AWA 1989: A Financial Savior Is (Badly) Needed

Captain Kremmen · February 9, 2020

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

From 1986, it's Col. DeBeers vs. Curt Hennig:

ENJOY!

Captain Kremmen · February 16, 2020

AWA ALL-STAR WRESTLING SYNDICATED TAPING RESULTS - STEVENS POINT, WI - QUANDT FIELD HOUSE - UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STEVENS POINT

I'm still way behind on posting shows. I've decided to go ahead and post the ASW 2nd taping results here. Hopefully will be able to post the 3rd and 4th taping results in one post in the near future.

Since I'm not sure how they handled the taping schedules back then, I'm just going to pretend the syndicated tapings run a week behind the Showboat tapings. Example: The second week Showboat taping would air the same week the first syndicated taping would air, etc.

(* It was announced before the show that the Destruction Crew had won the World Tag Team Titles a few days earlier at the ESPN tapings in Vegas.)

2nd Taping

In-Studio - Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the card:

TV MAIN EVENT: Wendi Richter (WC) & Debbie Combs vs. Heidi Lee Morgan & Magnificent Mimi

AWA World Tag Team Champions The Destruction Crew see action

Tom Zenk wrestles

An interview with former AWA World Champion Larry Zbysko

AND MORE!

Nelson then sent it to Stevens Point, WI.

The Top Guns (Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes) won a squash match over Tommy Lane & Dusty Wolfe via pinfall when Dukes pinned Wolfe after Rice and Dukes hit Wolfe coming off the ropes with a double elbow to the chest - TIME: 4:05

Post-Match Interview at ringside w/ Lee Marshall:

Marshall asked the Guns about their heat with Badd Company. Rice mentioned they've had two matches that have turned into brawls that spilled out into the seating area of the Showboat Sports Pavilion in Vegas. Said nothing's been settled between the two teams and that things will only heat up as they head into the summer months.

As Dukes started to speak, the crowd booed as Dallas Page, manager of Badd Company, came out and confronted the Top Guns at ringside.

Page started to talk but was abruptly cut off when Dukes asked him where Badd Company was. Page said they weren't there but that he had a message from Pat Tanaka and Paul Diamond.

As the Top Guns were locked in on Page and what he had to say, the crowd reacted as Badd Company, in street clothes, came out on the other side of the ring and charged over and jumped the Guns from behind. Tanaka and Diamond pounded away on Rice and Dukes. Tanaka rammed Duke's head into the ring post and Dukes went down face-first on the floor. Diamond was hammering away on Rice. Diamond then drove Rice back-first into the ring apron and Rice crumpled down to the floor. Dukes sat up on his knees and was bleeding. Tanaka got in a few well placed head shots and then grabbed Dukes and threw Dukes into the ring.

DDP handed Diamond his thick black cane as Rice got to his hands and knees on the floor. Diamond sent the cane crashing down across Rice's back a trio of times and Rice went back down on the floor. Diamond tossed the cane back to DDP, stomped Rice and then climbed into the ring and joined Tanaka in putting the boots to the downed Dukes. Dukes in a bad way. Diamond grabbed Dukes by the legs as Tanaka assumed the position. Diamond catapaulted Dukes into Tanaka's arms and Tanaka pulverized Dukes with a DDT. Rice still down on the floor and Dukes down in the ring.

Crowd booed as Tanaka and Diamond looked over the damage they caused. The pair left the ring and dropped to the floor and each man got a couple of kicks in on Rice.

DDP snatched the mic from Lee Marshall as Tanaka and Diamond walked up behind him.

DDP: I was wrong! Looks like my boys are here! My bad!

Crowd popped as face wrestlers came out. DDP quickly tossed the mic back at Marshall and the trio made their way back up the aisle to boos.

Shot of the downed Rice on the floor and the bloody and beaten Dukes in the ring being checked on by the face wrestlers.

Commercials/Market-Specific Promos for upcoming shows.

Back from commercials:

Announcers Lee Marshall and Lord James Blears discussed the violent sneak attack on the Top Guns by Badd Company. Said that Rice and Dukes were helped to the back by some of the other wrestlers.

Then sent it to the ring...

Tom Zenk won a squash match over Sal Bellomo via pinfall with a high dropkick - TIME: 3:17

Post-Match Interview in the ring w/ Lee Marshall:

Zenk talked about his escalating problems with Col. DeBeers and DeBeers taking advantage of wrestlers the pro-apartheid South African mercenary had just defeated.

While Zenk was talking, the Col. came down to the ring in his ring attire. Most of the crowd booed his appearance.

Zenk looked over and saw the Col., who was arrogantly twirling his mustache while glaring at Zenk.

Zenk spoke directly to the Colonel.

Zenk: Col. DeBeers! You're nothing but a coward and a bully! Why don't you step in this ring right now and we'll see if you can manhandle me like you do the wrestlers you've already beaten down!

DeBeers kept glaring up at Zenk in the ring.

Zenk (impatient): Come on, Colonel! Get in here!

DeBeers looked on from the floor a little longer and then climbed up on the apron.

DeBeers glared at Zenk again as Zenk gestured for the Col. to step inside the squared circle. Zenk was ready to fight.

DeBeers then started to slowly step inside the ring.

An angry Zenk lunged over and tried to grab DeBeers but DeBeers proved too slippery and dropped back to the floor before Zenk could snag him.

Zenk over by the ropes yelling for DeBeers to get in the ring and fight like a man. DeBeers once again glaring up at Zenk from the safety of the floor.

DeBeers picked up on a mic.

DeBeers: We'll meet again, Zenk! And it will be on my terms!

Zenk was seething as DeBeers backed up, turned and headed back up the aisle to boos.

Zenk wanted to go after the South African racialist but the ref intercepted him and prevented Zenk from leaving the ring.

Announcers Marshall and Blears talked about the situation between the two really starting to heat up.

In-Studio Promo: Magnificent Mimi and Heidi Lee Morgan talked about their main even tag team match against World Champ Wendi Richter and Debbie Combs.

Mimi and Morgan made it clear that they were gonna be targeting Richter during the match.

Video aired of Larry Zbysko talking with the caption: THE FORMER CHAMP SPEAKS...NEXT!

Commercials

Back from Commercials:

In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd a pre-recorded interview with former AWA World Champion Larry Zbysko after Zbysko lost the title to Sgt. Slaughter.

VIDEO:

Nelson: Seated next to me at this time is the former AWA World Champ...

Zbysko interrupted Nelson.

Zbysko: And soon to be again AWA World Champion!

Nelson: Larry Zbysko.

I have to ask you, how have you been these last couple of weeks since losing the title to Sgt. Slaughter.

Zbysko: How have I been, huh?

Zbysko chuckled in disbelief.

Zbysko: Are you kidding me, Nelson?! How have I been?!

I've been miserable! Not being the World Champion anymore stinks to high heaven! But I am gunning for Slaughter and will one day...very soon, I might add...be the AWA World Champion for the second time! Enjoy it while it lasts, Sarge! You can't hold off the 'Living Legend' forever!

Nelson: Before you look to tangle with Sgt. Slaughter again, you've got another pressing issue you're going to be facing very shortly.

Ken Patera will be returning to action in the near future from the injury you caused to his arm with the ring bell.

Zbysko: Let me clarify something, Nelson!

Patera's arm was already injured! I just made the injury worse! He was the man I was supposed to be defending the title against in Vegas a few weeks ago! I was not supposed to be facing Sgt. Slaughter! What I did to Patera was out of a justifiable sense of frustration!

Nelson: Justifiable sense of frustration?! What does that even mean?!

Zbysko: That's for me to know and for you to try and figure out, spudhead!

Nelson shook his head in disbelief.

Zbysko: Patera was who I prepared for that night so Patera was the man I should've faced! He's crying about some injury he sustained on a card a few nights before we arrived in Vegas! For all we know, his injury was a ruse to get out of the match! Either way, once Patera was on the shelf then I should not have had to defend the title against Slaughter because he was not who I prepared for!

Nelson: Are you ready for Patera when he comes back?

Zbysko: The question you need to be asking is if Ken Patera will be ready for me. He brought all this upon himself. And he's gonna suffer for it in spades.

Nelson: Before your title match against Slaughter started you said you were wrestling the match under protest. Has anything come of the protest you lodged with President Stanley Blackburn?

Zbysko: This is the AWA we're talking about here, Nelson! Nothing gets done quickly! I haven't heard a word about my protest challenging the legitimacy of Slaughter winning the match!

Stanley Blackburn moves slower than a box of dead sea turtles! We might get a decision by the '92 Presidential election!

Nelson: Do you think there's a conspiracy against you in the AWA?

Zbysko: Just look at the evidence. I mean it's obvious to anyone who looks. Verne Gagne and his cronies have it in for me. I'm the best thing that ever happened to the AWA and look at how I'm treated.

Nelson: Verne Gagne has it in for you?

Zbysko: Yes. You know why?

Nelson: Please enlighten me.

Zbysko: It's because he's jealous of me! Verne Gagne envies me!

Nelson laughed.

Nelson: Verne Gagne! Jealous of you?! The man was the 10-time AWA World Champion! Are you kidding, Larry?! Jealous?!

Zbysko: Laugh all you want, idiot boy! Verne Gagne knows that I'm the legend here and he's not! He had to find a way to get the World Title off of me and fast! And let's not forget that he had Wahoo McDaniel act as the special referee for the match! Talk about stacking the deck!

Maybe I should sue your hero Verne Gagne for besmirching my good reputation and character! He can't handle the fact that when I'm around he'll always be in my shadow!

Nelson: Well, you are a character and you do have a reputation, even though I wouldn't call it a good one.

Zbysko took off his sunglasses and glared over at Nelson.

Nelson: What?

Zbysko: This interview is over.

Zbysko put on his sunglasses, stood up and walked out of the interview area as Nelson looked on.

Video aired of the Destruction Crew coming to the ring with the caption: THE NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS SEE ACTION...NEXT!

Commercials/Market-Specific Promos for upcoming shows

Back from commercials:

Non-Title Match: The Destruction Crew (WTTC) vs. Brady Boone & Joey Maggs

The new champs made quick work of Boone and Maggs when Enos pinned Maggs after the Wrecking Ball (Road Warriors' Doomsday Device) - TIME: 3:03

Post-Match Interview at ringside w/ Lee Marshall:

The Destruction Crew talked about being the best tag team in the world and that the AWA belts they were holding proved it. Talked about how they're going to have a long run as the champs.

