In NWA Mid-America and its descendant, the Continental Wrestling Association Russell's primary announcing partner was Dave Brown.

[4] In addition to calling matches, Russell worked as a programming director, analyzing demographics to better understand his audience.

[8] Russell did his best to sell angles, show his disdain for heels’ reprehensible deeds, and wrest good promos from wrestlers with limited skills on the microphone.

He called the "Tupelo Concession Stand Brawl" between The Blonde Bombers (Wayne Farris and Larry Latham) and Jerry Lawler and Bill Dundee.

[12] Russell, who also served as an executive for the TV station’s owner was shocked and justifiably concerned about what had just taken place.

[13] An episode from 1981 found Russell being physically attacked by the Dream Machine and footage of the angle was included in the 2011 documentary Memphis Heat.

[11] He was also involved in angles where Jimmy Hart dumped flour on his head and was physically attacked by The Road Warriors.

[3] He also called the match where Jerry Lawler won the AWA World Heavyweight Championship from Curt Hennig.

The proliferation of VCRs in the 1980s expanded the practice of tape trading, allowing wrestling fans to watch from all over the country.

[11] Steve Bowden, a professional wrestling manager, said of Russell, "In my heart, he's the announcer equivalent of [former world champ] Lou Thesz.

"[3] Jim Ross included Russell in his top 10 list of favorite wrestling announcers and commentators, calling him a "class act" and "southern legend".

[19] Russell appears in the 1999 Kaufman biographical film Man on the Moon as the Memphis ring announcer.

[20] Russell's original commentary of the Lawler/Kaufman match can be found on the WWE Home Video DVD release Greatest Wrestling Stars of the '80s, as part of the profile of Lawler.