William Boulware Jr., also famously known as Rocky King, was a highly acclaimed American professional wrestler and referee who left a lasting imprint on the world of wrestling. Notwithstanding the numerous challenges he faced, Boulware's remarkable story is a testament to his unwavering resilience and unrelenting determination.
Before embarking on his illustrious wrestling career, Boulware had to confront the harsh reality of homelessness, a journey that would ultimately shape his character and fortify his resolve. His odyssey began when he would frequently linger around wrestlers, attempting to secure a job, which eventually caught the attention of the renowned Jim Crockett Jr., who ultimately decided to hire him.
Rocky King, the professional wrestling moniker under which Boulware first stepped into the ring in 1985, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in the world of sports entertainment. His debut took place within the National Wrestling Alliance's Jim Crockett Promotions, a prominent wrestling organization based in North Carolina.
Initially, Boulware's career began with humble beginnings as a jobber, a role often reserved for novice wrestlers who served as a stepping stone for more experienced competitors. However, his natural aptitude and dedication to honing his skills soon became apparent, and he quickly gained recognition as a talented grappler.
As his abilities continued to evolve, Boulware was frequently entrusted with showcasing his impressive offense during matches, a testament to his growing reputation within the wrestling community. His matches often pitted him against the esteemed Four Horsemen, a renowned faction within the world of professional wrestling, offering him the opportunity to test his mettle against some of the best in the business.
Notable Events in the Life of a Renowned Wrestler:
After a brief sojourn in the sun-kissed state of Florida, the accomplished wrestler, King, made his way back to his native North Carolina, where he further honed his craft under the guidance of the esteemed Pez Whatley, a respected figure in the world of professional wrestling.
In the year 1987, King formed a formidable tag-team partnership with the accomplished George South, a collaboration that would prove to be a significant milestone in his illustrious wrestling career.
Throughout his illustrious career, King was associated with several notable entities and rivalries, including his loose affiliation with the charismatic Dudes With Attitudes in the early 1990s, a period marked by a heated feud with the legendary Four Horsemen, a storied stable of wrestlers known for their unparalleled skill and tenacity in the ring.
In the latter part of 1990, a significant event transpired in the world of professional wrestling, as Jim Crockett Promotions underwent a transformation, being purchased and subsequently renamed World Championship Wrestling. This pivotal change had a profound impact on the career of a notable figure, as King, a wrestler of considerable renown, underwent a dramatic makeover, adopting the persona of Little Richard Marley, manager extraordinaire of the illustrious Fabulous Freebirds.
As Little Richard Marley, King played a pivotal role in the storied feud between the Fabulous Freebirds and their arch-rivals, the Southern Boys. His involvement in this epic conflict was a testament to his enduring influence and significance within the wrestling world. However, a moment of misfortune at Starrcade in 1990 would ultimately prove to be a turning point in King's tenure as the Freebirds' manager.
A critical mistake at Starrcade inadvertently cost the Freebirds their match against the formidable duo of Tommy Rich and Ricky Morton. The consequences of this mishap were far-reaching, as the Freebirds, in a shocking turn of events, turned against King, abandoning him and leaving him to pick up the pieces of his shattered career.
In the aftermath of this betrayal, King was forced to return to the wrestling ring, abandoning his Little Richard Marley persona and reclaiming his original ring name. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, as he endeavored to rebuild and rediscover his footing in the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling.
As the curtain closed on his illustrious refereeing career in 1998, King transitioned into a new and exciting chapter, lending his expertise as a referee for World Championship Wrestling. This marked the beginning of a fresh journey, as in 1999, he courageously embarked on a new venture, founding BWA Professional Wrestling, a family-oriented promotion that ran shows for churches, non-profit organizations, and private events on the east coast. King's entrepreneurial spirit knew no bounds, as he also established Boulware Enterprises, Inc., the umbrella organization responsible for overseeing the operations of the BWA, solidifying his position as a visionary leader in the world of professional wrestling.
Notable entrepreneur and wrestling promoter, King, further expanded his professional endeavors by forging a collaborative partnership with esteemed automotive executive, Bill Heard III, founder of Bill Heard Chevrolet, to establish Kids Nite Out, a pioneering initiative designed to encourage youngsters to spend their free time in a safe and wholesome environment, thereby diverting them from potentially hazardous street activities.
Furthermore, King joined forces with Frank Aldridge, the visionary founder of World Wrestling Alliance 4 (WWA4),to present hundreds of electrifying wrestling events annually, showcasing his commitment to the sport and his ability to successfully merge business and entertainment ventures.
