AWA 1989: A Financial Savior Is (Badly) Needed

Captain Kremmen · September 27, 2019

THE MEETING (The Final Chapter)

Verne: Before we get into what to do with the AWA, I did want to bring up something else I was thinking about.

Al: What is it?

Verne: We still do TV tapings at the Showboat in Las Vegas. We've never had the World Title change hands there.

We still draw pretty well in Vegas for those tapings. It's one of our two or three best cities right now.

Wally: What did you have in mind?

Greg: Who are you looking to put the belt on?

Verne: I'm gonna keep who I'm putting the belt on a secret until we get to Vegas for the next tapings.

I have an angle worked out and this will take place over three shows.

Larry's already advertised to defend the title in Vegas against Ken Patera.

We'll announce that Patera was injured a few nights earlier in a match and can't compete.

Then we'll announce we're having a Battle Royal on that show and the winner faces Zbysko for the title in two weeks.

In the middle of the tapings, we'll have interviews with both champion and challenger to hype the match that will air the following week.

Wally: Of course it will all be taped that evening in Vegas.

Verne: That's right. We'll save the World Title match for the last match of the night to keep the fans around as many of them have a tendency to walk out during our lengthy TV's there.

Greg: Why not just have Patera beat Zbysko for the title that night. Why the angle?

Verne: Because I have something else in mind. Something that I hope will spark an uptick in attendance and interest in the AWA.

Al: It sounds like it's worth a shot.

Greg: I agree.

Wally: As long as you don't put the belt on Greg.

Greg glared over at Wally.

Greg: Don't you have a filling station to run in Mayberry, Wally?

Wally: Hahaha!

Verne: Alright. I think we're gonna run with it.

Wally: Have you told Larry and the next champ about it?

Verne: Nothing's revealed until Vegas.

Wally: OK.

Verne: Now, on with the meeting.

Let's go around the table and see what each of you thinks we should do. We'll start with Wally.

Wally: Said it before, Verne, the AWA was your creation from the ground up. I think you should close the doors and let it be your legacy good, bad or ugly.

Verne: Greg, I already know your take but say it anyway.

Greg: I think we should look to sell the promotion and let new blood run it and continue your legacy, dad. I believe the AWA can be salvaged but it needs changes starting at the top.

Verne: Al, you can finally tell us why you're here and what you think we should do.

Al: Verne, we've been friends for a long time now. You've been a fantastic boss. And I'm loyal and thankful to you for all you've done for me over the years.

But I think it's time to sell and move on and let someone else deal with it.

Verne: You agree with Greg then?

Al: Yes.

Greg: Dad, we've been having private meetings at Denny's the last few weeks.

Al: Over Grand Slams.

Wally: Oh! I love their pancakes. Light butter and heavy syrup. Yum! Yum!

Al: I really enjoy their...

Verne (exasperated): We're having a meeting to discuss our futures and all you can discuss is pancakes?! Jeez!

Why the need to meet in secret?

Greg: I contacted Al about this matter and we agreed that we wouldn't discuss things with you until we felt the time was right.

Verne: I'm a little shocked, Al. My door was always open to you.

Al: I'm sorry I had to go behind your back, Verne. But realistically, if the AWA is to survive, it needs new people running it with fresh ideas.

We've had a really good run. But all good things come to an end. And it seems like the writing is on the wall for us. You, me, Wally, we've had our run and now it's time to step down with class and dignity.

Wally: Class? Now there's a word I've never heard associated with the wrestling business.

Verne stared at Wally for a moment and then shook his head in disbelief.

Verne: Well, Al, I think I might have one more good run as promoter and booker. I would like to see us reach out to some of the money people we know and see if they'd be interested in financially backing us.

Greg: What would be in it for them?

Verne: Money.

Al: How could we pay them back plus profit if this thing keeps hemorrhaging money?

Verne: It would take time.

Greg: Dad, we need to be realistic. A turnaround is going to take time. And when I say time I'm talking about, at minimum, two to three years.

Al: You've worked hard, Verne. You've been in this business for over 40 years now. You're in your 60's. Step aside and smell the flowers and enjoy the golden years of your life.

Verne looked down at the table while twirling a pen around in his fingers.

Verne (sad): I love to work. I love what I do. This is not an easy decision.

Al: There's no guarantee of finding a money man willing to risk the investment needed to try and save the AWA. The financial risk factor is very high here.

Verne: The same goes for someone who would buy the company.

