor & Thomas Rich).
October 19, 1991 – Worldwide: Big Josh defeated Thomas Rich.
October 25, 1991 – House Show: Thomas Rich defeated Mike Graham.
November 19, 1991 – The Clash #17: Big Josh (Matt Borne) defeated Thomas Rich in a “Lumberjack” Match..
December 29, 1991 – Starrcade: Thomas Rich & Ron Simmons defeated Steve Armstrong & PN News (Lethal Lottery)..
January 21, 1992 – The Clash #18: Vinnie Vegas (Kevin Nash) defeated Thomas Rich..
Tommy Rich floundered in WCW and eventually departed..
February 9, 1992 – House Show: Tommy Rich defeated Joey Maggs.
May 14-16, 1992 – House Show: WCW Patriots (Firebreaker Chip & Todd Champion) defeated Thomas Rich & Tracy Smothers.
May 17, 1992 – War Games: Diamond Dallas Page & Thomas Rich defeated Bob Cook & Firebreaker Chip.
August 10, 1992 – USWA: Tommy Rich defeated Doug Gilbert.
September 14, 1992 – USWA: Bill Dundee & The Junkyard Dog defeated Billy Joe Travis & Tommy Rich in a first blood match.
September 13, 1993 – USWA: Tommy Rich defeated Jeff Jarrett to win the heavyweight title.
September 25, 1993 – USWA: Tommy Rich defeated Jerry Lawler in a steel cage match to retain the heavyweight title.
October 4, 1993 – USWA: Jerry Lawler defeated Tommy Rich to win the heavyweight title.
December 13, 1993 – House Show: Tommy Rich defeated The Z-Man.

Back in Memphis – Tommy Rich:

1994: Tommy Rich moved onto Memphis for that promotions dying days..
March 7, 1994–Memphis Memories: Tommy Rich defeated “The Boogie Woogie Man” Jimmy Valiant by Disqualification..
June 10, 1995–Memphis Memories II: Tommy Rich & Doug Gilbert defeated Bill Dundee & Brian Christopher..
~~~Tommy Rich & Doug Gilbert defeated Jerry Lawler & Jimmy Valiant in the second round..
~~~The Fabulous Ones defeated Tommy Rich & Doug Gilbert to win the Best of Memphis Tag Team Tournament!

Smokey Mountain Wrestling – Tommy Rich:

