Who is Jim Cornette? Part 1: Early Beginnings and The Midnight Express

With almost five decades of experience in the wrestling business, Jim Cornette is perhaps one of the most knowledgeable minds in professional wrestling today. His views on modern wrestling may be unfavorable at best. He has been branded as being ‘antagonistic’ towards contemporary pro wrestling , ‘a grumpy old man’ and even a ‘shock jock.’

However, it is safe to say that his views on professional wrestling still carry a lot of weight. Even the most ardent of his critics cannot deny his contributions to the industry and the fact that his views, deep-rooted in the ideals of ‘old-school’ wrestling, have been formed through over four decades of experience and are not baseless.

He is widely regarded as one of the most prolific managers in the history of pro wrestling, with his most notable clients being various tag teams he managed under the moniker of the legendary team – ‘The Midnight Express.’ He has also been credited (by WWE themselves) for playing a substantial role in the development of some of the most accomplished stars they have ever produced- the likes of John Cena, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar and Dave Bautista.

In the first article of this three-part series, we’ll be looking at Cornette’s early beginnings followed by his stint as the manager of The Midnight Express in Mid-South Wrestling, Jim Crockett Promotions/ World Championship Wrestling and National Wrestling Alliance.

Jim Cornette’s humble beginnings

Cornette began working at wrestling events at the age of 14, serving as a photographer, timekeeper, ring announcer and magazine correspondent. During this time, from attending matches at the Louisville Gardens, Cornette got to know promoter Christine Jarrett, who was the mother of Jerry Jarrett, promoter of the Continental Wrestling Association (commonly known as the “Memphis territory”).

In a few years’ time, he was also writing programs for arena shows. Eventually, he became a fairly well-known individual in the Memphis territory.

Jim Cornette in Mid-South Wrestling

He started his managerial career in Continental Wrestling Association, before rising to prominence as the young, brash, outspoken and annoying manager of the aforementioned ‘Midnight Express’ in Mid-South Wrestling. It was in this territory that Midnight Express would wrestle ‘The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express’ for the very first time.

Throughout the entirety of 1984, these two teams would feud with one another and were huge box office draws, setting attendance records in multiple arenas throughout the territory. In fact, 1984 proved to be the most successful year in Mid-South history. In general, this is considered to be one of the most successful periods and feuds in tag team wrestling history. The feud between the two Expresses spanned over ten years and was instrumental in changing the perception of tag team wrestling for the better.

Jim Cornette in Jim Crockett Promotions and WCW

After a short stint in World Class Championship Wrestling, Corny, along with Midnight Express, would sign with Jim Crockett Promotions (later, World Championship Wrestling). In JCP, Midnight Express reignited their long-running feud with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express as well as engaged in legendary feuds with the likes of The Road Warriors and The New Breed.

Due to the sudden departure of Dennis Condrey, the future of The Midnight Express seemed uncertain. This problem was quickly resolved. It is worth noting that during this time, Cornette also began working as a color commentator for Jim Crockett Promotions’ nationally syndicated NWA TV show and as a booker on the creative team. Due to friction and animosity between himself and WCW head Jim Herd, coupled with backstage politics rampant in JCP in general, Cornette would eventually leave WCW.

Nonetheless, facilitated by nationally syndicated television, Cornette and the team witnessed unprecedented success in JCP. During this time, Cornette also began working as a color commentator and a booker on the creative team. Cornette led each version of the team to the NWA World Tag Team Championships.

The Express and Cornette signed directly with National Wrestling Alliance. However, after a couple of years in NWA , conflicts over booking decisions, schedules and the creative direction of the team with then booker Ole Anderson led to Jim Cornette quitting NWA and the sudden dissolution of The Midnight Express.

Jim Cornette after The Midnight Express

In 1993, Cornette would briefly return to WCW under changed circumstances. As part of the talent trade deal between WCW and Cornette’s Smoky Mountain Wrestling, he started managing the Heavenly Bodies. But what was Smoky Mountain Wrestling?

In Part 2 of this series, we shall study Jim Cornette’s work through the 1990s and into the 2000s – as a manager, color commentator, booker and promoter. We’ll look at his work in SMW, WWF, OVW and TNA. What was Smoky Mountain Wrestling and how did it come about? What was Corny’s role in NWA’s invasion of WWF? How was Cornette instrumental in the development of the likes of John Cena, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar and Batista? You’ll find answers to all such questions in the next article.