Captain Kremmen

AWA ALL-STAR WRESTLING SYNDICATED TAPING RESULTS - SPRINGFIELD, IL - PRARIE CAPITAL CONVENTION CENTER In-Studio Host: Larry Nelson Match Commentator: Lee Marshall Color Commentator: Lord James Blears 4th Taping Re-cap In-Studio - Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program: TV MAIN EVENT (Battle of two long-time rivals): Larry Zbysko vs. Greg Gagne Disputed AWA World Champion Jerry Lawler makes an appearance Wayne Bloom of the tag champs the Destruction Crew wrestles a rare single's match A look back at Col. DeBeers' upset loss to Tommy Jammer last week and comments from DeBeers Sam Houston wrestles A look back at the end of last week's Women's Battle Royal and comments from the winner Queen Kong Paul Diamond of Badd Co. sees action More on the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championhip Tournament And more! Nelson sent it to the arena in Springfield, IL. Ken Patera won a squash match over Robert Conrad via submission with the swinging full nelson POST-MATCH INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHT: Larry Nelson: Ken, the situation with Larry Zbysko rages on. Patera: That's right. The bad blood between us continues to boil scalding hot! Promotions all over the country want to have a match between me and Zbysko in their town! Fans are clamoring to see us fight! And that's what it's going to be...a fight! If you're coming to see Patera vs. Zbysko exchange holds ala Lou Thesz or Strangler Lewis then you're coming to the wrong wrestling event! When we clash it will be violence for the sake of violence! Zbysko put me on the shelf for months! It felt like an eternity! I couldn't think of anything else except paying him back for what he did! Like a lot of guys in this business I've got a family! Zbysko tried to take away my ability to earn a living and take care of them! When I'm out there pummeling Zbysko in the ring, it won't only be for me...it will also be for my wife and kids! He tried to destroy me, Nelson! Tried to send me to a forced early retirement! I won't forgive that and I can't forgive that! Forgiveness in a case like this only comes when the man who tried to end your career is left a broken, battered man inside the squared circle! Zbysko! The hour is near! The clock is gonna strike 12 and it's game over for you! Pic aired of Queen Kong with the caption: NEXT... THE QUEEN OF MEAN! Commercials In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd video of the end of last week's Women's Battle Royal with an AWA Women's Title shot on the line followed by comments from Queen Kong. VIDEO: Finish saw Kong eliminate Brandi Mae and Coal Miner's Daughter WINNER: Queen Kong - 7:47 As Kong was having her hand raised in victory, ring announcer Larry Nelson climbed up on the ring apron. Nelson looked away and Kong came over and grabbed Nelson by the throat with both hands and pulled Nelson over the top rope into the ring. Richter got up, snatched her title off the desk as Kong was bending down to snatch the downed and stunned Nelson. Richter quickly climbed into the ring. Richter grabbed Kong by the shoulder and spun Kong around. Richter yelled at Kong as Kong just glared at the champ. As Richter turned her attention Nelson, Kong smashed Richter hard across the back. Richter dropped the belt. Kong whipped the stunned Richter into the ropes and steamrolled Richter coming off. Richter crashed to the mat and was barely moving. Kong snatched up the Women's strap, walked over and put her fat foot on Richter's chest and defiantly held the belt high in the air with her left hand for all to see while letting out a loud, gutteral yell to crowd boos as the program went off the air. Video then flipped to Queen Kong. Kong was in her ring attire with mic in hand standing in front of the AWA logo. Kong: Wendi Richter! How are are feelin' right now, hon?! Hahahahaha! I bet you're in quite a bit of pain after I steamrolled you! And you're gonna feel more pain when I beat you and take that Women's World Title from you! This will be my crowning achievement! And when that title is mine, who out there can beat me?! I tower over you all! I am bigger than all the other women wrestlers here! And I have a demand! AWA management needs to listen! When I win the title, I want a belt made especially for me! Do you hear me! I want a belt that represents me! That puny thing Richter hauls around is not worthy of me! The belt will need to be grand! It will need to be fit for a queen! And that queen is Queen Kong! Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh! END VIDEO Nelson talked about the the future match-up between Richter and Kong for the title. Said the tale of the tape heavily favors Kong and Richter is gonna have to get real creative to put Kong down for the three count. Nelson also mentioned that last week he thought Kong was going to crush him and he was scared to death. Pic aired of Paul Diamond with the caption: NEXT... A ROUGH DIAMOND! Commercials/Market-Specific promos for upcoming house shows/Generic promos for non-house show cities Paul Diamond (w/ Mgr. DDP) won a squash over Gary Busey via pinfall with a sitout suplex slam POST-MATCH INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHT: Nelson: Dallas Page, this situation with and your team is really escalating. When you do you think these mind games will end? DDP: I don't know, Nelson! But it better end soon! I'm getting tired of this stuff! The person who is behind all this needs to reveal themselves soon! And it will be much better for them to show themselves rather than making us find them! Nelson: What do you mean? DDP: I mean that we'll go easy on them if they just show up and admit their crimes against us! If we have to find them...let's just say they'll be getting some rough justice courtesy of Dallas Page and Badd Company! Nelson: Do you think whoever is behind all this will stand in between you and your shot at the AWA Tag Team Titles? DDP: No one, not even the Man Upstairs, can stand between us and those belts! It's like manifest destiny in 1989! Those belts were made to be ours! We're gonna fulfill our destiny and we're gonna find the creep who is behind this who thinks it's cute to mess with us and put an end to the games once and for all! In-Studio: Nelson discussed the DDP/Badd Co. matter and wondered when things would finally be resolved. Nelson then intro'd pre-recorded comments from Larry Zbysko as he gets ready for his TV main against rival Greg Gagne. VIDEO: Zbysko was in street clothes with mic in hand and standing in front of the AWA logo. Zbysko: Greg Gagne. Zbysko chuckled and shook his head. Zbysko: Tonight, one of the longest rivalries in modern wrestling is re-ignited one more time. All the bitter battles between us. All the bloodshed. Who expects anything to be different now? I sure don't. And I won't let things be any different because Greg, quite frankly, I don't like you. Not one bit. My opinion of you has never changed! You're Verne Gagne's son! Verne Gagne: legendary wrestler and promoter! You get special treatment because of it! And mark my words, oh great promoter's boy, you're gonna get special treatment tonight from yours truly! And you're not gonna like it! The fuse has been lit between us once again! And you can bet there's gonna be an explosion between us! END VIDEO Pic aired of the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship with the caption: NEXT... NEW TITLE UPDATE! Commercials In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd video comments from Verne Gagne about the AWA Heritage Championship Tournament. VIDEO: Verne was in street clothes with mic in hand. Next to him was the new championship belt sitting up on a table. Verne: Hello, wrestling fans. This is Verne Gagne. Take a look at that great looking belt. One man is going to proudly wear this belt around his waist very soon. We are very close to revealing where the 16-man tournament to decide the first-ever Pro Wrestling Heritage Champion will be held. The city we are close to choosing will show that the AWA is truly a cutting-edge promotion. I am excited about this tournament and the future of the AWA. This belt represents the great history of our sport. Think of all the great wrestlers that you can. The Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship will be representative of them all. This is a belt to be worn by real wrestlers. Men who take pride in this sport. Men who are serious about their craft. I can already guarantee you that Mr. T will never wear this title. The wrestler who holds the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship will be someone the fans can really be proud of. Promoters from all over the world are contacting us about sending a man to be in this tournament. We only have room for 16 wrestlers, so we'll have to choose wisely who we let into this prestigious event. The big day is coming soon. I'm excited and I know you will be, too, as we get set to crown the first Pro Wrestling Heritage Champion. END VIDEO Nelson then intro'd pre-recorded comments from Greg Gagne about his match with Larry Zbysko. VIDEO: Gagne was in street clothes with mic in hand standing in front of the AWA logo. Greg: Some rivalries just don't have an expiration date. No matter where we are in our careers, Larry Zbysko and I will always have heat with one another. And the feud resumes tonight when we wrestle each other in the main event. Larry and I will never be the president's of each other's fan club. There's no love lost between us. And when we step through those ropes tonight we will both be looking to beat each other. One of us may have to get really creative to win here because that's how well we know each other. We can read each other like an old, worn book. We often know what the other is gonna do before they even do it. But it's gonna be a battle when the bell rings, mark my words. You fans out there, prepare for a knock-down, drag out battle because that's what is coming. END VIDEO Pic aired of Sam Houston with caption: NEXT... BULLDOG TIME! Commercials Sam Houston won a squash match over Ralphie Parker via pinfall with his bulldog finisher Match note: The announcers pointed out that Houston was undefeated since arriving in the AWA. In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd video of the end of the Col. DeBeers-Tommy Jammer match from last week and post-match comments from Col. DeBeers. VIDEO: DeBeers whipped Jammer into the ropes and caught him coming off with the kitchen sink. Jammer down and in a bad way. Crowd popped as Tom Zenk, still wearing his facemask, made his way down to ringside. DeBeers didn't see him. DeBeers hoisted Jammer up for a suplex and the ref looked up. Zenk reached into the ring and pulled DeBeers' foot out from under him. DeBeers lost his footing and fell to the mat with Jammer on top of him for the cover. 