August 4, 1995–SuperBowl of Wrestling: Terry Gordy & Tommy Rich defeated The Mongolian Stomper & Boo Bradley..
August 12, 1995–Fire on the Mountain: Boo Bradley (blindfolded — aka Balls Mahoney) defeated Tommy Rich..
~~~The Punisher (aka the Undertaker) & Tommy Rich beat Boo Bradley & Brian Armstrong in a “Falls Count Anywhere” match..
November 23, 1995–Thanksgiving Thunder: Buddy Landell & The Bullet (Bob Armstrong) defeated Tommy Rich & The Punisher..
January 3, 1996–USWA: Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich defeated Jesse James Armstrong & Tracy Smothers in a looser leaves town match to win the tag team titles.
January 15, 1996–USWA: Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich defeated Jerry Lawler & Scott Bowden.
February 20, 1996–USWA: Brian Christopher defeated Tommy Rich to retain the Southern heavyweight title.
March 4, 1996–USWA: Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich defeated PG-13 (JC Ice & Wolfie D) to retain the tag titles.
March 18, 1996–USWA: Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich defeated Head Bangers (Mosh & Thrasher) to retain the tag titles.
March 25, 1996–USWA: The Cyberpunks (Cyberpunk Fire & Cyberpunk Ice) defeated Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich to win the tag team titles.
April 15, 1996–USWA: Cyberpunk Ice defeated Tommy Rich in a mask match.
June 17, 1996–USWA: Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich defeated Men On A Mission (Mabel & Mo) in the 1st round. Brickhouse Brown & Reggie B. Fine defeated Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich by disqualification in the semi-finals.
August 5, 1996–USWA: Brian Christopher defeated Tommy Rich by disqualification to retain the heavyweight title.
August 7, 1996–USWA: Doug Gilbert defeated Tommy Rich by disqualification.
August 12, 1996–USWA: Doug Gilbert vs. Tommy Rich ended in a no contest.
August 23, 1996–USWA: Brian Christopher, Doug Gilbert, Frank Morrell, Randy Hales & Wolfie D defeated Bill Dundee, Jamie Dundee, Samantha, Tommy Rich & Tony Falk in a Texas Death match.
August 30, 1996–USWA: Brian Christopher, Doug Gilbert, Sid Vicious & Wolfie D defeated Bill Dundee, Jamie Dundee, Tommy Rich & Tony Falk.
September 2, 1996–USWA: Tommy Rich defeated Bart Sawyer.
September 19, 1996–USWA: Brian Christopher defeated Tommy Rich to retain the heavyweight title and as the result Rich must leave USWA for 30 days.
November 28, 1996–IWA Mid-South: Doug Gilbert defeated Tommy Rich in a falls count anywhere match.

United States Wrestling Association – Tommy Rich: Extreme Championship Wrestling:

Tommy Rich eventually rejoined his former manager, Paul Heyman, signing on with ECW as a member of the Full Blooded Italians..
January 11, 1997–House Party: The Gangstas (New Jack & Mustafa Saed) defeated Tommy Rich & Ricky Morton..
~~~After the match, “Wildfire” Tommy Rich defeated “RockNRoll” Ricky Morton in an unscheduled match!
February 1, 1997–Crossing The Line Again: Terry Funk defeated Tommy Rich.
February 22, 1997–NAASW: Tommy Rich defeated Ben Jordan. Tommy Rich defeated Tracy Smothers by disqualification.
March 5, 1997–NAASW: Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich defeated The Wild Boys (??? & ???).
March 12, 1997–IWA Mid-South: Gator McAllister defeated Tommy Rich.
March 13, 1997–IWA Mid-South: Tommy Rich defeated Ricky Morton.
March 15, 1997–Hostile City Showdown: The FBI (Tommy Rich & Little Guido) defeated Tracy Smothers & Chris Chetti..
March 21, 1997–NAASW: Colorado Kid defeated Tommy Rich by disqualification.
March 22, 1997–NAASW: Tommy Rich defeated Kip Morris.
March 26, 1997–NAASW: Buddy Landel defeated Tommy Rich in the 1st round.
April 12, 1997–CAPW: KC Blood & Tommy Rich defeated Johnnie Walker & JT Lightning.
April 13, 1997–Barely Legal: J.T. Smith & Chris Chetti defeated The FBI (Little Guido & Tommy Rich) in a dark match..
April 29, 1997–NAASW: Doug Gilbert & JC Ice defeated Buddy Landel & Tommy Rich in a street fight.
January 10, 1998–House Party: Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten & Tommy Dreamer beat Tommy Rich & Tracy Smothers & Little Guido..
January 27, 1998–MCW: Wolfie D defeated Tommy Rich to retain the OMW/NAASW North American Heavyweight Title.
February 14, 1998–MCW: King Mabel vs. Tommy Rich ended in a no contest.
June 2, 1998–NSWA: Tommy Rich defeated Gene Austin to win the hardcore title.
June 27, 1998–ECW: Tommy Rich defeated Chris Chetti.
July 2, 1998–IWA Mid-South: Doug Gilbert defeated Tommy Rich.
July 19, 1998–MCW: Axl Rotten, Balls Mahoney & Corporal Punishment defeated Little Guido, Tommy Rich & Tracy Smothers.
July 30, 1998–IWA Mid-South: Tommy Rich defeated Doug Gilbert in a dog collar match.
October 17, 1998–ECW: Tommy Rich defeated Robert Gibson.
November 12, 1998–IWA Mid-South: Tommy Rich & Tracy Smothers defeated Bull Pain & Wolfie D.
May 13, 1999–IWA Mid-South: Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich vs. Harry Palmer & Tracy Smothers ended in a no contest.
May 14-15, 1999–IWA Mid-South: Doug Gilbert defeated Tommy Rich.
July 23, 1999–PPW Memphis TV: Glen Kulka, JR Smooth, Matt E. Smalls & OG Ekmo defeated Dirty White Boy, Doug Gilbert, Tommy Rich & Wolfie D.
October 23, 1999–PPW Memphis TV: Tommy Rich defeated Brian Christopher by disqualification.