As they were talking, Hector and Mando Guerrero, in their ring attire, came down to ringside and confronted the Crew.

Bloom and Enos weren't happy with the brothers interrupting their interview time and made no bones about it. The champs ordered the brothers to leave.

Hector: Whoa! We just came out here because we wanted to say something to you.

Bloom: Then make it fast and then scram. This is the Destruction Crew's time.

Hector: This is America, the land of...

Bloom: Great! You know where you are. Congratulations.

Hector: This great land is where dreams are fulfilled.

Enos: Dreams are... So what?! Did you come out to give us some American Dream spiel?!

Bloom: Yeah! What's this about, Hector?! Let's hear it!

Hector: Well, me and Mando believe that part of making our dream come true in America would be the chance to wrestle for those AWA Tag Team Titles.

Bloom held his belt up in front of his chest and pointed at it.

Bloom: You... You want a shot at these?!

Mando: Yes. That's exactly what we want.

Bloom: And we're just supposed to say we'll put the titles on the line against you because you ask?!

Mando: We feel it's worth asking for the opportunity, amigo.

Bloom and Enos looked at one another, laughed and shook their heads in disbelief.

Bloom: Getting a tag team title shot isn't some government handout program! I don't know if that was explained to you when you arrived in this country in the trunk of a '57 Chevy!

Enos: You want a shot at these, boys, then you'll have to do it the all-American way! You'll have to earn it!

Bloom: Yeah! Earn it and then we can talk! But you've got a lot of work to do so you might want to get started as soon as possible!

Hector: We Guerreros have a rich, proud wrestling legacy in Mexico.

Bloom: Good for you! But you don't have that wrestling legacy here in the States! You gotta start at the bottom and work your way up the ladder!

Enos: We may see you two down the road somewhere! But until then, how don you say it?! Oh yeah! Adios!

Bloom mockingly waved off the Guerrero brothers.

Crowd cheered when AWA promoter Verne Gagne made his way to ringside.

Marshall: AWA boss Verne Gagne is here.

Welcome, Verne.

Verne: Thank you, Lee.

I've been watching and listening to what's going on out here on a monitor in the back.

And I think that these fans would like to see a match between the champs the Destruction Crew and the Guerrero brothers.

Sparse crowd cheered.

Bloom: They don't deserve a title shot just like that! They need to earn it!

Verne: Lee, I have to say I agree with Bloom here.

Bloom: Good. Glad to see you're on the same page as us.

Enos: Yeah!

Verne: So, it's gonna be the Destruction Crew vs. the Guerrero brothers in a non-title match!

The brothers shook their heads in agreement.

Hector: Verne Gagne, thank you for this opportunity. My brother, Mando, and I will work hard to beat the Destruction Crew to prove we deserve to be in the championship picture.

Both Guerreros shook hands with Verne Gagne.

Marshall: You fans heard it! The Guerrero Brothers vs. the Destruction Crew is coming!

Fans cheered.

Verne went to shake the hands of the champs but they arrogantly blew him off.

Bloom: You had your day in the sun, Verne! Step back and admire what modern day greatness looks like!

Verne shot Bloom a look that said: Really?

Enos: Guerreros, you guys are going down and then me and my brother in destruction can concentrate on more important things!

Bloom: This will be a good tune-up match for us! It will help us prepare for title defenses against worthy opponents!

Hector: We'll see you.

Bloom: Look at the bright side, you'll one day be able to tell your grandkids how you lost to the best tag team in the sport!

Mando: Let's just settle it in the ring.

Enos: It will be settled in the ring, alright! And you guys won't like the end result!

The two teams engaged in a brief staredown and then the Guerreros calmly walked away.

Enos: They'll be walkin' away from us next time with their heads hangin' down after we're finished with 'em!

Bloom nodded strongly in agreement.

In-Studio: Larry Nelson said that the match was set for next week's All-Star Wrestling: The Destruction Crew (WTTC) vs. The Guerrero Bros.

Nelson then intro'd a promo from Wendi Richter (WC) and her tag team partner Debbie Combs.

In-Studio Promo: Richter and Combs talked about their main event match with Mimi and Morgan. Combs said she knows Richter has a big bullseye on her and she'll have the champ's back.

Pic of the AWA logo aired with the caption: LADIES TAG TEAM MAYHEM IS NEXT!

Commercials/Market-Specific Promos for upcoming towns

TV MAIN EVENT: Wendi Richter (WC) & Debbie Combs vs. Magnificent Mimi & Heidi Lee Morgan

Fast paced, action-packed match between the gals.

Mimi and Morgan both seemed to be targeting the champion but Combs lived up to her claim of watching out for Richter. Some exciting near falls and move exchanges pockmarked the bout.

End of the match saw Richter and Mimi the legal ladies in the ring.

Mimi was working Richter over next to the ropes with forearms to the chest when Richter stunned Mimi with a slap upside the head. The two reversed positions and now Richter was on the offensive, firing away on Mimi with a series of forearms to the chest of her own.

Richter went to whip Mimi into the ropes but Mimi reversed and went to catch Richter coming off with a clothesline but Richter ducked the move and came back and caught Mimi with a flying crossbody. Richter for the pin. 1...2...thr... Morgan hit the ring and stomped Richter in the back of the head to break up the pin try. Richter rolled off of Mimi and the champ was holding the back of her head.

Combs hit the ring and tackled Morgan to the mat as the fans cheered. Combs got some licks in on Morgan before Morgan wriggled free, rolled out of the ring and dropped to the floor. Combs left the ring and chased Morgan around the ring.

Back in the squared circle: Richter rolled over and on her side holding the back of her head. Mimi up and booted Richter in the back. Mimi snapped Richter up by the hair and Richter stunned Mimi with a boot to the gut.

On the floor: Combs caught Morgan and started pounding the hell out of Heidi Lee.

In the ring: Richter laid into Mimi with a series of forearms to the chest. Richter went to whip Mimi into the corner but Mimi reversed and sent Richter crashing front-first into the buckles. Richter staggered backwards out of the corner and Mimi grabbed Richter by the back of the hair and nailed Richter with a sitout rear mat slam. Back of Richter's head slammed into the canvas. Richter again rolled over on her side grabbing the back of her head. Mimi rolled the champ over on her back, covered her and hooked the leg. 1...

Combs saw what was happening in the ring and stopped her beating of Heidi Lee Morgan and climbed up on the apron.

...2...

Morgan recovered enough on the floor and lunged over and grabbed Combs' leg to keep her from breaking up the pin try.

...3!

Ref called for the bell as most in the crowd booed but some cheered.

Mimi jumped victoriously to her feet.

Morgan was able to yank Combs off the apron and Combs' face slammed into the apron and she crashed to the floor.

Ref raised Mimi's hand in victory.

Mimi started to strut around in the ring with her fists raised high in the air.

Ref took the AWA World Title belt from the ring announcer and Mimi yanked the title out of the ref's hands. Mimi stood over the downed, hurting Richter and held the belt in the air with one hand while pointing at herself with the the other as the crowd booed.

Mimi then dropped the title down next to Richter as the program went to its outro.

WINNER: Mimi & Morgan - TIME: 11:06

END PROGRAM

Captain Kremmen · February 18, 2020

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

It's the ladies!

Sherri Martel defends the AWA Women's gold against the smoking hot Madusa Miceli at SuperClash 2 in San Francisco circa 1987:

ENJOY!

Captain Kremmen · February 22, 2020

AWA ALL-STAR WRESTLING SYNDICATED TAPING RESULTS - STEVENS POINT, WI - QUANDT FIELD HOUSE - UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STEVENS POINT

Since I'm not sure how they handled the taping schedules back then, I'm just going to pretend the syndicated tapings run a week behind the Showboat tapings. Example: The second week Showboat taping would air the same week the first syndicated taping would air, etc.

(* It was announced before the show that the Destruction Crew had won the World Tag Team Titles a few days earlier at the ESPN tapings in Vegas.)

In-Studio Host: Larry Nelson

Match Commentator: Lee Marshall

Color Commentator: Lord James Blears

3rd Taping

In-Studio - Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program:

TV MAIN EVENT (Non-Title): The Destruction Crew (WTTC) vs. The Guerrero Brothers

A look back at Badd Company's vicious attack on the Top Guns last week and an annoucement about next week's TV main event

Tommy Rich sees action

Brad Rheingans wrestles

A look back at Magnificent Mimi and Heidi Lee Morgan defeating Women's Champ Wendi Richter and Debbie Combs when Mimi pinned the champ

An interview with Mimi after defeating Richter

AND MORE!

Nelson then sent it to Stevens Point, WI:

Baron Von Raschke def. Tom Hankins in a squash match when Raschke made Hankins submit to the Iron Claw - TIME: 3:22

Post-Match Interview at ringside w/ Lee Marshall:

Marshall asked Von Raschke how to properly apply the claw with devastating effectiveness.

Von Raschke started to explain that large, strong hands and applying a firm grip on the right pressure points on the head were the key.

As Von Raschke was explaining this, Manny Fernandez, in his ring attire, made his way down to ringside and confronted Von Raschke.

Fernandez: Listen up, anciano!

Your day in this sport has come and gone!

Raschke: What do you mean?

Fernandez: Time for you to step aside, pops! You gotta go! Time to head for the glue factory!

Raschke: You telling me that I'm too old to continue to wrestle?!

Fernandez: That's exactly what I'm saying! You're taking up space, Mr. AARP!

Raschke: You...

Fernandez: And that claw hold of yours! It may have worked on that jabroni you just wrestled! But I guarantee you that, in your advanced state of decomposition...

Raschke (becoming irate): State of decomposition?!

Fernandez: I bet you couldn't put the Ragin' Bull out with that hold!

Raschke: You don't think I can put you down with the claw?!

Von Raschke held his right hand up in the claw position and started opening and closing his hand.

Fernandez: Maybe during your heyday when the Civil War was going on you could have! But not now!

Matter of fact, you'd hurt yourself more than me trying to put my lights out with it!

I can see it now!

Fernandez started walking around like an old man holding his lower back and grimacing in pain.

Fernandez pointed and laughed at Von Raschke.

Raschke (coolly): Name the time and the place?

Fernandez: What?

Raschke: You pick when and where it will happen.

Fernandez seemed puzzled.

Fernandez: What are you babbling about, you antique?

Von Raschke: Let's see if I can make you pass out in my claw. You name the time and place for it to happen.

Fernandez: You want... Haha! You're serious?!