1...2...thr... DeBeers got his foot on the bottom rope to break the pin try. Crowd groaned. DeBeers got up and looked down at Zenk and the two started exchanging words. While that was going on, Jammer was recovering in the ring. After the verbal exchange between Zenk and DeBeers, Jammer had gotten to his feet behind the Colonel. DeBeers turned and Jammer stunned DeBeers by rolling him up in a small package for the pin. 1...2...3! Crowd popped as the ref called for the bell. A seething DeBeers to his feet in the ring. Jammer to his feet and the ref raised Jammer's hand in victory to the delight of the crowd. Video then flipped to DeBeers. DeBeers was in his ring attire with mic in hand standing in the locker room. DeBeers: So, Tom Zenk, you think you really made a statement out there, huh? I would agree, you made one helluva statement. But it's not the type of statement you wanted. You see, the statement you made, Zenk, only escalates the situation between us. I was dominating Tommy Jammer! I had him on the brink of defeat! And you came along and cost me the match! I didn't think the stakes could get any higher between us! No! But they're higher now than either one of us could've ever dreamed! This feud will only end when one of us can no longer continue to wrestle! There will be no mercy! There will be no mercy because, Tom Zenk, you aren't worthy of mercy! The hatred running through my veins for you right now will only be quelled by ending you! The Tom Zenk Story will die at the hands of a South African mercenary named Col. DeBeers! END VIDEO Pic aired of Jerry Lawler with the disputed AWA World Title around his waist with the caption: COMING UP... MR. CONTROVERSY! Commercials/Market-Specific promos for upcoming house shows/Generic promos for non-house show cities AWA World Tag Team Champion Wayne Bloom (w/ Mike Enos) won a squash match over Michael Palin via pinfall with a powerslam Announcers briefly discussed the Lawler-Sarge situation and then sent it back to the ring. In-ring: Larry Nelson. Nelson: Would you please welcome my guest at this time. He is the disputed AWA World Champion...Jerry 'The King' Lawler! Crowd booed as Lawler made his way down the heel entrance aisle in his ring attire with his belt around his waist and holding his crown. Lawler stepped into the ring and walked around for a moment and briefly soaked in mainly boos but also some cheers. Lawler: Before this interview starts, Larry Nelson, I find it interesting that you called me the 'disputed' AWA World Champion. I beat Curt Hennig for this title in May of last year in Memphis and I have never lost it! So, how am I the 'disputed' AWA Champion and you guys treat Slaughter like he's the 'undisputed' World Champion?! Nelson: Well, uh... Lawler: You don't have an answer! And you know why you don't have an answer?! Because I am the true undisputed champion! If either of us is the disputed champion it's Sgt. Slaugther! Nelson: Well, you do make a pretty good point, King. ' And the big news for these fans is that the clash between the two of you to decide, once and for all, who the undisputed AWA World Champion is is about to go down. Lawler: See this crown, Nelson? Nelson nodded. Nelson: Yes. Lawler: A crown means you rule. And in wrestling, being the World Champion means you rule! This crowd is a symbol of who I am! I am the ruler! I am the royalty of the AWA because I won the AWA World Title and have never relinquished it! And fans will finally get to see me prove that Slaughter's claim to the AWA throne is bogus! His title belt is a forgery! Sarge is a fraud pretending to be something he's not! He's an emperor who has no clothes! He likes to walk around like he's wearing the true belt and have the people fawn all over him even though they know he's a con! This belt around my waist is the real one! It is the one that says that I am the true heir to the the throne! And when we step in that ring with each other...no matter where it is...I will expose Sarge for the poser that he is! Real always trumps fake! Most in the crowd booed. Nelson: I can't believe you just called Sgt. Slaughter a fake World Champion! Lawler: If the DI's hat fits, Nelson! If the DI's hat fits! Nelson shook his head in disbelief. Nelson: That was Jerry 'The King' Lawler! The match to decide the undisputed AWA World Champion is coming up soon! Pic aired of the AWA logo with the caption: NEXT... RIVALRY RENEWED! Commercials TV MAIN EVENT (RIVALRY MATCH): Larry Zbysko vs. Greg Gagne Gagne came out to a fair amount of cheers and Zbysko came out to mainly boos. Gagne turned and faced the crowd and removed his ring jacket like every dumb-ass face in the history of the business and Zbysko moved in and jumped Gagne from behind. Ref called for the bell. Zbysko pounded away on Gagne and whipped Gagne into the ropes and looked to catch Greg coming off with a backdrop but Greg dropped to a knee and blasted Zbysko with an uppercut to the chin. Zbysko stunned. Greg moved in and caught Zbysko with punches, whipped Zbysko into the ropes and caught Zbysko coming off with a high backdrop. Zbysko crashed to the mat, got to his feet and Greg popped Zbysko with a flying dropkick that sent Zbysko hurtling head over heels over the top rope and crashing to the floor. Greg briefly played to the mostly cheering throng. Ref ordered Greg to stand back as Zbysko slowly made it to his feet next to the apron. 10-count grew and Zbysko cautiously made his way back up on the apron. Greg went to move on Zbysko but the ref intercepted Greg and ordered Greg back. Count broken. Ref re-started the count. Zbysko stood on the apron for a few more seconds and then started to cautiously step back into the ring. Zbysko got a leg in the ring and Greg started to move on him and Zbysko bailed out back to the safety of the ring apron. Ref tried to keep them separate but Greg went to grab Zbysko but Zbysko ducked and instead stunned Greg with a neck snap across the top rope. Greg standing but holding his throat in the ring. Zbysko on the floor. Zbysko reached back into the ring, grabbed Greg's ankles (man, that sounds latently homoerotic) and pulled Greg's feet out from under him. Greg crashed to the mat. Zbysko pulled Greg out of the ring down to the floor, grabbed Greg by the back of the head and charged over and slammed Greg's head into the ring post. Greg went down on the floor. Ref counting. Zbysko climbed back into the ring and broke the count and was reprimanded by the ref. Greg made it to his feet next to the apron and was now bleeding. Zbyskjo went over and stomped Greg in the head. Greg stunned. Zbysko repeated the head stomp and Greg went down to a knee on the floor. Ref ordered Zbysko back. Zbysko had words with the the ref. Ref started the 10-count and Greg climbed back up on the apron. Zbysko broke the count and went over and caught Greg with a couple of well placed punches. Zbysko pulled Greg back into the ring through the top and middle rope and rammed Greg's head a couple of times into one of those AWA turnbuckle pads that looked like they had been designed by Mike Lindell. Greg stunned and staggered out of the corner next to the ropes. Zbysko nailed Greg with a couple of well-placed forearms to the upper back. Zbysko whipped Greg into the ropes and caught Greg coming off with a spin kick to the chest. Greg crashed to the mat. Zbysko for the cover. 1...2... Greg kicked out. Zbysko up and grabbed Greg by the mane and dragged Greg's bloody face across the mat. Zbysko broke the illegal move at the count of 4. Greg in a bad way. Ref checked on Greg, who was still face down on the mat and in serious pain. Zbysko turned in the ring and had brief words with a heckler at ringside. Greg to his knees and now even bloodier. Zbysko moved in and kicked Greg in the side of the ribs. Zbysko snapped Greg up and went to whip Greg into the ropes but Greg reversed and caught Zbysko coming off with a dropkick. Zbysko crashed to the mat. Zbysko up and Greg caught Zbysko with a second dropkick and Zbysko went down again. Zbysko up and Greg jumped on Zbysko driving Zbysko into the corner. Greg got in some body shots and then mounted the middle buckle over Zbysko and fired away with head shots on the former AWA World Champeen as the crowd counted along. Greg dropped back to the mat and whipped the stunned Zbysko into the opposite buckles. Greg charged over and went to the well once too often and looked to blast Zbysko with another dropkick but Zbysko fell out of the way and Greg caught nothing but air and some turnbuckle as he crashed to the mat. Zbysko up, stomped on Greg, snapped Greg up, bodyslammed Greg and went for an elbow smash but Greg rolled out of the way and Zbysko crashed to the mat. Both men up and the men moved in on one another and Zbysko went to kick Greg but Greg caught Zbysko's foot. Zbysko tried to beg off but Greg caught Zbysko with a series of punches to the jaw. Greg let go of Zbysko's leg. Zbysko stumbled back and Greg caught Zbysko with a kick to the gut and whipped Zbysko into the ropes and looked to catch Zbysko coming off with a high backdrop but Zbysko caught Greg in a front facelock and nailed him with a swinging neckbreaker. Greg down holding the back of his neck. Zbysko up and stomped Greg, snapped Greg up and choked Greg on the top rope. Ref counting. Zbysko broke the illegal move at the count of 4 and then repeated it, breaking again at the count at 4. Greg staggered away from the ropes and dropped to his knees holding his throat in the ring. Zbysko kicked Greg in the back. Greg now down on the mat and in a bad way. Zbysko backed off and yelled for Greg to get to his feet. Zbysko mocking Greg saying: Get up, Verne's boy! Greg slowly made it to his feet. Zbysko moved in and and caught Greg with a gut punch that doubled Greg over. Zbysko then went to hoist Greg up for the piledriver. Marshall: If Zbysko hits this piledriver, with what Zbysko has already done to Greg's neck in the match, it could end up really bad for Greg. Zbysko tried to hoist Greg up but Greg twice blocked the move and backdropped Zbysko to the mat. Greg down to his knees and holding the back of his neck. Both men to their feet and Zbysko punched Greg and caught Greg with forearm blows to the upper back and neck area. Zbysko went to whip Greg into the ropes but Greg reversed and caught Zbysko coming off with an inverted atomic drop. Zbysko crashed to the mat and grabbed the jewels as most of the crowd cheered. Greg painfully moved in and grabbed Zbysko by the legs. Greg catapulted Zbysko into the corner. Zbysko's head slammed into the top steel bolt that connects the ring post to the turnbuckle. Zbysko bounced back and crashed to the mat. Greg quickly shook out the effects of the match. Greg moved in as Zbysko got to his knees. Zbysko had joined the crimson mask club. Greg pulled Zbysko up by the hair, held Zbysko by the hair and popped Zbysko with a series of deliberate head shots. Zbysko stunned. Crowd into the match. Greg bodyslammed Zbysko and then Greg went out on the apron and mounted the top buckle and came off with a diving knee to the chest that connected. Greg for the cover. 1...2...thr... Zbysko kicked out. Crowd groaned. Greg and Zbysko both feeling the effects of the match. Greg snapped up Zbysko and went to suplex Zbysko but Zbysko twice blocked the move, caught Greg with a couple of punches to the side of the ribs and went to suplex Greg. As Zbysko got Greg up in the air, Greg wriggled free of Zbysko's grasp, dropped down behind Zbysko and locked Zbsyko in the Gagne sleeper . Crowd now really into it. Zbysko struggling to free himself from Greg's grasp. After being in the hold for several seconds, Zbysko was able to lunge towards the ropes and fell through the top and middle rope still locked in the sleeper. The two men crashed to the concrete floor and Greg lost his grip on the hold. Ref started the 10-count. Both men down. Both men stirred on the floor and made it to their feet as the count grew. Zbysko caught Greg with a shot to the ribs and slammed Greg's head into the ring apron. Zbysko then grabbed Greg in a side headlock and went to ram the top of Greg's head into the ring post but Greg shoved Zbysko off and Zbysko's head slammed into the post and Zbysko staggered away. Count hit 10 and the ref called for the bell. Greg came up from behind and nailed Zbysko with a forearm to the back. Zbysko stumbled forward and started to make his way back up the heel entrance aisle. Greg followed and jumped on Zbysko and started striking Zbysko. Zbysko fought back and the two men were brawling in the aisle. Fans cheering louder than at most things AWA in recent years. AWA officials and refs came out to break up the warring factions. Marshall: I think the Larry Zbysko-Greg Gagne feud has just been reignited with a vengeance! Blears: Think you're right, Lee! DECISION: Double Count Out - 12:42 END PROGRAM DARK MATCHES AWA World Title Match: Sgt. Slaughter (WC) vs. Jonnie Stewart WINNER: Slaughter - Pinfall - Slaughter Cannon - 15:27 AWA World Tag Team Title Match: Destruction Crew (WTTC) vs. Brad Rheingans & Ken Patera (former champs) WINNER: Destruction Crew - Pinfall - Bloom pinned Rheingans after a spike piledriver - 18:03 ATTENDANCE: 1,277 (OUCH!) (NOTE: Final storyline post until late December or early January. Will still be posting Classic Wrestling Video of the Week.)

