On August 11, 1981, Cook was placed in a match as a substitute for Jack Brisco.

He defeated Dory Funk, Jr. to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship.

[3] After regaining the belt, he later lost the title to The Spoiler.

[4] The following year, he held the WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Championship but dropped it to Abdullah the Butcher.

[5] Cook was voted second runner up for Pro Wrestling Illustrated''s Most Improved Wrestler of the Year award in 1981.