Von Raschke: Very.

Fernandez: Tell you what, Baron, let's do it next week right here on All-Star Wrestling!

Von Raschke: You're on! Call me an old man and tell me that I should go to the glue factory! Get ready to learn respect for your elders next week!

Raschke held up his right hand in the claw position again.

Fernandez: I'll be here you gringo geezer! And I'm gonna make an example out of you! The people watching in the old folk's home will be disappointed when their bald, raisin-headed hero is made a fool out of on TV all across America and the point is driven home that you should have retired long ago!

Von Raschke and Fernandez engaged in a brief staredown as the segment ended with Lee Marshall saying that the Iron Claw Showdown: Von Raschke vs. Fernandez happens next week on ASW!

Video clip aired of Badd Company's assault on the Top Guns last week with the caption: BADD COMPANY BLITZKRIEG!

Commercials/Market-Specific Promos for upcoming shows

Back from commercials...

In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd video from last week of Badd Company's vicious attack on the Top Guns.

VIDEO:

As Dukes started to speak, the crowd booed as Dallas Page, manager of Badd Company, came out and confronted the Top Guns at ringside.

Page started to talk but was abruptly cut off when Dukes asked him where Badd Company was. Page said they weren't there but that he had a message from Pat Tanaka and Paul Diamond.

As the Top Guns were locked in on Page and what he had to say, the crowd reacted as Badd Company, in street clothes, came out on the other side of the ring and charged over and jumped the Guns from behind. Tanaka and Diamond pounded away on Rice and Dukes. Tanaka rammed Duke's head into the ring post and Dukes went down face-first on the floor. Diamond was hammering away on Rice. Diamond then drove Rice back-first into the ring apron and Rice crumpled down to the floor. Dukes sat up on his knees as was bleeding. Tanaka got in a few well placed head shots and then grabbed Dukes and threw Dukes into the ring.

DDP handed Diamond his thick black cane as Rice got to his hands and knees on the floor. Diamond sent the cane crashing down across Rice's back a trio of times and Rice went back down on the floor. Diamond tossed the cane back to DDP, stomped Rice and then climbed into the ring and joined Tanaka in putting the boots to the downed Dukes. Dukes in a bad way. Diamond grabbed Dukes by the legs as Tanaka assumed the position. Diamond catapaulted Dukes into Tanaka's arms and Tanaka pulverized Dukes with a DDT. Rice still down on the floor and Dukes down in the ring.

Crowd booed as Tanaka and Diamond looked over the damage they caused. The pair left the ring and dropped to the floor and each man got a couple of kicks in on Rice.

DDP snatched the mic from Lee Marshall as Tanaka and Diamond walked up behind him.

DDP: I was wrong! Looks my boys are here! My bad!

Crowd popped as face wrestlers came out. DDP quickly tossed the mic back at Marshall and the trio made their way back up the aisle to boos.

Shot of the downed Rice on the floor and the bloody and beaten Dukes in the ring being checked on by the face wrestlers.

Nelson then announced that next week's TV main on ASW would be Derrick Dukes vs. Pat Tanaka.

Nelson then intro'd promos from Dukes and Tanaka's manager Dallas Page.

VIDEO:

In-Studio Promo:

Derrick Dukes was in street clothes and had a mic in his hand. He had a white bandage on his forehead from where he was busted open by Tanaka.

Dukes: Listen up, Pat Tanaka!

My head is still hurting from when you slammed me into that steel post!

The pain is a constant reminder of what you did to me! I can still see the blood running into my eyes and blinding me!

My neck and spine still hurt from the DDT you laid on me!

I had to be helped back to the locker room just to keep from collapsing on the floor!

Tanaka, you and your partner in crime, Paul Diamond, did a number on me and my tag team brother Ricky Rice last week!

But next week...it's gonna be just me and you! And I can hardly wait!

I'm a man who doesn't anger easily! But my anger is off the charts now! I want payback!

What's gonna happen between us won't be pretty! It's gonna get ugly! Real ugly!

This isn't going to be a wrestling match! Oh no! It's gonna be a fight and you can forget the wrestling! I'm not in the mood for exchanging holds! I wanna punch your lights out, Tanaka! That's what I intend to do! And if I get a hold of that scummy manager of yours then I'm gonna make him suffer as well!

Nothing's been settled between the Top Guns and Badd Company! But I intend to settle a score next week!

I'll be seeing you, Pat Tanaka!

Pic then changed to Badd Co. manager DDP and Pat Tanaka. Both were in street clothes and wearing sunglasses. DDP had his cane in one hand and mic in the other.

DDP: The Top Guns learned a tough lesson last week.

They learned you should never let your guard down when a member of Badd Company's around.

Because where one of us is...all of us are!

Derrick Dukes! Brother, next week you're facing this man one-on-one!

DDP pointed at a poker faced Tanaka.

DDP: You think what happened at Pat's hands last week was bad...you just wait, bro!

You can't even begin to fathom what this man is capable of doing! His body is a registered lethal weapon!

Tanaka nodded once in agreement.

DDP: Dukes, you're facing a very dangerous man!

I heard that you couldn't wait to sign the contract for this match!

But you know what they say?! Be careful what you wish for...

Your wish is about to become a nightmare in living color, Dukes!

Pat took it easy on you last week! That won't be the case when you two have your match! There will be no mercy!

And as for your teammate Ricky Rice...he needs to know that he'd best stay out of this match if he knows what's good for him!

I'd hate to see something happen to that pretty face of his!

Dukes, you'd better be ready like you've never been ready before when you step into the ring with Pat Tanaka next week!

The good news is that an ambulance will be waiting in the building in case you need a free ride to the ER!

See you then!

Video clip aired of Tommy Rich wrestling with the caption: 'WILDFIRE' SEES ACTION...NEXT!

Commercials

Back from commercials...

Tommy Rich vs. Mario Mancini

Before the match, Rich got on the mic.

Rich: Mario Mancini, you are in the ring with a champion, brother.

And not just a champion...but a World Champion.

In case you and these people did not know, I was the NWA World Champion.

And I had a historic run with that prestigious title.

Marshall (exasperated): He held the NWA Title for all of five days! Jeez!

Rich: So, Mario Man... what is it again?

Mancini said his last name off-mic.

Rich: Mancini, right! Mario Mancini, take heart, there's no shame in losing to a man who had one helluva reign as the NWA Champ!

Blears: Lee, I think Rich must think one day equals 100 days in wrestling title reigns.

Mancini threw an early scare into Rich and almost pulled off the upset victory before Rich settled in, took control and pinned Mancini with the Thesz Press - TIME: 3:37

In-Studio: Larry Nelson interviewed Don Muraco.

Muraco talked about his career and being in the AWA with all the great talent it had.

Nelson brought up that next week Muraco would be wrestling on ASW.

Commercials/Market-Specific Promos for upcoming shows

Back from commercials...

In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd footage from the end of last week's women's tag team match pitting AWA Women's Champ Wendi Richter & Debbie Combs against Magnificent Mimi & Heidi Lee Morgan

VIDEO:

Mimi was working Richter over next to the ropes with forearms to the chest when Richter stunned Mimi with a slap upside the head. The two reversed positions and now Richter was on the offensive, firing away on Mimi with a series of forearms to the chest of her own.

Richter went to whip Mimi into the ropes but Mimi reversed and went to catch Richter coming off with a clothesline but Richter ducked the move and came back and caught Mimi with a flying crossbody. Richter for the pin. 1...2...thr... Morgan hit the ring and stomped Richter in the back of the head to break up the pin try. Richter rolled off of Mimi and the champ was holding the back of her head.

Combs hit the ring and tackled Morgan to the mat as the fans cheered. Combs got some licks in on Morgan before Morgan wriggled free, rolled out of the ring and dropped to the floor. Combs left the ring and chased Morgan around the ring.

Back in the squared circle: Richter rolled over and on her side holding the back of her head. Mimi up and booted Richter in the back. Mimi snapped Richter up by the hair and Richter stunned Mimi with a boot to the gut.

On the floor: Combs caught Morgan and started pounding the hell out of Heidi Lee.

In the ring: Richter laid into Mimi with a series of forearms to the chest. Richter went to whip Mimi into the corner but Mimi reversed and sent Richter crashing front-first into the buckles. Richter staggered backwards out of the corner and Mimi grabbed Richter by the back of the hair, yanked it and sent Richter crashing backwards onto the mat. Richter's head bounced off the canvas. Richter again rolled over on her side grabbing the back of her head. Mimi rolled the champ over on her back, covered her and hooked the leg. 1...

Combs saw what was happening in the ring and stopped her beating of Heidi Lee Morgan and climbed up on the apron.

...2...

Morgan recovered enough on the floor and lunged over and grabbed Combs' leg to keep her from breaking up the pin try.

...3!

Ref called for the bell as most in the crowd booed but some cheered.

Mimi jumped victoriously to her feet.

Morgan was able to yank Combs off the apron and Combs' face slammed into the apron and she crashed to the floor.

Ref raised Mimi's hand in victory.

Mimi started to strut around in the ring with her fists raised high in the air.

Ref took the AWA World Title belt from the ring announcer and Mimi yanked the title out of the ref's hands. Mimi stood over the downed, hurting Richter and held the belt in the air with one hand while pointing at herself with the the other as the crowd booed.

Mimi then dropped the title down next to Richter.

Nelson then intro'd comments from the victorious Mimi.

VIDEO:

Mimi was in-studio, in street clothes and holding a mic.

Highlight from the Mimi Promo...

Mimi: Richter! I beat you last week when the title wasn't on the line!

But the next time we meet it will be! The end result will be the same! But this time I'm walking out of the ring as the NEW AWA Women's World Champion!

Video clip aired of Brad Rheingans wrestling with the caption: THE OLYMPIAN SEES ACTION,,,NEXT!

Commercials

Back from commercials...

Brad Rheingans squashed Mike Boyette via pinfall with a bridging cradle suplex (Perfect Plex) - TIME: 2:02

Post-Match Interview w/ Lee Marshall at ringside:

Rheingans said that Larry Zbysko better start preparing because Ken Patera is coming back sooner than he thinks.

This brought Zbysko to ringside and he and Rheingans had a heated exchange and Zbysko said Patera's been out for so long that he's forgotten all about him.

Zbysko told Rheingans that he'll believe Patera's coming back when he sees Patera in person in the ring.

Rheingans said that Zbysko better get ready because he's gonna see Patera up close and personal very soon.