Tommy Rich:

February 4, 2001–XICW: Tommy Rich defeated The DBA to win the heavyweight title.
March 4, 2001–XICW: The DBA defeated Tommy Rich to win the heavyweight title.
June 2, 2006–NWA Wrestle Birmingham: McNasty w/Robert Fuller defeated Tommy Rich..
June 9, 2006–NWA Wrestle Birmingham: Tommy Rich defeated McNasty by disqualification.
June 16, 2006–Clash of the Legends III: Tommy Rich defeated Brickhouse Brown..
June 17, 2006–Memphis Wrestling: Brickhouse Brown defeated “Wildfire” Tommy Rich…
July 7, 2006–Legends Show: Tommy Rich & Doug Gilbert defeated Robert Gibson & Chris Cagle..
December 6, 2006–Great Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich was interviewed but attacked by Danny Inferno.
December 13, 2006–Great Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich vs Danny Inferno w/Synn ended in a double count-out..
January 31, 2007–Great Championship Wrestling: Danny Inferno defeated Tommy Rich..
February 3, 2007–Southern Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich & Mike Jackson defeated Adam Armor & Chris Lee..
February 9, 2007–NWA Wrestle Birmingham: Tommy Rich beat The Bullet (Bob Armstrong) in a “Loser Leaves Town” match..
May 15, 2007–All-Star Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich defeated Frankie Valentine..
~~~LATER THAT NIGHT: The Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie) defeated Tommy Rich (sub for Bullet Bob Armstrong)..
July 17, 2007–All-Star Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich beat The Masked Superstar in a Falls Count Anywhere match.
July 22, 2007–Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich defeated Jimmy Golden..
August 5, 2007–Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling: Jimmy Snuka vs. “Wildfire” Tommy Rich ended in a double count-out.
August 9, 2007–CWA: “Wildfire” Tommy Rich defeated The Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie)..
September 15, 2007–Southern Championship Wrestling: Jimmy Golden defeated Tommy Rich.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Continental Legends Reunion) “Wildfire” Tommy Rich won a $1000 Over the Top Rope Battle Royal..
September 22, 2007–All-Star Championship Wrestling: “Wildfire” Tommy Rich defeated Pretty Boy Floyd
~~~ “Wildfire” Tommy Rich defeated The Masked Superstar by DQ to retain the National Heavyweight Title..
October 14, 2007–Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich defeated Bulldog Raines..
October 21, 2007–Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling: Bulldog Raines defeated Tommy Rich..
November 11, 2007–SECW: Tommy Rich & Scotty Blaze & Adrian Hawkins beat Frankie Valentine & Billy Love & Chick Donovan..
December 16, 2007–Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich defeated Inferno #3.
December 22, 2007–AWA World 1 South: Tommy Rich & Glacier defeated Matt Mercer & Big Bank Barfield..
January 6, 2008–SECW: Bob Armstrong & Tommy Rich & Buff Bagwell beat Steve Lawler & Chick Donovan & Bulldog Raines by disqualification.
January 20, 2008–SECW: Tommy Rich & Brad Armstrong beat Bulldog Raines & Rowdy Matiz in a West Georgia Tornado match.
January 27, 2008–Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich & Kidd Body Drop beat Chick Donovan & Kidd Enigma.
February 2, 2008–HPW: Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich defeated Brian Beech & Ox Harley.
February 7, 2008–NAWA Ring Champions: Tommy Rich & Jimmy Powell vs. Bulldog Raines & Steve Lawler ended in a double disqualification.
February 10, 2008–Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich defeated Billy Love..
February 17, 2008–Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich & The Nightmare defeated Billy Love & Sal Rinauro..
February 21, 2008–NAWA Ring Champions: Steve Lawler & Bulldog Raines (w/Jackie Rosedale) beat Tommy Rich & Kenny Arden..
March 2, 2008–SECW: Tommy Rich & Adrian Hawkins & Austin Creed defeated TC & Cody Gunn & Pretty Boy Floyd..
March 23, 2008–SECW: Tommy Rich & Chris Lightning defeated Pretty Boy Floyd & Awesome TC..
March 28, 2008–Georgia Wrestling Promotions: Tommy Rich defeated Murder One (mystery opponent) by disqualification..
April 3, 2008–Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich vs. Abdullah the Butcher ended in a double disqualification..
April 12, 2008–IWC: Abdullah The Butcher vs. Tommy Rich ended in a no contest.
May 3, 2008–AWA World-1: Chic Donovan & Tommy Rich defeated Dennis Condrey & Doug Somers.
May 15, 2008–Georgia Pro Wrestling Association: Tommy Rich defeated the Masked Superstar..
May 22, 2008–Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling: The Super Destroyer defeated Tommy Rich by disqualification..
May 30, 2008–AWA World-1: Tommy Rich defeated Fake Bug (Francisco Ciatso).
