Alfred Frederick Jones, known to the wrestling world as Paul Jones, was born June 28th, 1942 in Port Arthur, TX. He was the second oldest of seven children. Paul was a natural athlete, lettering in football, wrestling and track. "I really liked running track. It kept me in real good shape for football and wrestling."

As a boxer Jones participated in the Golden Gloves for over seven years. He was crowned Texas Heavyweight Golden Gloves champion two years in a row. Jones was supposed to go to the National Championships, but because of his responsibilities at home he was forced to pass on the chance. Little did he know at that time he was slated to face Danny Hodge, with whom he has been close friends for many years.

As great a boxer as Paul was, a pro career just didn't seem to be a logical choice, so he turned to his second love: wrestling. Paul’s first pro match took place in 1964 working for promoter Morris Siegel. He traveled all over Texas for six months. Jones said, "Back then it was four to a car, with one checking into a cheap motel and the other three sneaking up the back stairs. The money was real bad but I didn't care. I was chasing my dream." He had a stint for Roy Shire’s San Francisco promotion, then he was on to Don Owen’s group in Portland. Paul’s first title was the Pacific Northwest Heavyweight championship, which he won on June 18, 1965 from Stan Stasiak.

When the run on the West Coast ended, he returned to Texas. It was at this time he met the man who would become one of his closest friends, future 2-time NWA World Heavyweight champion Jack Brisco. As Brisco recalls, "I met Paul in Fort Worth when we both were working for Fritz Von Erich. Paul and I became great friends. A few years later, when I was in Florida working for Eddie Graham, I talked him into coming down here to work."

Jones remembers well that he was not too eager to make the move to Florida. "Jack kept calling, trying to talk me into going down to Tampa to work heel with him. I was happy in Charlotte and didn't want to go anywhere. By that time I was working near the top of the card and was real happy where I was." But the calls persisted. Jones said, "Jack told me Eddie Graham really wanted me and I finally went down to talk to him. I had never heeled before and had no idea even how to do a heel interview."

"I knew Paul would be a great heel just by the way he acted normally," laughed Brisco. Of course, Brisco was right. Paul was extremely successful under his new persona. “Number One” was one of the top heels, then one of the most popular babyfaces in Florida wrestling history, with extraordinary bouts against Tim Woods, Buddy Colt and even Jack Brisco. Paul stayed in Florida from 1972 to 1974.

Many wonderful things happened while he was in Florida, both personally and professionally. He met his wife and welcomed his son, Paul. "My family was the most important thing to me, so I settled in Charlotte, working for the Crockett family. I wanted to be able to spend time with my son and I was not going to drag my wife and boy all over the country. Other than a few trips to the Orient and Hawaii, North Carolina was home and still is"

Over the span of nearly thirty years in wrestling Paul wore many hats: wrestler, manager and promoter, just to name a few. He was equally successful as a good guy and a bad guy. Now he’s donning the hat of author, as Jones has been busily penning his autobiography with wrestling historian Barry Rose.

And for his accomplishments, the CAC is honoring him in 2004. "Being recognized by the Cauliflower Alley Club like this is a huge honor to me,” said Jones. “Back when I was struggling in Texas, just chasing my dream and not knowing if I would ever make it or not, I never expected to be honored by my peers like this. It’s a heck of a way to wrap up my career. This award means so much, but the fact that my brothers and son are going to be there to share it with me means more. My son Paul is the most important thing in my life. He twisted my arm into going to the CAC last year and I am real glad he did. It was great to see old friends that I hadn't seen in years."