Rookie RW: Rise of a Star by Old School Fan: http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=551985 Touches on a time period rarely, if ever, done in here. IMO, the most unique diary/BTB going right now. When's Fred gonna start to sharpen his teeth?!

CLASSIC WRESTLING VIDEO OF THE WEEK! BREAK OUT THE BETAMAX!!! From 1979, Bob Backlund defends the WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWF World Title against Greg Valentine. Well worked, realistic style match. Crowd pops big time when Backlund puts The Hammer in his own finisher, the figure 4 leglock: ENJOY!

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Theheel" data-cite="Theheel" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="52672" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Hope you have a good Thanksgiving as well</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thanks Heel. Hope it was a good day for you, too.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Old School Fan" data-cite="Old School Fan" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="52672" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Hope you got to enjoy turkey dinner and the Lions game with the family. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Had some turkey and saw the end of the Lions' game. If you're a fan of theirs you have my sympathy.<img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> My team beat the Cowboys in the afternoon game. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

Happy Thanksgiving to all my reader!

You owe me a rights fee for showing classic clips!

CLASSIC WRESTLING VIDEO OF THE WEEK! From 1983, it's Thanksgiving Night Wrestling Star Wars from your friends at World Class Championship Wrestling. ENJOY! To see a classic old school reaction from the fans and the Super Destroyers as the SDs make their way to the back after their mgr. Skandar Akbar torched (poorly) Iceman Parsons, click here: ?t=4064