Greg: We know. But if someone's willing to shoulder the entire burden, then the entire responsibility falls on them.

Dad, you're battling to save your home on Lake Minnetonka. New talent takes lots of time to learn the ins and outs of this business. You can't train guys fast enough to replenish our diminishing ranks.

And there's one more thing.

Verne: What is it?

Greg looked over at Al Derusha.

Al: Verne, have you talked with anyone about investing in the AWA?

Verne: Not yet. Why?

Al: Greg and I have been putting out feelers to see if there might be anyone interested in buying the company.

Greg: And there might be a couple of interested parties out there nearly ready to strike a deal, dad.

Verne: You went behind my back and offered up the AWA for sale?! Nothing's been decided yet and you do this to me?!

Al! Of all people! Would you like to stick the knife in deeper?!

Al (calmly): We knew you'd be upset when we told you what we were up to. But it doesn't hurt to cover your bases in a case like this.

Verne placed his head in his hands and sat like that for a moment. The room was silent.

Finally, Verne looked back up.

Wally (softly): Shut it down, Verne. End the headache of dealing with it.

Verne (calmly): The Team Challenge Series idea from Bischoff. Do you think that could help?

Greg: Not unless we get more established talent. We use the roster we have now and it won't make a bit of difference.

Al: You're gonna have a to make a decision, Verne.

Verne (softly): I know. I know.

There are three ways we could go here.

Verne paused in deep thought.

Verne: I'm going to talk to some old friends and see about financing.

But, Greg and Al, as much as it pains me to do this, you keep looking for a potential buyer. Keep me updated on the process.

Wally.

Wally: Yes.

Verne: Sometimes you're a real idiot. But I love you like a brother.

Wally chuckled.

Wally: Feeling's mutual, ol' pal.

Verne: Alright. This meeting is over. Right now we'll concentrate on the Vegas tapings and the World Championship.

END OF THE MEETING!!!

Jaded · September 27, 2019

Set-up so far has been one of the most intriguing intros to a diary I've seen for a long time - keep up the great work!

Captain Kremmen · September 27, 2019

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaded" data-cite="Jaded" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46935" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Set-up so far has been one of the most intriguing intros to a diary I've seen for a long time - keep up the great work!</div></blockquote> Thanks for the kind words.

Theheel · September 27, 2019

So who is the new investor/owner going to be? So many choices, I will be curious to find out. In my AWA saves I have gone to several people but the one I like is Eddie Einhorn. 1. Because of his wrestling back ground where he promoted the ill-fated IWA out of Chicago and 2. His TV connections. I often had him striking a deal with WGN to televise the AWA A’s WGN tried to catch up with Turner and TBS for super-channel top dog. But that was often in 85-87 saves.

Will be curious to see who it is. Maybe Victor Kiriakis? Mixing late 80’s TV characters with late 80’s wrestling....hmmm that gives me an idea.

Captain Kremmen · September 30, 2019

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

This week's classic AWA vid is a short one.

Verne Gagne retired as AWA World Champion.

From 1981, it's Nick Bockwinkel being awarded the AWA World Championship:

ENJOY! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

lod619 · October 1, 2019

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="piperrulz" data-cite="piperrulz" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46935" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK! This week's classic AWA vid is a short one. Verne Gagne retired as AWA World Champion. From 1981, it's Nick Bockwinkel being awarded the AWA World Championship: <div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zu8MP5ku1Ro?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Nick Bockwinkel is awarded the AWA World Heavyweight Title (1981)"></iframe></div></div> ENJOY! <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> Verne being Verne:D

Captain Kremmen · October 1, 2019

SPRING 1989

SHOWBOAT HOTEL - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

It's the day of the monthly marathon AWA on ESPN TV tapings that take place at the Showboat Sports Pavilion...

Larry Whistler, better known to fans as Larry Zbysko, is sitting on the edge of the bed in his hotel room sipping a Diet Coke, watching TV and awaiting the arrival of his guest.

Zbysko received a phone call from Verne Gagne. Gagne told Zbysko he needed to have a private conversation with him.

About 20 minutes after the call there's a knock on Zbysko's door.

Zbysko opened the door and let in his boss.

Larry: Hey, Verne.

Verne: Larry.

Zbysko gestured to the bed. Verne sat down on the edge of the bed and Zbysko sat down beside him.

Verne: Larry, I think the time has come to shake things up a bit in the AWA. So, I've decided that tonight you're dropping the belt.

Zbysko: I'm dropping it to Patera. OK.

