Austin Idol
In mid-1986, Bigelow began wrestling for the Memphis, Tennessee-based Continental Wrestling Association under the ring name "Bam Bam Bigelow", with Sharpe acting as his manager. He was quickly established as a "monster", competing in multiple handicap matches and regularly being disqualified for illegally jumping off the top rope. Bigelow won his first championship on July 28, 1986, being crowned the new AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion after winning a battle royal. He lost the championship to Jerry Lawler on September 8, 1986 in a Texas Death Match. Following the loss, Bigelow departed the CWA for several months before returning to form a tag team with Lawler and began feuding with Austin Idol and Tommy Rich. Bigelow continued regularly appearing with the CWA until March 1987. He made brief returns to the CWA and its successor, the United States Wrestling Association, in 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1994.