<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-size:18px;">AWA WRESTLING ON ESPN - SHOWBOAT SPORTS PAVILION - LAS VEGAS, NV (JULY 1989)</span></span></span></strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="font-size:14px;">(4th Taping Re-cap)</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>Match Commentator:</strong></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Lee Marshall</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>Color Commentator:</strong></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Lord James Blears</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>In-Ring Interviewer:</strong></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Larry Nelson</span></p><p> </p><p> Show Intro: </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/XV5YFK7k7t0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="AWA on ESPN Intro Circa 1988"></iframe></div></div><p> </p><p> <strong>In-Studio</strong> - Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program:</p><p> </p><p> <strong>TV MAIN EVENT:</strong> Brad Rheingans, Greg Gagne & Jake Milliman vs. Badd Company & Jonnie Stewart (w/ DDP)</p><p> </p><p> World Champion Sgt. Slaughter makes an appearance </p><p> </p><p> Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey has a major announcement</p><p> </p><p> Ken Patera battles Col. DeBeers</p><p> </p><p> An interview with Baron Von Raschke. Is he ready to call it a career?</p><p> </p><p> Manny Fernandez wrestles</p><p> </p><p> An update on the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament</p><p> </p><p> And more!</p><p> </p><p> Nelson then sent it to the Showboat Sports Pavilion in Las Vegas:</p><p> </p><p> Akio Sato won a squash over William Frawley via pinfall with his belly-to-back suplex into a bridgeout finisher</p><p> </p><p> <strong>In-Studio:</strong> Larry Nelson intro'd video comments from Verne Gagne about the AWA Heritage Championship Tournament.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>VIDEO:</strong></p><p> </p><p> Verne was in street clothes with mic in hand. Next to him was the new championship belt sitting up on a table.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Verne:</strong></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"> Hello, wrestling fans. This is Verne Gagne.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> Take a look at that great looking belt. One man is going to proudly wear this belt around his waist very soon.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> We are very close to revealing where the 16-man tournament to decide the first-ever Pro Wrestling Heritage Champion will be held.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> The city we are close to choosing will show that the AWA is truly a cutting-edge promotion.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> I am excited about this tournament and the future of the AWA.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> This belt represents the great history of our sport.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> Think of all the great wrestlers that you can.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> The Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship will be representative of them all.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> This is a belt to be worn by real wrestlers. Men who take pride in this sport. Men who are serious about their craft.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> I can already guarantee you that Mr. T will never wear this title.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> The wrestler who holds the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship will be someone the fans can really be proud of.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> Promoters from all over the world are contacting us about sending a man to be in this tournament.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> We only have room for 16 wrestlers, so we'll have to choose wisely who we let into this prestigious event.</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> The big day is coming soon. I'm excited and I know you will be, too, as we get set to crown the first Pro Wrestling Heritage Champion.</span></p><p> </p><p> <strong>END VIDEO</strong></p><p> </p><p> Pic aired of Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey with the caption: <strong>NEXT... THE SHEIK SPEAKS!</strong></p><p> </p><p> Commercials</p><p> </p><p> <strong>In-Studio:</strong> Larry Nelson intro'd pre-recorded comments from Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey</p><p> </p><p> <strong>VIDEO:</strong></p><p> </p><p> Kaissey was in his Arab garb and standing in front of a large white screen that was backlit and the screen showed the silhouette of a large man.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Kaissey:</span></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> You see what's behind this screen?!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> This is the man who is coming and will shake the AWA to its very foundation!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> The party is over for all the other wrestlers!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> This behemoth is going to upend everything as you know it!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> He is a one man wrecking crew! He is a destroyer!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> And he's going to take the AWA apart one wrestler at a time!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> I knew when I first saw him that he was unique; he was a monster to be feared! And he will be feared!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Soon, I am going to reveal this man to the world!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> And his first target in the AWA...I've made no secret of it...is gonna be Jerry Blackwell!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> He will dispatch everyone who stands in his way! You will regret signing a contract to wrestle him! He doesn't just beat other wrestlers! He smashes them! </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Blackwell is going to be victim number one! </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> And then there will be many more, until finally the AWA will have to give him a World Title match!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> And when he becomes the World Champion, get ready for a long reign! He will be the unstoppable force! He is indestructible! </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> But, first things first!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> It all begins with taking down the 'Mountain from Stone Mountain' Jerry Blackwell!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Once Blackwell is taken care of, the other wrestlers in the AWA will be demolished and cast by the wayside!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> I promised you he was coming and he's on his way!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Two weeks and he arrives and changes the AWA forever!</span></p><p> </p><p> <strong>END VIDEO</strong></p><p> </p><p> Nelson talked about the new wrestler (or is it 'sports entertainer'?) Kaissey was about to reveal that Kaissey says will completely overhaul the AWA.</p><p> </p><p> Nelson hyped the reveal in two weeks on AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN.</p><p> </p><p> AWA Top 5 Contenders list aired overlaid on the a pic of the AWA World Title.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>WORLD CHAMPION:</strong> Sgt. Slaughter </p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;">1 - Jerry Lawler (Disputed AWA World Champion)</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> 2 - Larry Zbysko</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> 3 - Col. DeBeers</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> 4 - Ken Patera</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> 5 - Sam Houston</span></p><p> </p><p> Commercials</p><p> </p><p> <strong>IT'S THE AWA ON TOUR! We'll be at the high school/community center/county fair/used car dealership parking lot/church fellowship hall in (insert town here). THE AWA IS THE MAJOR LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!</strong></p><p> </p><p> Ken Patera vs. Col. DeBeers</p><p> </p><p> What started out as a match between two solid wrestlers dissolved into a slugfest that spilled out of the ring to the floor. The ref's count hit 10 and the ref called for the bell.</p><p> </p><p> The two continued to brawl at ringside a little longer before Ken Patera got the upper hand on DeBeers. Ref called for the bell once more in an attempt to restore order.</p><p> </p><p> The stunned DeBeers quickly grabbed one of the empty chairs inside the ringside barricade and threw it at Patera. Patera deflected the chair but it gave DeBeers time to find his way back into the heel entrance aisle. Patera started to move in DeBeers' direction but the ref dropped to the floor and kept Patera at bay. </p><p> </p><p> <strong>DECISION:</strong> Double Count - 6:19</p><p> </p><p> Pic aired of Baron Von Raschke with the caption: <strong>NEXT... NO MORE IRON CLAW???</strong></p><p> </p><p> Commercials</p><p> </p><p> <strong>VIDEO:</strong> </p><p> </p><p> Larry Nelson was sitting outside with Baron Von Raschke. Both were in street clothes.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> We are coming to you from the press box at Memorial Stadium, home of the Illinois Illini football team in Champaign, IL.</span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> My guest is Baron Von Raschke.</span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> Baron, the burning question on the minds of wrestling fans is: are you going to retire?</span></p><p> </p><p> Baron chuckled.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Baron:</span></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Larry, people have told me I should retire for years, but I keep going.</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> The loss to Manny Fernandez recently was a tough one.</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> I will admit that age can take its toll on a wrestler just like it does any other athlete.</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> As for retirement...</span></p><p> </p><p> Brief silence.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> Please, don't leave us in suspense!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Baron:</span></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> It will be here soon enough, Larry.</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> I still have a few matches left in me.</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> And I want one more shot at Manny Fernandez.</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Fernandez, I know I can beat you. Deep down you know I can beat you.</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> I've had you on the ropes and close to defeat before.</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> I just want one more match with you, Fernandez! One match! That's all I ask!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> If you get the match will you retire then?</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Baron:</span></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> I will let everyone know my decision the night of the match if it happens!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Manny just has to say one word: Yes! and the match will happen!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> Baron, I can't see Fernandez turning this challenge down.</span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> And the fans will be in your corner wanting to see you take down the Ragin' Bull.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Baron:</span></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Let's have the match! Fernandez! It's all up to you now!</span></p><p> </p><p> Baron made the claw gesture with his right hand.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> That was Baron Von Raschke. He wants one more shot at Manny Fernandez and the Baron says he will let us know if he will retire or not that evening.</span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> This has been Larry Nelson on location with Baron Von Raschke from Champaign, IL!</span></p><p> </p><p> <strong>END VIDEO</strong></p><p> </p><p> Back to the Showboat Sports Pavilion:</p><p> </p><p> Manny Fernandez won a squash match over Herb Tarlek via pinfall with his Flying Burrito finisher (double flying forearm smash to the chest).</p><p> </p><p> <strong>POST-MATCH INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHT:</strong></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Larry Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> Manny, Baron Von Raschke has stated that he's thinking about retirement...</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Manny:</span></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"> That old man should retire! He's ready for the glue factory!