How A Legendary Ref Turned Heel, Survived Hogan–Sting Chaos, And Built A Hungry Roster In Atlanta

Ever wonder why crowds once believed with their whole hearts? We sit down with legendary referee and promoter Nick Patrick to trace the line from real-deal kayfabe to today’s indie surge in Atlanta—and we don’t dodge the messy parts. From growing up with The Assassin, Jody Hamilton, to flushing blades as a kid and learning the code that kept heels and babyfaces apart, Nick maps how presentation shaped passion and why belief is a choice a promotion must earn every night.

We unpack the Starrcade storm around Hogan vs Sting from the person counting the fall. Nick walks through conflicting instructions, a missing all-hands huddle, and the trust gap that turned a dream finish into a debate that still rages. Then the conversation shifts to craft: why calling it in the ring beats memorized marathons, how announcers should react to what unfolds, and how a ref can get real heat by playing the guy everyone thinks they can whip—until his friends show up.

The story lands in Atlanta with Deep South Wrestling. Nick breaks down a smart local model: outdoor brewery shows along the BeltLine that hook walk-up fans, a family-friendly tone with room for edge, and a card built for variety—technical, high-flying, comedy, and grit in the right spots. It’s not two hours of the same match; it’s a show that changes gears like a great main event. We share a moving moment when a fan took his graduation walk in the ring, then pivot back to business with dates, a new indoor home at Monday Night Garage, and monthly livestreams on the horizon. The takeaway is simple and powerful: make moments, not checklists. Teach young pros to work the people, not just the moves. That’s how you make wrestling feel real again.

If this conversation hits your wrestling brain, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves WCW history or indie gems, and leave a review so more fans can find it. Then come see Deep South Wrestling in Atlanta and tell us what moment stole your night.

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