June 5, 2008–NAWA Ring Champions: Tommy Rich & Chris Ganz defeated Jason Valentine & Air Paris..
June 6, 2008–NAWA Ring Champions: Tommy Rich & Bambi defeated Nigel Sherrod & Peggy Lee Leather..
June 7, 2008–NWA 60th Anniversary Show: Abdullah The Butcher vs. Tommy Rich ended in a no contest.
July 4, 2008–Southern States Championship Wrestling: Tommy Rich took pictures and signed autographs for the fans..
July 5, 2008–Southern States Championship Wrestling: Jarrod Michaels defeated “Wildfire” Tommy Rich by disqualification..
July 6, 2008–Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling: Rob Adonis defeated Tommy Rich..
August 2, 2008–AWA World-1: Jake Slater defeated Tommy Rich to win the Southern heavyweight title.
October 4, 2008–Southern Championship Wrestling: Tommy “Wildfire” Rich defeated The Bounty Hunter..
November 28, 2008–Southern Championship Wrestling: “Wildfire” Tommy Rich defeated The Lethal Luchador..
November 29, 2008–Peachstate Wrestling Alliance: “Wildfire” Tommy Rich defeated The Lethal Luchador..
March 3, 2009–XCW Mid-West: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) vs. Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich ended in a double disqualification.
March 4, 2009–XCW Mid-West: Cody Hawk & Shawn Cook defeated Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich and The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) in a 3-way tag team match.
August 9, 2009–JCW Bloodymania: Sabu defeated Raven w/”Wildfire” Tommy Rich.
October 10, 2009–OCW: Tommy Rich defeated Chris Miles.
November 20, 2009–FNW: Tommy Rich defeated Seth James.
November 21, 2009–PWR: Tommy Rich defeated Lumberjack LeRoux.
April 16, 2010–CAPW: The Hi-Def Supernovas (Matt Mason & Robby Starr) defeated Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich to win the vacant tag team titles.
April 17, 2010–CAPW: Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich defeated Mitch Ryder & Sherman Tank.
June 5, 2010–Legends of Wrestling: Abdullah the Butcher vs. Tommy Rich ended in a double disqualification.
August 7, 2010–UCW: Tommy Rich defeated Rooster Haynes.
August 14, 2010–JCW: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) & Tommy Rich defeated Kamala & The Haters (Pauly Thomaselli & Vito Thomaselli).
March 19, 2011–CAPW: Tommy Rich defeated Jock Samson by disqualification.
May 14, 2011–CFW: BG James & Wolfie D defeated Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich.
August 12, 2011–JCW: Tracy Smothers defeated Tommy Rich.
April 28, 2012–PWX: Steve Corino defeated Tommy Rich to retain the world heavyweight title.
September 1, 2012–PWA: Tommy Rich defeated Jake Slater.
October 5, 2013–SFCW: Tommy Rich defeated Chris Nelms by disqualification.
October 26, 2013–SFCW: The Company (Chris Nelms & Jerry Nelms) vs. Richie Rich & Tommy Rich ended in a double count-out.
February 1, 2014–PWA: Tommy Rich was in the royal rumble match won by Simon Sermon.
October 25, 2014–SFCW: Steve Lawler & Tommy Rich defeated Bodacious Blade & Joel Deaton.
July 31, 2015–PWF: Tommy Rich defeated Steve Corino to win the WORLD-1 heavyweight title.
October 2, 2015–BTW: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) & Tommy Rich defeated Danny Miles, George South & Mr. TA.
November 7, 2015–HPW: Big Country & Tommy Rich defeated Shawn Cook & Trailer Park Trash.
December 5, 2015–HPW: Bobby Fulton & Tommy Rich defeated Billy Bart & Shawn Cook.
March 4, 2017–SWE: Tommy Rich defeated Francisco Ciatso.
July 13, 2017–SWE: Bob Armstrong and Tommy Rich defeated Fidel Sierra and Francisco Ciatso.
September 22, 2017–BTW: Tommy Rich defeated George South.
September 23, 2017–BTW: Tommy Rich defeated Jeff Lewis Neal.
May 26, 2018–WCPBTW: The FBI (Tommy Rich and Tracy Smothers) defeated 5 Most Wanted (Cody Hawk and Sean Casey).
July 14, 2018–SLW: Mike Posey and Sean Sims defeated Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich.
June 14, 2019–NFW: Joey Avalon and Tommy Rich defeated Brock Hall and Bryan Skyline.
June 15, 2019–NFW: Dirty Ernie and Tommy Rich defeated Judge Jesse and Tiny Love.
December 7, 2019–GCW: Mike Jackson and Tommy Rich defeated 1 Called Manders and Mance Warner to win the WOMBAT tag team titles.
February 29, 2020–AIWF: Johnny Romano and Tommy Rich defeated Chris Nelms and Kyle Croft.
March 5, 2020–Wrestling 4 A Cause: Rhino, Tommy Dreamer and Tommy Rich defeated The American Brawlers (American Brawler #1 & American Brawler #2) and Ricky Cagle.
September 26, 2020–USACW: Jerry Lawler & The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) defeated Doug Gilbert, Matt Riviera and Tommy Rich in a steel cage match.
April 30, 2021–AIW: The Philly Marino Experience (Marino Tenaglia & Philly Collins), Mance Warner and Tommy Rich defeated The Bitcoin Boyz (Eric Taylor & Mikey Montgomery), Ethan Wright and The Duke in a anything goes match.