Zbysko told Rheingans he wasn't going to lose any sleep over it and Zbysko then walked off.

AWA logo appeared on the screen with the caption: THE MAIN EVENT IS NEXT!

Commercials/Market-Specific Promos for upcoming shows

Back from commercials...

TV MAIN EVENT (Non-Title): The Destruction Crew (WTTC) vs. Hector & Mando Guerrero

The Guerreros took the fight to the champs from the opening bell and controlled the first couple of minutes of action.

The Crew fought their way back into the match and each team held serve throughout in this see-saw affair.

The champs took a couple of shortcuts during the match that helped them gain brief control during the bout.

The Guerreros made a strong showing and gave the champs all they could handle.

End of the match saw Hector Guerrero and Wayne Bloom the legal men in the ring.

After some brief back-and-forth action, Hector briefly got the upper hand and went to whip Bloom into the ropes but Bloom reversed and blasted Hector coming off with a big clothesline. Hector crashed to the mat. Bloom for the cover. 1...2...thr... Hector kicked out. Crowd cheered.

Bloom snapped Hector up, whipped Hector into the ropes and looked to catch Hector coming off with a backdrop but Hector instead caught Bloom in a sunset flip try. After a brief struggle, Hector flipped Bloom over for the pin. 1...2... Enos hit the ring and kicked Hector in the back to break up the pin try.

Mando hit the ring and blasted Enos with a dropkick. Enos crashed to the mat in the ring. Mando caught Enos with some stomps. Ref got Mando off of Enos and ref tried to get Enos out of the ring.

Bloom picked up Hector and was holding Hector in the horizontal position. As the ref was distracted with Enos, Mando turned and dropkicked his brother in the back. Bloom crashed to the mat with Hector on top of him for the pin try. Ref got Enos out of the ring. Mando back to his corner. Ref turned and saw Hector covering the stunned Bloom. Ref quickly dropped to the mat as Hector hooked the leg. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell as the fans cheered wildly for the Guerrero brothers.

Hector up and started jumping around and Mando came in and joined the celebration and the two brothers hugged. Ref came over and raised both men's hand in victory as the stunned tag champs looked on from the floor as the program came to a close.

WINNER: Guerrero Bros. - TIME: 12:21

END PROGRAM

Captain Kremmen · February 24, 2020

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

From 1981, it's Hulk Hogan vs. Ken Patera in an arm wrestling challenge:

ENJOY!

joshbrady91 · February 25, 2020

I love the "AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!" segments.

Captain Kremmen · February 25, 2020

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="joshbrady91" data-cite="joshbrady91" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46935" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I love the "AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!" segments.</div></blockquote> Thanks for the kind words. I post them so people can see what the AWA was like in its heyday.

Captain Kremmen · February 27, 2020

AWA ALL-STAR WRESTLING SYNDICATED TAPING RESULTS - STEVENS POINT, WI - QUANDT FIELD HOUSE - UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STEVENS POINT

Since I'm not sure how they handled the taping schedules back then, I'm just going to pretend the syndicated tapings run a week behind the Showboat tapings. Example: The second week Showboat taping would air the same week the first syndicated taping would air, etc.

(* It was announced before the show that the Destruction Crew had won the World Tag Team Titles a few days earlier at the ESPN tapings in Vegas.)

In-Studio Host: Larry Nelson

Match Commentator: Lee Marshall

Color Commentator: Lord James Blears

4th Taping

In-Studio - Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program:

TV MAIN EVENT: Derrick Dukes (Top Guns) vs. Pat Tanaka (Badd Company)

IRON CLAW SHOWDOWN: Baron Von Raschke vs. Manny Fernandez

PLUS!

Don Muraco wrestles

A look back at the Guerrero Bros. defeating the tag champs the Destruction Crew last week in a non-title match and a major announcement coming out of that match

A look back at Tom Zenk backing up his words against Col. DeBeers from AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN in Vegas plus comments from both men

AND MORE!

Nelson then sent it to Stevens Point, WI:

Jerry Blackwell won a squash over Tom Stone via pinfall when the 'Mountain from Stone Mountain' hit Stone with a running splash in the corner - TIME: 1:38

Post-Match Interview at ringside w/ Lee Marshall:

Marshall asked Blackwell where he'd been the last several months. Blackwell said he'd been attending to personal matters but was back and ready to rumble in the AWA.

Marshall brought up Blackwell defeating his long-time nemesis Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey in a match in Vegas recently.

As Blackwell talked about the match, Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey made his way to the ring in his Arab garb. Crowd booed his appearance.

Kaissey confronted Blackwell.

Kaissey: Jerry Blackwell! You may have defeated me in Sin City Las Vegas! But, let me tell you something, big man! This fight is not over! Oh no! You return and the hatred is renewed between us!

And...I will have a BIG surprise for you very soon, you dirty American scum!

Blackwell: What did you call me, Sheik?!

Kaissey: You heard me!

Blackwell: If you hate this country so much...see that sign over yonder?!

Blackwell pointed at an exit sign in the small arena.

Blackwell: It says 'exit'! Feel free to leave America at any time!

Kaissey: I go where I want to go and I get what I want! Watch your back, Jerry, you are a marked man!

Kaissey stormed off.

Marshall asked Blackwell about Kaissey's cryptic remarks and Blackwell responded that he doesn't know what Kaissey has planned, but that he'd be ready for whatever Kaissey threw at him.

Video clip aired of footage from Zenk confronting Col. DeBeers in Vegas with the caption: ZENK ZAPS THE COLONEL...NEXT!

Commercials/Market-Specific Promos for upcoming shows

Back from commercials...

In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd video footage from Vegas of the recent confrontation between Tom Zenk and Col. DeBeers.

VIDEO:

Col. DeBeers defeated Gino Carabello in a squash match via pinfall with his face-first piledriver finisher

After the match: DeBeers gestured and called for Larry Nelson. Nelson climbed up on the apron with mic in hand.

DeBeers: No one tells the good Colonel what to do!

This piece of trash here, what's his name?!

Nelson: Gino Carabello.

Carabello was still down in the ring feeling the effects of DeBeers' finisher.

DeBeers: Carabello is a disgrace to this sport and his people! And now I've got to make an example of him!

DeBeers went over and grabbed the ref, who was checking on Carabello, and threw the ref through the top and middle rope and the ref crashed to the floor. DeBeers put the boots to the still down Carabello and then left the ring for the floor and went over and grabbed the ring bell off the timekeeper's table. DeBeers climbed back into the ring with the bell as Carabello was getting up. DeBeers smashed Carabello across the back with the ring bell and Carabello crashed back down to the mat. DeBeers then positioned the bell in the middle of the ring. DeBeers went over and quick-stomped Carabello and then DeBeers grabbed his hapless foe.

Lee Marshall: Is DeBeers going to face-first piledrive Carabello into the ring bell?!

Lord James Blears: If he succeeds in doing this, Lee, he might not only end the man's career, he could possibly end the man's life.

DeBeers positioned Carabello for the extremely dangerous move. Crowd popped as Tom Zenk, in his ring gear, charged down the face aisle and hit the ring, came up behind DeBeers and blasted DeBeers with a forearm smash to the back. DeBeers lost his grip on Carabello and Carabello went down helplessly to the mat. Zenk spun DeBeers around and laid into the Colonel with a series of head shots, whipped DeBeers into the ropes and blasted DeBeers coming off with a big clothesline. DeBeers crashed to the mat as most in the crowd popped. A stunned DeBeers made it to his feet and Zenk hit him with a running clothesline. DeBeers back down. Zenk went over and grabbed the ring bell as a shaky DeBeers made it slowly to his feet. DeBeers saw Zenk with the ring bell and the Colonel started to back/beg off as Zenk slowly moved in. DeBeers backed into the corner. Zenk looked to the crowd for approval and got it and Zenk went to hit DeBeers over the head with the ring bell but DeBeers lunged out of the way and the bell slammed into the top turnbuckle. DeBeers bailed from the ring to the floor and ran/stumbled back up the heel aisle. Zenk left the ring, bell still in hand, dropped to the floor and watched DeBeers vanish into the back.

Nelson then intro'd comments from Zenk.

VIDEO:

In-Studio: Tom Zenk was standing in the AWA interview area in street clothes with mic in hand.

Zenk: Col. DeBeers! I told you what was going to happen to you if you kept on taking advantage of wrestlers after you had already defeated them!

Your actions could not go without a response!

And to try and face-first piledrive a man into the ring bell! You could have maimed Gino Carabello...or worse...if I, or someone else, didn't come out there and put a stop to it!

There are a lot of bad guys in this sport!

But Col. DeBeers, you're not only bad, you're also evil! Only and evil man would try to crush a man's face into a piece of solid steel! And evil must never be allowed to go unchallenged!

Now the Col. knows! If he tries to seriously harm someone else who is not in a position to fight back...he'd better look over his shoulder...because I will be there to make sure it doesn't happen!

Nelson then intro'd comments from DeBeers.

In-Studio: Col. DBeers was in his camo military attire and beret.

DeBeers: One thing no has ever accused Tom Zenk is being very bright.

This...is a man who pumps himself full of chemicals to get the look he wants.

Look up the word 'narcissist' and you'll see Zenk's picture.

But, all that aside, Mr. Zenk needs to know that he just made the worst mistake of his entire career.

You don't mess with the Colonel without there being some sort of blowback!

And Tom Zenk is gonna wish he'd never stuck his nose in my business!

You've got my attention, Zenk! And for you...it's not gonna be the kind of attention you're gonna like!

See you around...you synthetic freak!

In-Studio: Nelson commented that the feud between Zenk and the Col. was now off-the-charts hot and it will be interesting to see how DeBeers responds to what Zenk did to him.

Split-screen video aired of Baron Von Raschke and Manny Fernandez with the caption: THE IRON CLAW SHOWDOWN...NEXT!

Commercials

Back from commercials...

IRON CLAW SHOWDOWN: Baron Von Raschke vs. Manny Fernandez

Lee Marshall and Lord James Blears related the backstory of what led to this challenge.

(Read the backstory at Taping 3 of the current All-Star Wrestling tapings.)

Both men were already in the ring.

Ring announcer intro'd Manny Fernandez.

Fernandez was mainly booed but had a few supporters in the crowd.

Fernandez was in a t-shirt, tights and ring boots, stepped forward, raised his fist in the air and shouted: Viva La Raza!

Ring announcer then intro'd Baron Von Raschke to cheers from most of the crowd.