Verne: Uh, no. Change in plans.

We're going to announce that Patera was injured at a house show a few days ago and cannot face you for the championship.

We'll announce a Battle Royal with the winner getting the shot at the belt.

Zbysko: Who am I dropping it to?

Verne: Sgt. Slaughter.

He'll win the Battle Royal at tonight's first show taping.

At the second show taping, you and he will do promos to set up the title match. It's going to be the last match that goes on because we want the fans to stick around since some have a tendency to leave while the taping is going on and those empty seats don't look good on TV.

Are we good?

Zbysko: I'm fine with it. What I don't get is why not just have me drop the belt to Patera?

Verne: I chose Sarge because I think it's time to stop teasing the fans and actually putting the World Title on him and I'm hoping he can spark an uptick in business as champion.

Zbysko: Is he here yet?

Verne: Not yet. Robert (Warren) is picking him up from the airport around 4 o'clock.

Zbysko: Well, let's give 'em a show.

Verne patted Zbysko on the back.

Verne: Sometimes a guy doesn't take it too well when you tell him he's losing his championship. You took it in stride and I appreciate that.

Larry: Just a piece of business in The Business.

I do have a question, though?

Verne: What is it?

Zbysko: Word is the promotion could be sold. Is that true?

Verne: Just between you and me, yes, the promotion could be sold or close its doors at some point in the near future if things don't start turning around. Hence, putting the title on Slaughter.

The two men stood up.

Zbysko: Good luck, boss.

Verne: Thanks, Larry. And thank you for putting Sarge over tonight.

Zbysko: No problem.

The men shook hands and Verne let himself out of the room as Zbysko went back to watching TV and drinking his soda.

UP NEXT!!!

VERNE MEETS WITH SARGE OVER DRINKS AT THE CRAZY HORSE IN LAS VEGAS!!!

(Just kidding about the Crazy Horse part...maybe!)

Captain Kremmen · October 3, 2019

SPRING 1989

SHOWBOAT HOTEL - LAS VEGAS NEVADA

Robert Remus, better known to fans as the iconic Sgt. Slaughter, had just walked into his hotel room at the Showboat and put his travel bag down when the room phone rang.

Slaughter let out a deep breath and went over and answered the phone.

Sarge: Hello.

Brief pause.

Sarge: Yes, Verne.

Brief pause.

Sarge: OK. I'll see you in a minute.

Brief pause and Sarge hung up the phone.

Less than five minutes later, Verne came knocking. Sarge opened the door and let Verne in.

Verne: How was your flight, Sarge?

Sarge: It was alright. Little bit of a stiff back from being in one of those cramped coach seats but I'll be OK. What did you need to talk to me about?

Verne: There's been a change in plans at the tapings tonight.

Larry was scheduled to defend the title against Ken Patera.

But instead, we're going with the worked backstory that Ken was injured in a match a few nights ago and can't compete tonight.

We're going to have a Battle Royal to decide who faces Larry for the belt. You're going to win the Battle Royal and then you're going to win the World Championship.

Sarge: I like the sound of that. What brought about the change?

Verne: You're the top guy on our roster. I decided to put the belt on you in the hopes that it can spark an uptick in business and overall interest in the AWA.

Sarge: Are you bringing in any new heels for me to face when I'm the champion?

Verne: I'm working on it. Our budget is very tight right now since business is down.

Since I'm hoping to keep the belt on you for a long run, I'm gonna have to get creative with the roster we have.

Sarge: Does Larry know about this?

Verne: Told him about it two hours ago and he has no problem with it.

You've been a huge star for years, Sarge. But now is your time to be the top guy and run with the ball.

Sarge: I can handle it. You can count on me, Verne.

Verne: I know I can.

The two shook hands.

Verne: Let's start turning around our fortunes.

Sarge: I'm gonna do my part as best I can.

Verne: Great. See you at the Sports Pavilion in a couple of hours.

Sarge: Alright.

Verne left the room and closed the door behind him.

Sarge went and sat on the side of the bed, picked up the phone off the nightstand and dialed.

Brief pause...

Sarge: Honey! You won't believe it...

TO BE CONTINUED...

Captain Kremmen · October 5, 2019

SPRING 1989

SHOWBOAT SPORTS PAVILION - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

90-minutes before the start of the AWA on ESPN TV tapings are set to begin.

TV producer Al Derusha and Wally Karbo are having a discussion in the back corridor on the side where the faces enter the arena.

As the two talked, Greg Gagne power-walked up to them.