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> But he's made it clear that he wants one more match with you. Would you be willing to wrestle him one final time?</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Manny:</span></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"> Haven't I beat up Grandpa Iron Claw enough already?!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> He really wants this match. </span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> You have to admit it was quite a battle between you two the last time.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Manny:</span></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"> It may have been a battle, as you say! But in the end I won!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> That's true. But...</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Manny:</span></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"> There's nothing left to prove against a man who gums his food!</span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"> No rematch, Nelson! No way! He had his chance against me and couldn't get the job done! What would change in a re-match?!</span></p><p> </p><p> <strong>In-Studio:</strong> Nelson talked about the Manny interview. Said that he's hoping Manny will change his mind and give the Baron one more match.</p><p> </p><p> Pic aired of Sgt. Slaughter in his ring attire and AWA World Title around his waist with the caption: <strong>NEXT... ATTENTION!</strong></p><p> </p><p> Commercials</p><p> </p><p> <strong>In-ring:</strong> Larry Nelson.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> Would you please welcome my guest at this time. He is the reigning AWA World Champion...Sgt. Slaughter.</span></p><p> </p><p> Fans cheered as the Marine Corps. hymn played and Sarge came down the face entrance aisle in his ring attire with the belt around his waist. </p><p> </p><p> Sarge handed little American flags to fans on the way to the ring.</p><p> </p><p> Once in the ring, Sarge saluted the crowd.</p><p> </p><p> Crowd kept cheering.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> They love ya, Sarge!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Sarge:</span></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> It's great to have the fans behind you, Larry Nelson! Especially at a time like this!</span></p><p> </p><p> Crowd started chanting: <span style="color:#0000FF;">USA! USA!</span></p><p> </p><p> Sarge nodded along with the chant.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> You had a brawl with Jerry Lawler recenly on this program. It got so out of control that guys had to come out of the back to pull you two apart.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Sarge:</span></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> It just adds fuel to the fire! I don't like Lawler! And Lawler doesn't like me!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> But now the stage is set! The contracts have been signed!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Jerry Lawler and Sgt. Slaughter will now face each other to determine once and for all who the undisputed AWA World Champion is!</span></p><p> </p><p> More cheers.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> It promises to be quite the battle!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Sarge:</span></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> Nothing that's worthwhile comes easy, Nelson!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> I know Lawler's tough! He's also very cagey and has great ring psychology! He knows how to get under an opponent's skin and cause his opponent to make mistakes! And Lawler is very good, a master really, at exploiting a wrestler's errors!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> Are you worried about him getting in your head?</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Sarge:</span></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> You've got to be careful with a guy like Lawler! Something I've got to watch for! I can't dwell on any mind games he might try and play with me!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> I've got to wrestle my match! To use a football analogy, I've got to stick with the game plan!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> In wrestling, you have to expect the unexpected! Sometimes you have to make adjustments on the fly during the match!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> How confident are you going into the match?</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Sarge:</span></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> I'm very confident in my abilities! And I know Lawler is confident as well!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> At the end of the day, it all comes down to who has the better game plan! </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> And we're about to find out who that is very soon!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> Do you have anything to say to Jerry Lawler before we wrap this up?</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Sarge:</span></span><span style="color:#FF0000;"> It's time! </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> All the talking has been done!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> The next time Lawler and I fight it will be when the bell rings!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"> And we will finally...finally...have closure on who the undisputed AWA World Champion is!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> Sgt. Slaughter, everybody!</span></p><p> </p><p> Crowd cheered.</p><p> </p><p> Pic aired of the AWA logo with the caption: <strong>NEXT... 6-MAN TAG ACTION!</strong></p><p> </p><p> Commercials</p><p> </p><p> <strong>TV MAIN EVENT:</strong> Greg Gagne, Jake Milliman & Brad Rheingans vs. Badd Company & Jonnie Stewart (w/ DDP)</p><p> </p><p> Lee Marshall and Lord James Blears wondered if Stewart's left knee pad was loaded.</p><p> </p><p> The heels came to the ring first to boos and briefly played to the crowd and then the faces came out to a decent ovation.</p><p> </p><p> Milliman was wearing a white t-shirt with 'Milkmania' written in black block letters across the top and the picture of a milk bottle underneath. Jake stood center ring and tore the t-shirt off and threw it into the crowd.</p><p> </p><p> Good, fast-paced match between the two teams. Some good near falls.</p><p> </p><p> Match ended when the match broke down and all six men got involved. Tanaka and Rheingans were the legal men and during the melee' Tanaka rolled up Rheingans from behind and grabbed the tights for extra leverage. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell.</p><p> </p><p> After a minute or so of post-match fighting and jawing at one another, the losing faces finally left the ring and headed back up the face aisle.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>WINNER:</strong> Badd Co. & Stewart - 10:06</p><p> </p><p> <strong>POST-MATCH INTERVIEW:</strong></p><p> </p><p> Jonnie Stewart shook hands with Badd Co. and DDP and left the ring and vanished back up the heel aisle.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> I'm here with Badd Company and their manager Dallas Page.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF00FF;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">DDP:</span></span><span style="color:#FF00FF;"> What a victory tonight! Badd Company, baby! And we couldn't have done it without the help of Jonnie Stewart! That man will take pro wrestling into the '90s!</span></p><p> </p><p> Nelson rolled his eyes.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> We'll see...I guess.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;">Anyway...and here he comes.</span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> It's AWA President Stanley Blackburn!</span></p><p> </p><p> Blackburn made his way down the face aisle and climbed into the ring. He was in a suit.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF00FF;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">DDP:</span></span><span style="color:#FF00FF;"> What's this?</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF8C00;">Blackburn: Dallas, I have in my hand the contract for you, Pat Tanaka and Paul Diamond to sign.</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF8C00;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF8C00;"> This is for a World Tag Team Title match against the defending champions the Destruction Crew.</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF8C00;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF8C00;"> In the contract is the stipulation you requested. If the Destruction Crew should retain the titles, Dallas Page, you must pay them $25,000 dollars.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF00FF;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">DDP:</span></span><span style="color:#FF00FF;"> That's what I said, Stanley!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Blackburn:</span></span><span style="color:#FF8C00;"> Here is the contract for you three to sign.</span></p><p> </p><p> Blackburn handed DDP the contract and a pen.</p><p> </p><p> DDP quickly looked over the contract.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF00FF;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">DDP:</span></span><span style="color:#FF00FF;"> Looks good to me!</span></p><p> </p><p> DDP signed the contract and then handed it off to his men who signed as well.</p><p> </p><p> DDP took the contract and handed it back to Blackburn.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF00FF;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">DDP:</span></span><span style="color:#FF00FF;"> It's gonna be the best $25 grand I never spent in my life! Haha!</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> Badd Company looks like they're getting their wish...</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Blackburn:</span></span><span style="color:#FF8C00;"> Oh! Before I forget!</span></p><p> </p><p> Blackburn reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded up piece of paper.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Blackburn:</span></span><span style="color:#FF8C00;"> A young lady in a blue dress came up to me and asked me to give you this, Dallas.</span></p><p> </p><p> Blackburn handed the note over. DDP looked around briefly then opened the piece of paper and read it silently.</p><p> </p><p> DDP looked up and seemed speechless.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> Can you tell us what it said?</span></p><p> </p><p> DDP briefly talked off-mic with his men and then turned back to Nelson.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF00FF;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">DDP:</span></span><span style="color:#FF00FF;"> It says:</span> <span style="color:#FF0000;">A fool and his money are soon parted.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> You look a little concerned.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF00FF;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">DDP:</span></span><span style="color:#FF00FF;"> I'm concerned with how we're gonna celebrate when we win those tag titles.</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF00FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF00FF;"> The $25 grand is going nowhere but back into my back account when the match is over!</span></p><p><span style="color:#FF00FF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FF00FF;"> The mind games are not going to keep us from our destiny!</span></p><p> </p><p> DDP appeared shaken.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nelson:</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"> That was Badd Company and their manager Dallas Page.</span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#008000;"> Strange happenings, indeed.</span></p><p> </p><p> <strong>CLOSING CREDITS:</strong> </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/CM9CyKqhciM?start=2876&feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN"></iframe></div></div><p> </p><p> <strong>DARK MATCHES</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>HANDICAP MATCH:</strong> Sgt. Slaughter (WC) & Jerry Blackwell vs. Destruction Crew (WTTC) & Larry Zbysko</p><p> <strong>WINNER:</strong> Sarge & Blackwell - Sarge pinned Enos after a Slaughter Cannon - 22:13</p><p> </p><p> Sam Houston vs. Manny Fernandez </p><p> <strong>WINNER:</strong> Houston pinned Fernandez after a bulldog - 12:09</p><p> </p><p> Col. DeBeers vs. Chavo Guerrero</p><p> <strong>WINNER:</strong> DeBeers pinned Chavo after a Face-First Piledriver - 6:15</p><p> </p><p> <strong>ATTENDANCE</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>PAID:</strong> 1,866</p><p> </p><p> <strong>COMPS GIVEN OUT:</strong> 399</p><p> </p><p> <strong>COMPS USED:</strong> 189</p><p> </p><p> <strong>TOTAL ATTENDANCE:</strong> 2,055</p><p> </p><p> <strong>CAPACITY:</strong> 5,500</p><p> </p><p> (I'm not sure that 5,500 number is accurate. That arena did not seem that big. More like half that size. But that's the only number I could find for 'Boat capacity.)</p>