Von Raschke was in his red and black ring robe, red and black leg-length tights and black ring boots.

Von Raschke did the goose step and raised his right hand in the air in the claw position.

Fernandez got on the mic.

Fernandez: Hey, man! Is that your claw hold or are you just having a bout of arthritis in that hand because you're a relic! Hahaha!

Fernandez started walking around in the ring slowly and slightly bent over and holding his back like he was an old man.

Fernandez pointed and laughed at the Baron.

Fernandez: One more thing, grandpa...I mean Baron! I got you something for you!

Fernandez reached into the neck of his t-shirt and pulled out a pair of granny glasses.

Fernandez: You might need these to see where to properly apply the claw on me! Hahahaha!

Baron put his hand out. Fernandez handed him the glasses. Baron briefly looked over the glasses and then threw them on the mat and stomped them to the delight of the crowd.

Fernandez: What are you doing?! Those things cost me a buck twenty-five!

Baron kept glaring at Fernandez and and opening and closing his right hand into the claw position. The two men glared at one another and referee Marty Miller stepped in between them and ordered both men to stand back.

Announcer Lee Marshall said that ref Miller was needed in order to check if Fernandez does pass out in the hold according to wrestling rules (lift the arm three times to see if he's out).

Baron removed his robe.

Miller gestured for the Iron Claw Showdown to begin!!!

The two men moved towards one another and just as Baron started to apply the claw, Manny pulled back and out of Baron's grasp. Miller told Fernandez to let Baron apply the hold.

The two men moved towards one another once more and Baron started to apply the claw again when Fernandez slipped out of the hold once more and Fernandez, borrowing from the Larry Zbysko playbook, bailed from the ring to the floor to strong boos from the intimate crowd. Fernandez walked around on the floor as Baron came over by the ropes and angrily yelled and gestured for Fernandez to get back in the ring. Marty Miller also told Fernandez to get back in the ring. Miller ordered Baron to stand back and Baron did as ordered. Fernandez grabbed the top rope and climbed up on a knee on the apron when Baron came over and tried to grab him but Fernandez got away once more. Boos grew louder as Fernandez paced the floor. Baron getting frustrated in the ring as Miller kept the German at bay.

Fernandez finally climbed back up on the apron and quickly made his way back into the ring and walked right up to the Baron.

Fernandez picked up on a mic.

Fernandez: Go ahead! Put that claw of yours on me, you goose stepping geezer! You ain't puttin' me out!

Fernandez gestured to his forehead area and then gestured with his hands for Baron to bring it.

And the Baron brought it...

The Baron locked Fernandez in the claw and almost immediately Fernandez tried to pull Baron's vice-like right hand off his head but failed to do so.

Crowd into it...

Fernandez kept trying to escape the hold and was even able to maneuver over by the ropes and got a leg out on the apron in an effort to break the hold and get away from the Baron but Baron kept the hold firmly locked on and pulled Fernandez back into the ring using just the claw.

Fernandez yelled out in pain and again tried to pull Baron's hand off his head to no avail.

Fernandez kept fighting furiously a little longer but the life started to drain out of the Ragin' Bull.

Fernandez's arms went limp by his side and he dropped to his knees in the hold.

Crowd wanted to see the Baron finish this asshole off once and for all.

Fernandez was on his knees and appeared to be in a weakening state and on the verge of going out when he suddenly found the strength to hit the Baron with a low blow.

Baron quickly lost his grip on the hold and crashed to the mat holding his privates.

As Fernandez shook out the effects of the hold and slowly made it to his feet, a shaky Baron slowly got to a knee. Fernandez moved in and booted Baron in the side of the face. Baron back down on the mat. Ref Miller tried to step in and break things up but he was flattened by a punch to the face from Fernandez. Fernandez put the boots to the downed Baron and then dropped down and struck him with a few head shots. Baron battered.

Fernandez went over and quickly untied the tag rope in the corner. Fernandez moved around behind Baron as a dazed and confused Baron unsteadily made it to his feet. Baron up and Fernandez moved in and started strangling Baron with the tag rope. Baron gasping for breath and trying to escape the makeshift noose.

Crowd popped as Wahoo McDaniel, in his ring attire, hit the ring. Wahoo came up behind Fernandez, grabbed Fernandez and pulled him off the Baron. Baron fell over against the ropes with the tag rope still around his neck. Wahoo laid into Fernandez with a blistering series of stiff chest chops that sent Fernandez crashing to the mat and then scurrying out of the ring to the safety of the floor.

Wahoo glared out at Fernandez as Fernandez was holding his battered red chest.

Fernandez picked up on a mic.

Fernandez (angrily): This was none of your business, Wahoo!

Fernandez winced in agony.

Wahoo briefly continued to glare at Fernandez as other refs came to the ring to help the Baron and ref Miller. Wahoo turned his attention to the hurting pair in the ring as well and mainly focused his attention on his friend the Baron.

Shot of an enraged Fernandez looking on from the floor as the segment ended.

Commercials/Market-Specific promos for upcoming shows

Back from commercials...

Don Muraco defeated Jose Estrada via pinfall with the inverted piledriver - TIME: 3:40

Post-Match interview at ringside w/ Lee Marshall:

Muraco talked about big things starting to happen in the AWA and that he's excited to be a part of it. Said he's still looking for a partner to go after the AWA Tag Titles.

In-Studio Promo: Jonnie Stewart talked about being the future of wrestling and being the man who will carry the sport on his back into the 1990's. It will be the 'Decade of Jonnie'.

Stewart reminded viewers that his name was Jonnie without an 'h'.

Video clip aired from last week's tag match between champs the Destruction Crew and the Guerrero Bros. with the caption: UPSET CITY...NEXT!

Commercials

Back from commercials...

In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd video of last week's match between the AWA Tag Champs The Destruction Crew and the Guerrero Bros.

VIDEO:

End of the match saw Hector Guerrero and Wayne Bloom the legal men in the ring.

After some brief back-and-forth action, Hector briefly got the upper hand and went to whip Bloom into the ropes but Bloom reversed and blasted Hector coming off with a big clothesline. Hector crashed to the mat. Bloom for the cover. 1...2...thr... Hector kicked out. Crowd cheered.

Bloom snapped Hector up, whipped Hector into the ropes and looked to catch Hector coming off with a backdrop but Hector instead caught Bloom in a sunset flip try. After a brief struggle, Hector flipped Bloom over for the pin. 1...2... Enos hit the ring and kicked Hector in the back to break up the pin try.

Mando hit the ring and blasted Enos with a dropkick. Enos crashed to the mat in the ring. Mando caught Enos with some stomps. Ref got Mando off of Enos and ref tried to get Enos out of the ring.

Bloom picked up Hector and was holding Hector in the horizontal position. As the ref was distracted with Enos, Mando turned and dropkicked his brother in the back. Bloom crashed to the mat with Hector on top of him for the pin try. Ref got Enos out of the ring. Mando back to his corner. Ref turned and saw Hector covering the stunned Bloom. Ref quickly dropped to the mat as Hector hooked the leg. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell as the fans cheered wildly for the Guerrero brothers.

Hector up and started jumping around and Mando came in and joined the celebration and the two brothers hugged. Ref came over and raised both men's hand in victory as the stunned tag champs looked on from the floor as the program came to a close.

In-Studio: Nelson announced that because of the Guerreros win over the Crew in the non-title affair, the Destruction Crew will be facing the Guerrero Brothers...this time with the titles on the line...at the next AWA show at the Showboat Sports Pavilion in Las Vegas!

Split-screen pics aired of Derrick Dukes and Pat Tanaka with the caption: DUKES VS. TANAKA IS NEXT!

Commercials/Market-Specific Promos for upcoming shows

TV MAIN EVENT: Derrick Dukes vs. Pat Tanaka

Tanaka, in this ring duds, came to the ring first with his manager Dallas Page to boos. Page had his trusty cane with him. Tanaka wrestles barefoot.

Dukes, in his ring attire, came to the ring with Ricky Rice, who was in street clothes, to decent amount of cheers.

Rice was at ringside to keep an eye on Page.

As soon as the bell rang, Dukes and Tanaka tore into each with punches. Dukes gained the early advantage and knocked Tanaka out of the ring. Page came over and checked on his man.

As the match progressed, it became a volatile see-saw affair.

At one point, Tanaka sent Dukes down to the floor and when Dukes was on his hands and knees, Page came over and gave Dukes a good, swift kick in the ribs while Tanaka baited Rice, who jumped up on the ring apron and Rice and Tanaka had words and Rice took a swipe at Tanaka and missed. DDP grabbed Dukes and threw Dukes back into the ring. Ref got Rice off the apron and Tanaka went back to work on Dukes and took control of the match the next few minutes but couldn't put Dukes away.

At the end of the match, Tanaka was on the offensive. Tanaka worked Dukes over and then blasted Dukes with a roundhouse kick to the back of the head. Dukes crashed to the mat. Tanaka for the cover. 1...2...thr... Dukes kicked out. Fans cheered. Tanaka snapped Dukes up and went to whip Dukes into the ropes but Dukes reversed and caught Tanaka coming off with a powerslam. Tanaka laid out. The ref was looking at Tanaka as Dukes ran and hit the ropes. DDP reached into the ring and clipped Dukes' leg. Dukes crashed to the mat. Rice charged over and jumped Page and started pounding Page as the fans cheered.

Paul Diamond, in his ring gear, charged down to ringside and attacked Rice. Page freed from Rice's grasp. Rice and Diamond started brawling up the aisle. Dukes got to his feet as Page climbed up on the ring apron. Ref went over and ordered Page off the apron. Page started arguing with the ref. Dukes went over and Page slapped Dukes in the chops and Dukes wasted no time dropping Page with a right to the jaw. Page hit the apron and then the floor. Dukes looked down at Page writhing in pain on the concrete.

However, behind Dukes, Tanaka had recovered and was standing at the ready. Dukes turned and walked right into a brain rattling superkick from Tanaka. Dukes crashed to the mat. Tanaka for the cover and hooked the leg. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell as the fans booed.

An exhausted Tanaka to his feet and the ref raised his hand in victory. Rice and Diamond had taken their brawl to the back. A hurting Page managed to get to his feet and lean against the apron and cheered on his man. Shot of the still down Dukes aired as the program ended.

