The First Family

The First Family was the name of two professional wrestling stables led by Jimmy Hart at different periods in time. The original First Family appeared in the Memphis-based Continental Wrestling Association. This extensive version of the group feuded with Jerry Lawler in the 1970s and early '80s, a time particularly remembered for comedian Andy Kaufman's rivalry with Lawler.

World Championship Wrestling

Many years later, in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Hart managed another heel group known as the Dungeon of Doom. After its quiet demise in 1997, he resurrected the First Family concept the following year, bringing together several mid-card performers. This group featured entirely different wrestlers than the Memphis version of the '70s and included former Dungeon members.

They frequently appeared on WCW programs including Monday Nitro and primarily feuded with Fit Finlay. Hugh Morrus and Brian Knobbs often tagged together, defeating members of Revolution at 1999's Fall Brawl and making a losing effort in a 3-way Tag Team Championship contest at Halloween Havoc.

With Scorpions' "The Zoo" as their theme music, the group featured a variety of colorful wrestling personalities with unique ring styles: Jerry Flynn demonstrated martial arts strikes and submissions while Brian Knobbs utilized a rougher brawling style. According to Hart, however, the group disbanded due to injuries sustained by numerous members as well as new bookers hired by WCW. In the aftermath of The First Family, Knobbs and Hart pursued WCW's hardcore scene that was on the rise in late 1999.

WCW Members

• Jerry Flynn
• Hugh Morrus
• Barbarian
• Brian Knobbs

CWA Members

• Chick Donovan
• Kevin Sullivan
• Dennis Condrey
• Bobby Eaton
• Norvell Austin
• Koko Ware
• Iron Sheik
• Wayne Ferris
• King Kong Bundy
• Austin Idol
• Andy Kaufman
• Kendo Nagasaki
• Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart
• Rick Rude
• The Assassins (Roger Smith and Don Bass)
• Ox Baker
• "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert
• Randy Savage
• Lanny Poffo
• Kamala
• Plowboy Frazier
• Tommy Rich
• The New York Dolls (Rick McGraw and Troy Graham)
• Larry Latham
• Masao Ito

Managers

• Jimmy Hart (for both factions)

External links

• Jimmy Hart interview from Pro Wrestling Daily
• Wrestling World Stable Gallery (with photo of WCW's First Family)

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