If I kept going right now I'd burn out and not return to this. Holidays make it a little more burdensome. Both situations will have a final and clean conclusion. Gonna be posting two shows soon in here and then going on month-plus break.

(Still gonna post the Classic Wrestling Video Of The Week during my time off from writing the diary.) CLASSIC WRESTLING VIDEO OF THE WEEK! From 1977, the WWWF Manager of the Year Award ceremony: The reason this is so good is because of how it's presented. Crowd totally into it. The WWE and AEW would both make this a forgettable comedy sketch today. ENJOY!

If it's well written then people will read it no matter what it is. The real stuff is so tightly controlled its like it can't breathe on its own and it kills any desire to watch most of it .

FOR MY READERS... Due to burnout, I'm going to be taking a break from writing this BTB/diary. I'm going to post a couple of abbreviated shows before I go to finish the current round of ESPN and syndicated tapings (4th show in each current set). Will be coming back some time in December or early January. Thanks for understanding. This thing is reaching its conclusion.

It'll be a nightmare. But we shall see...

WRESTLING ECONOMICS 101! Manager Lou Albano explains how he handles the Wild Samoans' finances:

(New shows coming soon!) SUMMER 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN AWA overlord Verne Gagne dialed the office number of Canadian businessman and owner of the NHL's Winnipeg Jets Barry Shenkarow. After a few rings the secretary picked up the phone. Gagne introduced himself and asked if he could speak to Barry Shenkarow. She asked the reason for the call and Gagne told her it was about selling the AWA to Shenkarow. She put Verne on hold and buzzed Shenkarow in his office. After talking briefly with Shenkarow, the secretary came back to Verne and told him that Mr. Shenkarow would speak to him in a moment as the NHL owner was wrapping up a business call. Verne said he'd wait and the secretary placed him on hold. Verne waited for about five minutes. And then... Barry: Hello, Verne. Verne: Hi, Barry. Barry: Sorry to hear about Bob Lurie. VVerne: Just one of those unexpected things, unfortunately. Barry: My secretary said you wanted to re-open talks about selling the AWA to me. Verne: That's correct. I'm hoping we can do business. Barry: Well, you know my vision for the product and we had a strong disagreement about it the last time we talked and you refused to sell to me. But I'm still open to a possible deal. Make me an offer. Verne: The original offer, if memory serves me correctly, was for $2.7 million. Barry: You are correct. Verne: You still looking to buy at that price? Barry: Uh, no. Verne: Okay. How does $2.2 million sound, then? Barry: Still too high for me. Verne was starting to get steamed. Verne: $2 million? Barry: Tell me, what was Bob gonna buy the company for? Verne: $2 million for the company, plus a 3-year consulting deal for me at $175,000 per year. Barry: Let's see. Hmmm... In total, that's just over $2.5 million. Verne: Yes. But I'm flexible. Barry: Well, Lurie's out now. You and me parted on rough terms the last time we talked. Would you still want to be part of the promotion if I bought it? Verne: I'd probably bow out unless it was strictly a behind the scenes role. Barry: Well, I'd want you in an on-air role as the evil promoter. Verne: I don't think I could do it, Barry. Barry (sighs): Okay. Let me think up a counter offer. Silence. A look of quiet desperation crossed Verne's face. Barry: 1.5. Verne: What was that? Barry: 1.5. $1.5 million. Verne: Is that you're offer?! Barry: It is. Verne: That's only half of what you offered the last time. Barry: My final offer. Verne: You can't do two?! Barry: I could. But I'm not going to. Verne was steaming. Verne: Why?! Barry: Don't think it's worth that much. Look, just think about it, Verne. It might be the last offer you get from anybody. The AWA isn't exactly the WWF in terms of interest right now. I'll think about upping my offer a little. But $1.5 million is a lot more than zero, my friend. Verne was seething, his famous temper flaring up. Verne (trying to keep from exploding): Alright. Give me some time to think about it. Barry: You do that, Verne. The offer is on the table and there's little wiggle room in it. Verne: Talk with you soon. Barry: Bye, Verne. Verne: Bye. Verne angrily slammed down the phone and the rage came pouring out. Verne: F**K YOU! Verne sat back in his chair and was breathing heavily. His secretary came down the hall and knocked. Verne told her not to enter. She asked if everything was alright and Verne told her he'd be fine and he just needed to do some thinking. The concerned secretary walked away from the door. Verne wouldn't even let Greg, his own flesh and blood, in the office to check on his dad and talk. Verne wanted to be alone. Meanwhile... MANHATTAN'S UPPER EAST SIDE The woman who lived in the penthouse had called a few of her friends she knew were wrestling fans and asked if any of them had tapes of recent AWA TV shows but it was fruitless. Then another name popped in her head and she called him. He was at work getting ready for a show at his club. The man's personal office phone rang. Luckily, he was working at his desk. The man picked up the phone. Man: Hello. Woman: Hi, Hilly. Hilly: Hey, ***! How are you? Long time no talk to. Woman: It has been a while. I'm doing fine. You? Hilly: Doing okay. We've got to catch up some time. Woman: I agree. Hilly: Hey, I'm preparing for a show tonight so I've only got a few minutes. What do you need? Woman: Do you know anyone who has tapes of recent American Wrestling Association shows. Hilly: Look no further! Woman: You have 'em?! Hilly: Yep. I've recorded the last 14 or 15 shows off of ESPN. Woman: Is there a chance I could borrow them? Hilly: Sure. Can I ask why you need them? Woman: I'll explain it to you later. Right now, I just need to see those tapes. Hilly: Anything for you, ***. Woman: Thank you. Hilly: Tell you what. I'll have someone swing by your apartment building tomorrow and drop them off at the front desk. Woman: Oh, Hilly! You're a living doll! Hilly: Tell me about it! The two laughed. The pair said their goodbyes and hung up. The woman then called her friend who had informed her the AWA might be for sale. The man answered at his home. Man: Hello. Woman: Hey, ####. Man: Oh, hi, ***. Woman: Any chance you can get away from work in a day or two and come up here for an evening. Man: Why? Woman: Hilly taped the last several episodes of the AWA on ESPN and promised to have someone drop them off here tomorrow. We can watch them together and see if this thing is worth buying. Man: I think I can swing it. Fly up for an evening and then fly home the next morning. Woman: Sounds great, ####. You can stay here. Man: Let's do it in two days. That good? Woman: Perfect. Man: I'll pencil it on my schedule. See you then, hon. Woman: I think we might be able to make a decision that evening. ####...I love ya. Man: Love you, too, ***. Ciao. Woman: Sayanora. The pair disconnected. Verne Gagne's dream of selling the AWA hung in the balance. If a sale didn't happen...and soon...Verne would have to consider pulling the plug on his once magnificent creation. And pulling the plug was becoming a more serious option with each passing day. STAY TUNED... (Names redacted until a later date.)

