72. Butch Reed

What would the legacy be if Butch Reed had not have no showed one night in Buffalo where he would have been scheduled to win the Intercontinental Title from Ricky Steamboat? It stands to reason that it might be greater than it is now, but it is not like Butch Reed did not have a solid wrestling career.

From the gridiron to the wrestling ring, the transition for Reed was a smooth one. Butch Reed first became a star for Bill Watts in the Mid South territory where his athleticism and charisma put him towards the top of the card as both a face and heel. Reed spent the bulk of his career as a “bad guy” which pardon the pun was more of a “natural” fit. His rough house style combined with a cocky attitude generally put him high up on the card and though he was not one of the first, he definitely help to break down the racial barriers in professional wrestling.

Should Butch Reed be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 75.2%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 12.8%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 7.3%

No opinion. - 0.9%

No way! - 3.7%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Bruce Reed (Real Name)
“Hacksaw” Butch Reed
“The Natural” Butch Reed
Doom #2
Billed From: U.S.A. (Kansas City, MO)
Key Championships Held: GWF North American Heavyweight
Mid South North American (2)
Mid South Tag Team w/Jim Neidhart
Mid South Television
NWA Central States Tag Team w/Jacques Rougeau
NWA/WCW World Tag Team w/Ron Simmons
USWA Unified Heavyweight
Why they will get in: His career was a solid one which included two good years for Vince.
Why they won't get in: The two years may not be enough.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Defeated the Junkyard Dog to win the Mid South Belt (7/16/83)
2. Lost a street fight to JYD at the Superdome (6/16/84)
3. Wrestled Ric Flair to a tone hour time limit draw (8/10/85)
4. Received his lone WWF World Heavyweight Title shot against Hulk Hogan in Hamilton, ON (12/29/87)
5. Won the NWA Tag Titles with Ron Simmons over the seemingly unbeatable Steiner Brothers (5/19/91)