Additional Notes:

Tommy Rich was managed by Alexandra York (Terri Runnels), Paul E. Dangerously, Jimmy Hart..
Tommy wrestled in: Memphis,Georgia,Mid-South,AWA,NWA,WCW,ECW,All-Japan,IWA,USWA,SMW,Continental,Southeast..
Nobody can deny that Tommy Rich was one of the most popular wrestlers in the 1980s..

TeriLynn wrote: Your facts aren’t right about trainers, debuts. Although if you or anyone would like to book Tommy, you can contact me through email @ kateyed57@tmail.com. Through the past years there have been many different evaluations of Tommy Rich and based on this information there have been many misinformed people. I can honestly say no one knows the real truth of the man Tommy “Wildfire” Rich as I do. The “truths” of Tommy Rich you’re thinking how do I know? That is simple, for the past 30 years while everyone has been passing judgement I have sat idle. Now it is time for the real truth to be known. I am his friend, personal confidant, mother of his children, the Grandmother of his five grandchildren, I am his wife! TeriLynn Kateyed57@t-mail.com

Brandon Welch wrote: The last ever match between Tommy Rich and Buzz Sawyer was a closed steel cage match (with manager Paul Ellering in a little cage 30ft above the ring) called “The Last Battle of Atlanta on October 23, 1983 in the Omni. Rich won, it was a bloodbath and concluded their 18month fued. I saw Rich wrestle before and after and this match (and the fued in general) really took a lot out of him. He would go on to fued with Ted DiBiase over the Georgia National title, and have great matches (even under a mask in the amusing Mr.R story line) but he was never quite as fast or explosive as he had been when battling Sawyer. They murdered each other every night and it was unlike any wrestling conflict I have ever seen. Sawyer is one of the best wrestlers I saw, he could do a great match with a huge man like Crusher Jerry Blackwell or a ring scientist like Arn Anderson. He had the best powerslam ever, better than the Steiners. To bad he ODed at the age of 32 and is completely forgotten by many modern fans. He would have done great in a promotion like ECW because he could look fantastic in any kind of match. It would have been great to see him get a popular as Mick Foley.

Updated: May 3, 2021 @ 6:41 pm

Trained By

Dick Steinborn,
Jerry Lawler,
Jerry Jarrett

Debut

1974 in Memphis

Birthday

July 26, 1956

Hometown

Hendersonville, Tennessee

Gender

Male

Height

6'3"

Weight

240 lbs

Finishing Move(s)

Lou thesz press

Favorite Move(s)

Elbow smash,
Piledriver,
Spinning Toe Hold,
Flying Fistdrop

Notable Feuds

Ivan Koloff,
Austin Idol,
Jerry Lawler,
Bill Dundee,
Harley Race,
Phil Hickerson,
Buzz Sawyer,
Eddie Gilbert,
PG-13,
The Gangstas,
Terry Funk,
Danny Inferno

Status

Living