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It was during the spring of 1973 that Bob Roop came in to Jim Crockett Promotions challenging all comers. It did not matter whether it was a wrestler or a member of the audience.It is the only time in my memory that JCP allowed a spectator to sign a release to be able to face one of the wrestlers in the ring. I remember one audience member in particular from the WBTV Charlotte audience who was actually larger than Bob Roop. That may have been Roop's quickest win. If I remember right,I believe initially the deal was anyone who could beat Bob Roop by pinfall or submission in 10 minutes would receive $1000. It was not long though that Bob Roop raised the stakes to $2000 silver dollars and a 20 minute time limit. Don Kernodle challenged Bob Roop on the Raleigh tv show.This resulted in Don turning pro. On July 25,1973 Johnny Weaver challenged Bob Roop at the Wednesday night tv taping in Charlotte.Johnny Weaver blocked Bob Roop's finisher which was the "Shoulder breaker".They wrestled to a draw.It was agreed that they would meet in a rematch on the next week's tv show. On Tuesday night July 31,1973 Bob Roop walked out of the ring at Raleigh's Dorton Arena and left his partner Thunderbolt Patterson to face the Royal Kangaroos.The following night,Aug.1,1973 was the Charlotte tv taping.Les Thatcher,who was Big Bill Ward's co-host at the time took Bob Roop's place against Johnny Weaver.They had a great match with Johnny Weaver winning. Bob Roop had left the area. JCP still had the silver dollars though as Johnny Valentine would later revive the "Silver Dollar Challenge".
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