WINNER: Tanaka - TIME: 11:00

END PROGRAM

DARK MATCHES

AWA WORLD TITLE MATCH: Sgt. Slaughter (WC) def. Larry Zbysko via pinfall with the Slaughter Cannon - TIME: 19:12

$50,000 BATTLE ROYAL - PARTICIPANTS: The Destruction Crew, Top Guns, Badd Company, Hector & Mando Guerrero, Tom Zenk, Col. DeBeers, Greg Gagne. Brad Rheingans, Jonnie Stewart, Wahoo McDaniel, Manny Fernandez, Tommy Jammer, Tommy Rich. Don Muraco, Jerry Blackwell, Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey

WINNER: Jerry Blackwell - Eliminated Jonnie Stewart by throwing Stewart over the top rope down to the floor - TIME: 13:08

ATTENDANCE: 1,004 (REALLY bad)

joshbrady91 · February 28, 2020

I really enjoy reading your shows, great work. Shame about the poor attendance, if it makes you feel any better, if I were in town, I'd have bought tickets.

Captain Kremmen · February 29, 2020

SPRING 1989

VERNE GAGNE'S HOME ON LAKE MINNETONKA

Verne Gagne was sitting at his desk in his home office. He'd just returned earlier that morning from the previous night's tapings of All-Star Wrestling in Stevens Point, WI.

He was staring at a cashier's check he had in his hands in the amount of $7,500 USD.

The check was not for Verne. Oh no! This was a check Verne had drawn up and was about to send to someone else.

And in the cash-strapped AWA...it was a lot of money!

Verne Gagne, to use Vegas speak, was about to take a serious gamble. He was hoping the money would re-open a line of communication with a specific individual to see if that person would come back and work a series of dates for the seriously struggling AWA.

Verne had an idea he hoped would spark a strong upswing in business.

He kept this idea to himself for now. Hadn't told anyone, not even son Greg, what he wanted to do.

Verne knew the $7,500 dollars would be just the start in trying to lure this man back into the fold. There was anger and bitterness involved here and Verne knew he had to tread carefully. It was going to take a major good faith effort on his part to win this man's confidence back. He'd been burned by Verne before and deep down Verne knew he'd burned him.

Re-building the bridge Verne had blown up with this man was going to take time to re-build.

But considering the current state of the AWA, time was something the company was borrowing right now just to stay alive.

Maybe time was something Verne didn't really have in this case and he'd have to re-build that bridge in hyper-drive in an effort to get this man to return to the AWA.

Verne Gagne took the pricey cashier's check, got up and headed out the door to mail it via overnight air. He wanted the check to arrive at its destination as quickly as possible.

But Verne also had something else on his mind...

Barry Shenkarow, successful businessman and the owner of the NHL's Winnipeg Jets, was going to fly Verne and Greg in his private plane up to his offices in Winnipeg, Manitoba in a few days.

In phone discussions with Verne, Shenkarow made it clear that he wanted to meet face-to-face with the promoter and make his offer to buy the AWA and share his vision for the promotion moving forward.

If Verne accepted Shenkarow's offer and sold the AWA to him, that would render his plans null and void to bring this wrestler, a wrestler who truly had unfinished business with Verne, back to the company.

Either way...something was about to give.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Captain Kremmen · March 3, 2020

SPRING 1989

MEMPHIS, TN

It was the day after Verne Gagne sent the cashier's check via overnight mail to its intended recipient.

A UPS driver pulled up in front of a fancy home in an upscale neighborhood in Memphis.

The driver got out of the truck carrying the envelope Verne had mailed. The driver walked to the front door and rang the bell.

After a few seconds, a woman opened the door.

UPS Driver: I need you to sign for this letter, please.

The woman said 'OK', was handed a pen by the driver and signed the driver's log showing the envelope had been delivered.

The woman was handed the envelope and she and the driver exchanged courtesies. The driver went back to his truck, got in and drove off on another delivery.

The woman closed the door and walked back to the kitchen.

Paula's her name. She's a stunning beauty. And on this morning, she's wearing a short robe that barely goes past her ass.

It was 20 minutes of 10 in the morning.

Paula placed the envelope on the kitchen counter and grabbed her coffee and resumed her morning caffeine ritual. She saw the letter was for her husband Jerry.

Paula: Jerry.

Jerry was still in the bedroom.

Jerry: What?

Paula: There's a letter here for you. It was sent overnight mail. Looks like it might be important.

Jerry came into the kitchen wearing a t-shirt, blue sweat pants and white socks.

He greeted his lovely wife with a morning kiss.

Paula: This is it.

Paula handed Jerry the envelope and Jerry looked it over.

Jerry: It's from Minneapolis.

Paula: Who's it from?

Jerry squinted at the envelope.

Jerry: The address is smeared. But it is from Minneapolis.

Jerry went over and sat down at the kitchen table and carefully opened the mailing envelope. He pulled out a blank standard white envelope that had not been sealed.

Jerry reached into the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper.

As Jerry unfolded the paper, the cashier's check for $7,500 USD fell out on the table.

Jerry picked up the check and looked at it for a moment.

He then read the note that was written on the piece of paper.

Paula: What is it, Jerry?

Jerry just kept reading.

The note said:

Jerry,

Enclosed is a cashier's check in the amount of $7500.00.

This is your payment for your match with Kerry Von Erich at SuperClash 3.

I am sorry this is so late in coming.

As you know, we are struggling mightily right now.

I came up with an idea that I'd like to talk to you about. It revolves around you never having actually dropped the belt.

I think we could do some business built around that premise.

If you're interested, please call me at 612-555-1264.

Would also like to clear the air with you, Jerry. Hoping we can put the past behind us and work together in the future.

All the best.

Sincerely,

Verne Gagne

Jerry: It's from Verne Gagne.

Paula: Verne Ga... Wait. He never paid you for your match at the AWA pay-per-view. What does he want?

Jerry: Well, this check here is my payment for doing SuperClash.

Jerry handed Paula the check. Paula looked it over.

Paula: $7500 dollars! That's it?! To main event a pay-per-view?!

Jerry: I agree it's a little low.

Paula: A little...

Jerry: Paula, the show was not a success at the box office or on pay-per-view.

Paula: Still...they probably pulled in a million or close to it when everything is added up.

Jerry shrugged.

Paula: And what does Verne 'I'll gladly pay you next Tuesday' Gagne want?

Jerry: He wants me to come back and work for him. Wants me to come back with the AWA belt and claim I'm still the champion because I never lost the title.

Paula: You're not gonna do it, are you?

Jerry: I'm gonna talk to him. Feel him out a little and see where things stand right now.

Paula: He's already burned you once before. The only reason he probably sent that check to you now is because he wants to do business with you.

Jerry nodded from side to side.

Jerry: You're right, babe. Verne's a desperate man these days.

Jerry stared at the note from Verne and contemplated his next move.

Paula: Better be careful, hon.

Jerry: Careful of what?

Paula: When you go to deposit that check at the bank it might bounce higher than the World Trade Center towers.

Jerry chuckled.

Jerry: If that happened, then you wouldn't have to worry about me even considering going back. I'm sure this is good.

Paula: I don't like it. I've heard he has a history of sometimes screwing over the wrestlers on pay.

Jerry: So...you're telling me he's your run-of-the-mill wrestling promoter.

Paula laughed.

Paula: I still think you should have made more for the match.

Oh! And you're a wrestling promoter, mister.

The pair laughed.

Jerry: So do I. But $7,500 sounds a lot better than zero.

Paula: I guess.

You deal with that man, then you better get paid something up front and a written binding agreement between you two.

Jerry: I'll call him. What's the worst that can happen?

Paula: Guess we're about to find out.

Jerry again looked down at the note and re-read it.

TO BE CONTINUED...

To see how white hot Paula was during this time, click on this video:

Oh! And Paula's the one in the Dolphins jacket.

#############################

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

From 1980, it's Bobby Heenan vs. Lord Alfred Hayes:

ENJOY!

Captain Kremmen · March 4, 2020

See Post #138.

Captain Kremmen · March 4, 2020

SPRING 1989

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA

Verne and Greg Gagne arrived in Winnipeg just after noon on Winnipeg Jets' owner Barry Shenkarow's private plane.

The pair didn't bother to bring luggage as they knew they were being flown back to Minneapolis later that evening.

Verne and Greg were driven to Shenkarow's business offices in a black town car.

The pair sat in the office waiting area for about 30 minutes before Shenkarow came down the hall and greeted the pair personally and led them back to his office.

Verne and Greg couldn't help but be impressed by the pricey surroundings they found themselves in.

Shenkarow said they would be eating lunch in a few minutes in the office. A server came in and asked the three men how they liked their roast beef. All agreed upon medium rare.

The trio made small talk as they waited. 20 minutes after walking into Shenkarow's personal office lunch arrived.

The three men sat at a table and dined on a lunch of huge medium rare roast beef sandwiches on large kaiser rolls with their choice of condiments (au jus, mustard, mayo, straight or creamed horse radish), different cheeses, lettuce, tomato, onion, etc., hearty steak fries, a caesar salad prepared fresh right at the table and delicious mud pie with hot fudge on the side for dessert. They could wash down their lunch with coffee, hot tea, iced tea, soda or an adult beverage from Shenkarow's own private stash.

During lunch, the trio avoided discussing the sale of the AWA and Shenkarow's plans for the company should he buy it. Intsead, Shenkarow talked about owning an NHL team and Verne and Greg talked about life in the wrestling business.

After the meal was over, Shenkarow invited the men over to sit on the couch. Verne and Greg took their drinks and walked over and sat on the obviously expensive couch. Shenkarow sat in an obviously expensive chair.

After a little more small talk, Shenkarow shifted the subject.

Shenkarow: Let's talk about a purchase price for the AWA, shall we?

Verne: Sounds good.

Shenkarow: I know that Jeff Smulyan offered you less than $2 million to by the promotion. That was definitely a low-ball offer.

Verne and Greg both nodded in agreement.

Shenkarow: So, I am prepared right now to offer you, Verne, for the entire AWA, including the TV contracts, merchandise and tape library...$2,750,000 dollars.

Greg whistled.

Verne: Wow! That's a generous offer, Barry.

Just curious. Where would you move the company's base of operations?

Shenkarow: I was thinking of keeping it right where it is and leasing the office space.

To Verne this was sounding better and better. Greg was feeling the same way.

Verne: It's definitely an offer to seriously consider.

Shenkarow: Please, take a few days to think about it, Verne. This is a big business transaction.

Verne: I appreciate your patience on this matter. We'd like to talk to the rest of the family about this.

Shenkarow: You do just that.