CLASSIC WRESTLING VIDEOS OF THE WEEK! It's promo week! PROMO 1 - 1981 - MSG: Bob Backlund, Stan Hansen, Fred Blassie & Pedro Morales​ (Fantastic Hansen promo here!): PROMO 2 - 1978 - THE SPECTRUM: Lou Albano, Bob Backlund. Billy Graham & The Grand Wizard (Lou kills it!): PROMO 3 - 1980 - THE SPECTRUM Hulk Hogan, Bob Backlund, Ken Patera & The Grand Wizard (Hogan was a great heel promo!): PROMO 4: Ivan Koloff, Ivan Putski, Fred Blassie & Peter Maivia (Uncle Ivan knew how to rock a promo back in the day!): All these promos range from good to excellent. Why? Because they were raw, uneven in spots and incorrect words were sometimes used. (Like Hansen calling a signature a 'John Henry' instead of a 'John Hancock'.) In other words: they were real. The words were their own. You could buy into what they were saying. The emotions and reactions were 100% theirs. No script writers needed! Also, I liked the Vince McMahon in these promos much better than the one who has largely destroyed this business the last 35+ years. ENJOY!

SUMMER 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN Over the next couple of days, Verne could not shake the thought of calling businessman and Winnipeg Jets' owner Barry Shenkarow and trying to re-open a line of communication in the hopes of selling Shenkarow the company. The two last had am acrimonious call when Verne told Shenkarow in no uncertain terms that he would not sell to the canuck because of his vision for the AWA. Now, Verne was willing to change his tune and hoped Shenkarow might be open to negotiating again. Verne told no one of this possible move as he knew it would stun and upset people. As Verne gave more serious thought to calling Shenkarow... MANHATTAN'S UPPER EAST SIDE In an expensive penthouse on Manhattan's wealthy Upper East Side, a woman was sitting, reading a book and drinking a glass of wine in her den when the phone rang. Woman: Hello. Man: Hi, ***. This is ####. Woman: Hey, ####. How you doing? Man: Good. Have you heard the news? Woman: What is it? Man: Bob Lurie died a couple of days ago. Woman: Bob Lurie? Okay. What of it? Man: He'd signed an agreement to buy the AWA... Woman: AWA. The wrestling promotion?! Man: Yes. But because he kicked off before the deal became final the contract is null and void. Woman: How'd you find out about this? Man: A friend of mine informed me of it earlier today, hon. Woman: Were you f*****g him? The man laughed. The man and woman had that kind of relationship. Man: Maybe. Woman: Haha! Man: I heard the AWA might be back on the market. You interested? Woman: Interested in what? Buying the AWA? Man: Yep. Woman: I don't know. You don't really hear about the AWA anymore. I know they're owned by Verne Gagne. But other than that these days... Man: Let me make a few calls, ***, and see what's going on. Woman: Okay. I'm gonna have to see if I can get some tapes of recent AWA TV shows. I'm guessing things aren't going well for them if Verne's looking to bail. Man: It might be a high risk venture. But just imagine... You and me owning a wrestling promotion! Now that would be something! Woman: It would be us vs. Vince McMahon and Ted Turner! I gotta see some shows first before I make a decision on whether or not to get involved in a possible purchase. We could lose a lot of cash doing this. Man: But we could also reap a financial windfall. Look, we have the money to be competitive with WWF and the NWA. We could sign some major stars. Woman: Do you know who their biggest star is right now? Man: I believe it's Sgt. Slaughter. Woman: If this was 1985, hearing that Sgt. Slaughter was the AWA's top star, I'd jump in with both feet and make an offer. But if he's there today and the promotion's not doing well...it's a different story. I've gotta try and round up some tapes and call some of my other friends who are fans and see what they know about the AWA today. Man: Alright. Just throwing the idea out there. I'll snoop around and see if I can find out what they want if the company is still for sale. Woman: Okay. Keep me posted. Man: Will do. Bye, ***. Love ya. Woman: Bye, ####. Right back at ya. The woman hung up the phone. She leaned back on her couch and started thinking about being the owner of a wrestling promotion that used to be one of the 'Big 3' in North America. The idea captured her imagination. Meanwhile, back at the ranch... Verne Gagne made a decision. He decided to pick up the phone and call Barry Shenkarow. The man and woman who talked about possibly buying the AWA may never get the chance. STAY TUNED... (Names redacted until a later date.)

SUMMER 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN AWA HQ was not a happy place to be right now. AWA chief Verne Gagne was very depressed at the sudden turn of events. He told associates Wally Karbo, Al DeRusha, Mike Shields and son Greg he was thinking of closing up shop. He swore the four men to secrecy on this matter. Verne was a proud man and didn't want to see things end this way. He wanted to go out on his own terms. But that was gonna be real hard to do. Even though business in some cities was seeing an upturn in ticket sales based on the Lawler-Sarge match to determine the undisputed AWA World Champion, it wasn't nearly enough to seriously turn things around. The incoming Greg Valentine and Stan Hansen would help things only so much. A much-needed major name was nowhere to be found for what Verne could offer to pay them. To put a spin on what legendary baseball announcer Vin Scully used to say when the Dodgers were losing late in a game: The AWA is running out of outs.* And then another thought entered Verne's mind. And it wasn't a good thought... It was a thought so awful that it was guaranteed to shock everyone he told. Verne Gagne sat at his desk and thumbed through his Rolodex and found the number still in there. Maybe it's providence, he thought. Verne stared at the number for what seemed like an eternity. It was the number for...Barry Shenkarow. STAY TUNED... To see Shenkarow's nightmarish vision for the AWA, visit: http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=544125&highlight=1989+financial+savior&page=10 POST #138 (* Scully's saying when the Dodgers were losing late in a game: The Dodgers are running out of outs.)

You don't think Sarge-Lawler saves the company in '89? No internet yet! Like the idea for Gomez. Guaranteed no Eric!

Have to wait and see. Maybe Verne just throws up his hands... ...or is there an angel out there? Keeping you on the edge of your seats is what I'm trying to do. TO BE CONTINUED AT THIS THEATER NEXT WEEK! Kind of the story of Verne's run in wrestling at the end. Who knew Bob was gonna die in storyline...