Now, I'd like to lay out my plans for the AWA if I buy it.

Greg: We're all ears.

Shenkarow: As you know, Vince McMahon presents a fairly cartoonish version of professional wrestling.

Verne: Tell me about it.

Shenkarow: Whether one likes it or not, this appears to be the wave of the future.

Greg: Cartoon wrestling?

Shenkarow: Yes.

Verne: But difference is good in this business. By being different you offer fans an alternative.

Shenkarow: Well, I will be offering fans an alternative.

Greg: How so?

Shenkarow: The AWA will become a major player again by being more cartoonish than the WWF!

Verne leaned forward. All the good vibrations of a few minutes ago had vanished.

Verne: Can you be more specific?

Shenkarow: Sure, all the wrestlers will be cartoon-like characters.

For instance: Larry Zbysko will become an evil Italian chef who speaks with a thick Italian accent, that will be exaggerated, of course. He will wrestle in a white chef's outfit. And...get this...he will wear a tall chef's hat to the ring and wrestle with it on! There's more! He will also bring a kitchen utensil to the ring with him that he can use as a weapon during the match, like a rolling pin, cheese grater, loaded spatula.

Verne and Greg looked at each other with disappointed looks on their faces.

Shenkarow: Sgt. Slaughter would become a real life GI Joe! Since he has an action figure in the GI Joe line these days, we'd have him come to the ring in a toy box similar to the one his action figure is sold in.

Verne now gritting his teeth.

Shenkarow: The Top Guns would come to the ring dressed like the Tom Cruise character in the movie Top Gun. And they would pepper their interviews with lines from the movie.

Badd Company would become a comedy tag team like the Bushwhackers in the WWF.

Greg: Even as heels?!

Verne slapped his bald head in frustration.

Shenkarow (puzzled): As what?

Verne: Never mind.

Shenkarow: Some other ideas include making Wahoo McDaniel more like the Lone Ranger's sidekick Tonto. He'll speak like Tonto and carry a tomahawk to the ring.

Greg (sarcastically): You sure won't be hearing from AIM* about that one.

Verne (also sarcastically): Or Wahoo.

Shenkarow: You think that might a be a problematic idea, huh?

Verne (with a forced smile): Never know until you try.

Shenkarow: I see Manny Fernandez as a bandido. He'd be wearing an over-sized sombrero and a couple of bandoleers crossing his chest. And he would say things like: Holy frejoles! like Speedy Gonzalez on those old Warner Brothers cartoons.

Greg looked on in astonishment while Verne remained as stoic as possible.

Verne: Please continue.

Shenkarow: Col. DeBeers would become more like Col. Klink on Hogan's Heroes.

Dallas Page would dress like a Southern plantation owner, complete with big cigar.

We could have Don Muraco wrestle in swim trunks and carry a surfboard to the ring. He'd also have that white sunscreen on his nose.

Oh! And here's the best part! Since he'd be a surfer dude...he'd come to the ring soaking wet...sometimes with a fish or seaweed sticking out of his trunks! How about that?! Hahahaha!

Verne and Greg laughed politely and then looked over at each other in disbelief.

Shenkarow: Since Ken Patera and Brad Rheingans were Olympians, we'd have them come to the ring pushing a wheel barrow full of gold medals!

Greg (joining the absurdity parade): What about Baron Von Raschke?

Verne shot a glare over at Greg and Greg just shrugged his shoulders.

Shenkarow: His name would be changed to Herman The German and he'd be a spy. He'd wear a long black trench coat, black fedora and black sunglasses like he was a spy. And he'd always deny he was Herman The German because he's a spy! Get it?!

Verne: Oh! We've got it, alright!

Shenkarow: And...I had an idea for you two.

Greg (sarcastically): Oh boy! Bet this is a good one!

Shenkarow: Even though I'd own the promotion, I'd still like to have you two working for the AWA.

Verne, you'll become the villain wrestling promoter of the company.

By now, Verne was almost numb listening to Shenkarow's plans.

Shenkarow: And you'll constantly be trying to put the World Title on your son until you finally succeed...by nefarious means, of course! We'll make you like a Snidely Whiplash-type of character.

Verne was poker faced.

Shenkarow: Greg.

Greg (sitting at attention): Can't wait for this!

Shenakrow: You're going to make a big deal out of being the promoter's son and always demanding special treatment. You'll be prone to tantrums and silly outbursts. One of things you'll do is, when you don't get your way, you'll roll around on the mat and scream or jump up and down or stomp your feet or go sulk in the corner next to the turnbuckles.

Greg: You've got quite a vision there, Barry.

Verne was now just staring straight ahead and not even looking at Shenkarow.

Shenkarow: Thank you. I think it will help the AWA be competitive with the WWF on a national scale.

Oh! I forgot about the announcers!

Verne: I'm on pins and needles.

Shenkarow: On one episode of the ESPN show, Larry Nelson will be hit on the head by a falling light as he enters the Showboat in Vegas. We'll film this. He'll be taken to the hospital. We'll give dramatic updates, like on a medical drama, about Nelson's condition. He'll return a few weeks later with amnesia with his head heavily bandaged and have a different persona, because of the amnesia, every week. It'll be hilarious!

Lee Marshall will do a Rodney Dangerfield No Respect routine and always be belittled by you, Verne.

And Lord James Blears will blow a bugle at times during commentary and be an awful lot like the Benny Hill character Fred Scuttle.

So...what do you think?

Greg quickly chimed in.

Greg: Interesting. Words can't describe it.

Verne was measured.

Verne: Well, it's something different from the norm in this sport. Gotta say I'm surprised.

Shenkarow: And the in-ring action will be very family friendly. No more blood. No more excessive violence. Just fun!

This is the future of wrestling, gentleman. I'm looking forward to being a part of it.

Verne: We'll get back to you with our decision about selling in a few days.

Shenkarow: That sounds great. Cannot wait to hear from you.

All three men stood up and Shenakrow showed them to the door of his office.

Shenkarow: Thank you for coming up here to Winnipeg to meet with me.

The three men shook hands.

Verne: Thank you for having us. Great lunch.

Greg: Yes! Everything was delicious. Thank you, Barry.

Shenkarow: My pleasure. Have a good trip back to Minneapolis.

Verne: We will.

Shenkarow: Tamara. Can you show these men out.

Verne: That's OK. We'll see ourselves out.

Shenkarow: Alright. Talk to you in a few days, Verne.

Verne nodded and Greg gave a half-assed wave. Shenkarow then closed the door to his office.

Verne and Greg headed for the elevator. There was silence.

Once in the elevator things changed.

Verne: You told him that words can't describe his plan for the AWA.

Greg: Yeah.

Verne: Well, I have a word for it: Shit!

I am not selling to that man!

Greg nodded in agreement but said nothing as the elevator continued its descent to the first floor.

A town car awaited the pair to take them to the airport and Shenkarow's private plane for the ride back to Minneapolis.

At least they got a passenger-free plane trip to Winnipeg and a fantastic lunch out of the deal.

TO BE CONTINUED...

(*AIM is the American Indian Movement.)

smartman · March 5, 2020

Whoops. Double post there. Seems like they actually met with Jim Herd. Good grief that's a horrific vision of pro wrestling. Bet that was great fun to write though. Now, we've got to find yet another buyer. Poor AWA. Maybe Lawler's check will bounce, and he can sue to get complete ownership of the AWA?

Theheel · March 5, 2020

Enter The Tennessee Stud Ron Fuller

GooverDan · March 5, 2020

Wow, that future that Shenkarow was seeing for AWA was really terrifying lol

Great series btw, I'm really invested in this.

Herrbear · March 5, 2020

I don't usually follow real world diaries but this one is interesting. I like it.

Captain Kremmen · March 6, 2020

Enter The Tennessee Stud Ron Fuller

I can guarantee you that the Fullers are not buying the AWA.

Wow, that future that Shenkarow was seeing for AWA was really terrifying lol

Great series btw, I'm really invested in this.

Glad it scared ya!

Thanks for reading.

I don't usually follow real world diaries but this one is interesting. I like it.

Glad I could convert you to reading a RW diary here.

Whoops. Double post there. Seems like they actually met with Jim Herd. Good grief that's a horrific vision of pro wrestling. Bet that was great fun to write though. Now, we've got to find yet another buyer. Poor AWA. Maybe Lawler's check will bounce, and he can sue to get complete ownership of the AWA?

We're on the same wavelength!

Jim Herd was my inspiration for Shenkarow's plans for the AWA.

Just needed 'Spartacus' Ric Flair and the Hunchbacks to make the nightmare complete.

Captain Kremmen · March 7, 2020

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

It was the morning after Verne and Greg Gagne returned from Winnipeg.

Verne was sitting at his desk in his office. Also there were his son Greg, Wally Karbo, TV producer Al Derusha and TV director Mike Shields.

All were sitting around in Verne's office chatting and drinking coffee.

Verne: Good morning, guys.

All the guys said 'good morning' to Verne.

Verne: Called this meeting to tell you what happened in Winnipeg with Barry Shenkarow.

Greg: To say it was interesting would be an understatement.

Verne: Ain't that the truth.

Wally: Well guys, give us the scoop.

Verne: Things got off to a great start with a terrific lunch and good conversation. We talked about our years in the wrestling business and Shenkarow talked about his life as a businessman and owner of the Winnipeg Jets.

Greg: On a personal level he was a pretty interesting guy. Love to hear some of his life stories over a few beers.

Verne: When we got down to business things got even better.

Shenakrow offered us almost $3 million for the AWA.

Al: That's over a million more than Smulyan offered.

Verne: Then things took a downturn.

Wally: Downturn? What he's offering for the business is right in your desired price range, Verne. Surprised the contract wasn't already signed to sell.

Verne: Well, Wally, he explained, in explicit detail, what he wanted to do with the AWA once he purchased it.

Greg: It was surreal. Couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Al: Details.

Verne: He wants to make the AWA more cartoonish than the WWF.

Wally: You'd really have to get extreme to do that.

Greg: And extreme is what he wants to do.

Verne: He wanted to turn Larry (Zbysko) into a heel Italian chef who wrestled wearing his chef's hat and carried kitchen items to the ring to use as weapons.

Greg: The loaded spatula. That was a classic.

Wally: He really said that?

Greg: Wait. It gets better.

Verne: He saw Don Muraco as a surfer dude. Wanted to turn Wahoo into Tonto from the Lone Ranger and have him speak like Tonto did.

Greg: Don't forget the tomahawk.