SUMMER 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN The day after Verne Gagne contacted his lawyer Gomez Adams to see if the contract he signed with the late Bob Lurie could still be vaild, Gomez called Verne at his office. Verne's secretary buzzed the intercom to let him know Gomez was on line 1. Verne picked up the phone. Verne: Hello, Gomez. Gomez: Hey, Verne. Just calling to let you know I had two of my attorneys go over the contract you signed with Bob Lurie. Verne: What did they find? Gomez: Unfortunately, there's nothing in the contract that mandates anyone Lurie knew assume responsibility for the American Wrestling Association. If the transition period had ended before he died, then this would all be moot and someone Lurie knew would have had to absorb responsibility for the company. But since the transition period wasn't over... Verne: It renders the contract null and void. Gomez: That's right. I'm sorry, Verne, you just don't have a legal leg to stand on here. The deal is a no-go now. Verne let out a heavy sigh. Verne: Well, that's that. Thank you for checking for me, Gomez. It's back to the drawing board. Gomez: You take care, Verne. Don't do anything rash. Verne: I won't. Bye. Verne hung up the phone. Verne had recently thought about trying to turn the company around on his own. But he'd changed his mind and was looking forward to stepping aside and receiving a large financial windfall. But the news of Lurie's death seemed to drain the fight out of the legendary wrestler/promoter. Verne was now giving serious thought to shutting down the company he built from the ground up. STAY TUNED...

Heel, Thanks for the nom. Is Togg still around?

SUMMER 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN The fallout... AWA boss Verne Gagne had informed son Greg about the unexpected passing of Bob Lurie via a phone call at 7am. Verne asked Greg to contact some of the wrestlers and tell them the news. At the office, Verne spoke privately with Wally Karbo, TV producer Al DeRusha, director Mike Shields and sales rep Eric Bischoff about the shocking news. Verne then called the rest of the office staff together and held a brief meeting to let them know what happened overnight. Since it wasn't a promo taping day, only a few of the wrestlers swung by after hearing the news. They wanted to make sure it was not a rib being played on them. They were informed it was not. It was a long, quiet day at AWA headquarters. Verne walked back into his office, closed the door and sat down at his desk and buried his head in his hands for a moment. Verne gathered himself and then scrolled through his Rolodex and found the number of his lawyer, Gomez Adams. Verne dialed. After two rings the secretary picked up the phone. Secretary: Adams Family Law Office. This is Wednesday. How may I help you? Verne asked if he could talk with Gomez, informing the secretary it was urgent. The secretary put Verne on hold. Verne listened impatiently to irritating pipe organ music as he waited. Finally... Gomez: Hey, Verne! How's it going my friend?! Verne: Not well, Gomez. Bob Lurie died last night. Gomez: Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that. What happened if I can ask? Verne: He died suddenly. Cause of death won't be known until an autopsy can be performed. Gomez: Hmmm... Hey! Do you know if he shit himself when he died?! I heard people shit themselves when they kick off! Verne (incredulous): Seriously, Gomez! The man just passed and you want to know if he crapped himself! Jeez! Gomez: Just something I heard and wondered if it was true. I'll have to call my coroner friend Quincy to see about that one. Possibly just an urban legend. Might ask my wife. She works at a funeral home. Verne was getting pissed. Verne: Gomez, I need you to go over the contract and see if it's null and void or if it's binding. Gomez: I'll do it, Verne. Had the AWA legally changed hands yet? Verne: No. We were still in the transition period. Gomez: And the company did not change hands until after the transition period? Verne: That is correct. Gomez: Gotta tell you, it doesn't look good then for this to be binding. Did only you and Lurie sign off on the contract? Verne: Yes. And the witness. Gomez: Witness is irrelevant when it comes to ownership. But, I will have my lawyers Fred Gwynne and Al Lewis look the contract over. I gotta say that it doesn't look good for you, my friend. Sorry to be so blunt. If there's nothing in the contract that states that if Bob Lurie passes unexpectedly that the company passes into the hands of someone else, then the contract is pretty much null and void. But I'll have my guys look it over and get back to you. Verne: Thank you, Gomez. Gomez: You're welcome. Sorry for your loss. I know the sale meant a lot to you. How's the imminent domain case going? Verne: The loss of this income will certainly hamper our fight to keep our home. Gomez: You gonna shut down the company? Verne: Have to admit it's crossed my mind in the last few hours. Gomez: Well I wish you the best, my friend. The next time you swing by the office you can see this new gadget I bought. Verne: What's that? Gomez: It's a wood box. When you tap on it, a hand comes out and hands you a cigar! Amazing what they think of these days! Verne politely chuckled but his mind was elsewhere. Verne: I'll have to see it some time. Gomez: You take care, Verne. I'll get back to you and let you know what my guys find in the contract. Verne: Thanks, Gomez. Gomez: Bye. Verne: Bye, Gomez. Verne hung up the phone. Now it was just a waiting game to see if there was something in the contract that was binding and Verne was still able to sell the AWA to the Lurie camp. STAY TUNED...

CLASSIC WRESTLING VIDEO OF THE WEEK! From 1977 or 78, it's a Loser Leaves Town match for the U.S. Title: The Sheik vs. Mark Lewin ©. From Detroit Big Time Wrestling. I hated this match when I first saw it. But after watching it a few more times I became a real big fan of it. The crowd heat and psychology are off the charts in this one. Violence for the sake of violence. I don't think you'll see something like this today on sanitized, painfully boring WWE programming or the clown show fly, flop, fly act known as AEW: ENJOY!

SUMMER 1989 VERNE GAGNE'S HOME ON LAKE MINNETONKA The transition was running smoothly. It appeared that Lurie's people were close to hiring an operations manager and a booker. In a little under two weeks the transition would be complete. 2:34 AM CST Verne Gagne and wife Mary were in a deep, restful sleep. But the pair were abruptly jolted out of their slumber when the phone rang. Verne looked briefly at the clock on the night stand. It read: 2:34 AM. Verne, still half asleep, clumsily grabbed the receiver and fumbled with it before putting it next to his ear. Verne then turned on the lamp on the night stand. Verne (sleepily): He... He... Hello. Verne listened to the voice on the other end. Verne: Yes. This is Verne Gagne. Mary: Who is it, Verne? Is something wrong? Verne waved Mary off and continued to listen to the voice on the other end of the phone. Verne suddenly sat upright on the edge of the bed. Verne: Are you sure? Verne listened to the voice. Verne (pained disbelief in his voice): Oh, God. Mary sat up in bed. Mary: Is it one of the kids? Verne shook his head 'no' and waved Mary off again. Verne listened to the voice. Verne let out a heavy sigh. Verne: Well, thank you for calling. There's really not much more that needs to be said. Verne listened some more. Verne: It's okay that you called now. We had to know the news. Voice on the other end spoke briefly. Verne: Thank you. Goodbye. Verne hung up the phone and placed his head in his hands. Mary: Can you please tell me what's going on? Verne looked up facing away from his wife. Verne: It's Bob Lurie. Mary: What about Bob? Verne: He died* suddenly a couple of hours ago. Mary was stunned. Silence. Mary: Did they tell you what happened? Verne: Apparently, he was sitting in a chair in his bedroom reading and suddenly just slumped over. He was rushed to the hospital by paramedics but was pronounced dead on arrival. Both sat in stunned silence for a moment. Mary: I hate to sound callus, but what about the sale? Verne: Since the transition period had not ended and Lurie had not assumed control yet, it looks like the sale is null and void. I'll call Gomez later this morning and ask him to go over the contract and see if there are any provisions in it for a case like this but I doubt it. The two sat there in silence. It appeared the sale of the AWA had just slipped away. STAY TUNED... (* Bob Lurie is only dead in my storyline. He's still alive in real life and in his 90s.)