Verne: He wanted Wahoo to carry a tomahawk.

Al: Is there more?

Verne: Shenkarow envisioned Sgt. Slaughter as a living GI Joe action figure who would come to the ring in a box like the one an action figure would be sold in.

Greg: He saw Manny Fernandez coming to the ring wearing an over-sized sombrero and speaking like the cartoon character Speedy Gonzalez.

Verne: The Top Guns were gonna be like Tom Cruise in the movie Top Gun. Badd Company would become a comedy team like the Bushwhackers. The announcers were gonna be silly.

Greg: He wanted Lee Marshall to be like Rodney Dangerfield doing his No Respect routine.

Wally: Are you serious?

Verne: Very.

Oh yeah! He wanted Greg and myself to stay on and I'd play a heel promoter always trying to push his son to get the World Title.

And Greg would be a heel prone to tantrums and calling on me when things didn't go his way.

The other guys in the office were shaking their heads and also chuckling at the absurdity of it all.

Al: So, what's your verdict?

Verne: I'm not selling to him.

Wally: Verne, you don't know when another offer like this could come along.

Verne: I know. But I've invested 30 years in this promotion and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let some guy come along and do that to it! This is a pro wrestling company. We don't want to see it become WWF #2.

Al: But, Verne, think about this for a minute. Someone else could buy the promotion from you and do something similar. They just wouldn't tell you in advance. Once it's out of your hands...

Verne: I agree, Al. But to hear his plans, I was getting furious just sitting there. Wanted to reach over and slap him and ask what the hell was wrong with him.

I hope to sell to a person who will keep the emphasis on serious wrestling.

Wally: Are there other buyers on the horizon?

Verne: Not that I know of. Greg?

Greg shook his head 'no'.

Greg: Haven't heard about any other interested parties.

Verne: I'm calling Shenkarow in a couple of days to give him my answer.

Wally: It's obviously gonna be no.

Verne: It will be a resounding no.

Al: So, where do things stand for us right now, then?

Verne: That's the next item on the agenda.

I finally got around to paying off Jerry Lawler for his match with Kerry (Von Erich) at SuperClash 3.

Also included a note apologizing for being late in his payoff and telling him to contact me if he's interested in doing business in the future.

Wally: How much you pay him?

Verne: $7500.

Al: With money as tight as it is right now do you think that was a good idea?

Verne: It is if he's willing to come back and work for us for a limited number of dates.

Remember, when he left here he took the AWA belt with him. He never lost it to anyone.

So, my idea is to have him show up at the Showboat tapings one day and confront Sgt. Slaughter and let Slaughter know that he's the real AWA World Champion.

Al: What's the long-term plan for this if you've thought it out that far?

Verne: Simple, we book Lawler vs. Slaughter title unification matches in the major towns on our circuit in the hopes it significantly drives up ticket sales. Nothing gets decided at the house shows and it all culminates with a match at SuperClash 4.

Al: I don't know about going the pay-per-view route again at this time.

Verne: It's just something to consider right now.

I think what hurt the match at SuperClash 3, and it was an outstanding match, was the fact that Kerry Von Erich was no longer a major star. People were no longer interested in seeing him.

I believe Jerry vs. Sarge could do much better business.

Greg: So, no Valentine or Schultz right now?

Verne: They're on the backburner until I see if Jerry wants to do this.

Wally: Do you have a plan B if Lawler says no?

Verne: No. I'm zeroed in on this right now. Kind of an all or nothing deal.

Al: What have we got to lose?

Verne: That's the way I'm viewing it.

Wally: Is he gonna call you?

Verne: Hope so. The window on this will close quickly. The ball's in his court.

Greg: I'll check around and see if there are any other potential buyers out there.

Verne: Keep at it, son.

But as long as we run the AWA we've got to look for ways to keep it afloat.

TO BE CONTINUED...

brianc2008 · March 7, 2020

So Dallas Page would be Colonel Robert Parker? Hmm.

I have been keeping up with this diary. So far so good!

Theheel · March 7, 2020

Still think Ron Fuller would be a good answer if he wasn’t getting into hockey. He would treat it like wrestling but oh well.

I like the Lawler angle

Eddie Einhorn was my original money man idea, I’m sticking with it.

Captain Kremmen · March 8, 2020

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="brianc2008" data-cite="brianc2008" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46935" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So Dallas Page would be Colonel Robert Parker? Hmm. I have been keeping up with this diary. So far so good!</div></blockquote> Couldn't you picture DDP dressing and acting like ol' Col. Parker? *L* Thanks for reading. Glad you're enjoying it. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Theheel" data-cite="Theheel" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46935" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Still think Ron Fuller would be a good answer if he wasn’t getting into hockey. He would treat it like wrestling but oh well. I like the Lawler angle Eddie Einhorn was my original money man idea, I’m sticking with it.</div></blockquote> I never knew Ron Fuller was in hockey until you mentioned it in this post and I looked it up. Who knew that a wrestler was prominent in ultimately bringing the NHL to Nashville? I've been thinking about expanding on the Lawler situation but not sure I'm gonna move in that direction yet. Just think...ol' Eddie could have been the original Vince if things had gone his way in the '70s.

smartman · March 8, 2020

I didn't realize he helped get a team to Nashville. I know he did the Cincy AHL club for a long time. And I wouldn't be too keen on any of the Fullers saving the AWA. Robert almost killed wrestling in Memphis when he had the book in 1977, and everyone would have said that was impossible with a prime Lawler.

Theheel · March 8, 2020

Ron Fullers podcast is really a good old school review of wrestling. I’ve listened to it since he started. His family was in wrestling 90 years. Hell his grandad was the south wrestling.

Honestly if you want to here how wrestling was in the 70’s (he’s going week by week and is in 76) and 80’s he’s a good one to listen to. Has strong feelings on McMahon as well.

Fuller was one of 3 owners in the Nashville Knights circa 89-90 starting timeframe. He apparently is the one that started the big pre-game intros in pro sports. Guess the Bulls of the championship 90’s borrowed his idea for the basis of the classic Bulls players intros that became so famous.

I have been kicking around an idea for a long time with the AWA. Since Fuller sold his wrestling company in 87-88 his timing for my thought on the AWA (revisionist history) would be 87 time frame. I’m kind of holding off until the new game gets out there but have been toying with it for a year.

Captain Kremmen · March 9, 2020

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

It had been a frustrating day for Verne Gagne.

Earlier that day, Gagne had called Winnipeg businessman and owner of the NHL's Winnipeg Jets Barry Shenkarow and told Shenkarow that he would not be selling the AWA to him.

When Shenkarow asked why, Verne was blunt, telling Shenakrow that while he liked the monetary offer for the company, the plans Shenkarow had laid out for the AWA to make it even more cartoonish than the WWF had turned Verne off to the idea of selling to him.

It became a tense, heated exchange between the two with Shenkarow teasing upping the offer to buy the company but Verne was adamant. The wrestling legend did not like the idea of seeing what he'd built turned into a clown show. Verne wasn't budging.

An angry, flustered Shenkarow wasn't used to people turning down his offers. But he hit the Great Wall of Verne and saw his dream of owning a wrestling company fall apart before his very eyes.

At the end of the call Shenkarow told Verne he might start his own wrestling company and poach some AWA wrestlers to work for him. Verne said he couldn't control what Shenkarow did and wished Shenkarow luck if he started a wrestling promotion. Shenkarow told Verne, in no uncertain terms, that Verne would never get another offer like the one he was putting up for the AWA. Verne said he realized he was taking a risk by turning down the offer and might regret it later.

Shenkarow wrapped up the call by saying that Verne would indeed rue the day that he turned him down and that it would be the biggest mistake of Verne's professional life. Shenkarow slammed down the phone and that was that.

Verne had been sitting for at his desk in his office for a few hours. He was conflicted. Even though he was staunch in his opposition to sell to Shenkarow there was a nagging feeling inside him that maybe, just maybe, he'd made the wrong decision in this case.

Verne, now 63, was seriously considering winding things down. He was in a battle to save his Lake Minnetonka home from the nefarious 'eminent domain' law and having his property turned into a public park. In 1983, Vince McMahon had met with Verne under the guise that Vince was interested in possibly buying the promotion. But McMahon was really there to check on the available status of the wrestlers who worked for Verne. The rest, as they say, is history.

Verne now had a serious offer, one that Shenkarow had pushed up to $3 million during the call in an effort to entice Verne to sell. But Verne was a proud man. And also very stubborn.

Verne started thinking about how much the business was changing. And in his mind most of the changes were for the worse but there was nothing he could do about it. Vince's ideas were working and the WWF was raking it in. Same could be said for the NWA which was now owned by the Turner Broadcasting empire.

Maybe Shenkarow could make a successful go of it with his theater of the absurd ideas. Besides, what did Verne really care about how Shenkarow ran the AWA? If he sold it to Shenkarow, then it's out of Verne's hands. He would no longer control it. Also, he could tell Shenkarow he wouldn't work for him as the villain promoter on TV broadcasts. Verne couldn't control what Shenkarow did with the promotion. But Verne could control what he did.

Verne could take the money and ride off into the sunset. Be upset if he must about what becomes of the AWA under Shenkarow. But Verne would have a nice nest egg to fall back on as much of his money was being sucked up fighting the eminent domain case.

Was Verne now beginning to wish he'd sold the AWA to Shenakrow? Could he call Shenkarow back and re-start negotiations to sell?

Increasing Verne's angst were the house show reports sitting in front of him on his desk.

Verne had hoped putting the World Title on Sgt. Slaughter, the company's biggest name right now, would spark an uptick in business.

It had.

But not by much...

Sarge has been defending the World Title against former champ Larry Zbysko at AWA house shows* big and small. But several of the shows failed to crack the 1,000 tickets sold mark. And none of the shows had broken the 2,000 tickets sold threshold.

As a matter of fact, the largest crowd for Slaughter-Zbysko for the title was just over 1,600.

Making Slaughter the World Champion had only generated minimal new interest in the AWA.

Verne was hoping Slaughter as champ would send fans rushing out to buy tickets when the AWA came to their town.

But the AWA was in terrible shape.

Verne still believed in Sarge. But he also believed Sarge needed a strong challenger, possibly someone from outside the promotion, to really renew fan interest in the AWA.

And a phone call was coming that might do just that...

TO BE CONTINUED...

(* TV tapings are not counted as house shows.)

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AWA 1989: A Financial Savior Is (Badly) Needed

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