Wally: What is it, Greg?

Greg: Guys, I have some huge news.

Al: Don't leave us in suspense.

Greg: I'm gonna let my dad know about this after the tapings are over.

We have someone who may be interested in buying the promotion.

Wally: That's great! Who is it?

Greg: You may not have heard of him. His name's Jeff Smulyan.

Al (shaking his head): Don't know the name.

Wally: Never heard of him.

Greg: He founded and runs Emmis Broadcasting which is a giant in the radio industry. He owns several radio stations.

Wally: Wow! Bet this Smulyan guy has money.

Greg: And get this...

Pause.

Al: Tell us!

Greg: He is the largest investor in a group that just purchased the Seattle Mariners!

Wally: The baseball team?!

Greg: Yup! The group purchased the team for $75 million bucks. And Smulyan contributed $35 million of that $75 million.

Al: If this guy buys the AWA we might be able to compete with Vince again like we did in '84 and '85.

Greg: That's right.

Not a word about this to anyone. Smulyan might be interested. Nothing's set in stone.

Wally: Even if he decides against buying us, putting his name out there and letting people know he explored buying the AWA could improve our chances greatly of selling the promotion.

Al: With his money I sure hope he buys Verne out. Can you imagine the raises?

Al rubbed his hands together greedily and laughed.

Greg: We'll just have to wait and see what happens. And if he buys the promotion he might just overhaul everything and several of us could be out of jobs.

Wally: That's true.

Al looked disappointed.

Al: Thanks for bursting my bubble, Greg.

Greg: We'll see which way dad wants to go with it after I tell him the news.

Al looked at his watch.

Al: I gotta production staff meeting to get to.

Greg: I've got some stuff I gotta do to get ready as well.

Wally: Talk with you guys later.

The three men went their separate ways.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Theheel · October 5, 2019

Boy the Smulyan years was a dark time in Mariner history. The ass tried to move my team to Tampa lol (what a disaster that would have been based on the current Rays). For a period there all the Seattle owners from out of town tried to move teams out of town (Behring with the Seahawks). Of course both those franchises stayed and then the guy that betray the Seattle sports fan was a guy who made his fortune locally (Howard Schultz with the Sonics). Maybe Smulyan wasn’t so bad after all...... anyway

But definitely an interesting development for the AWA. Whatever it takes to save them

sportsfanmas · October 5, 2019

Can you tell me what mod you're using for this? I didn't realize there was a 1989 mod

Captain Kremmen · October 7, 2019

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

From 1985...

It's a Battle Royal from the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas:

ENJOY!

Captain Kremmen · October 8, 2019

AWA on ESPN Tapings - SHOWBOAT SPORTS PAVILION - LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 1989

(1st Taping Re-Cap)

KEY: (F)=Face (H)=Heel

In-ring: Ring Announcer/Interviewer Larry Nelson, with mic in hand, is standing by with special guests.

Nelson: Welcome to AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN!

I'm Larry Nelson.

With me right now are AWA promoter Verne Gagne and one half of the World Tag Team Champions Ken Patera.

Ken, you were scheduled to challenge Larry Zbysko for the AWA World Championship. But as we can see you're left arm is in a sling.

Tell us what happened.

Patera (minus his tag title): Well, Larry, a few nights ago, I suffered an arm injury in a match.

Because of the injury, unfortunately, I am unable to challenge for the World Championship right now.

The good news is the injury won't keep me sidelined for long. The doctor said I should be back in the ring very soon and hopefully I'll be able to defend the tag team titles with Brad again as well.

Nelson: We're sorry to see you lose your title shot, Ken. Best of luck in your recovery.

Patera: Thank you.

Nelson: Verne Gagne. You're suddenly left without the World Title match that had been promised to these fans in Las Vegas.

But I hear you have come up with an alternative plan.

Verne: I have, Larry.

Ken, I hate seeing you miss out on the chance of a lifetime. World Title shots don't come along everyday.

Patera nodded in agreement.

Verne: But being the top-caliber wrestler you are, these fans know you'll get that shot at the gold in the very near future.

Since Ken was the #1 contender for the World Championship, I had to come up with something that would be fair to these great fans out here.

So, we're gonna have a Battle Royal tonight, and the winner will challenge Larry Zbsyko for the World Championship.

Fans cheered.

Nelson: That's big news. As you can tell by the reaction these fans love it.

Verne: Someone is gonna get a chance they weren't expecting to...

Crowd booed as Larry Zbysko, in street clothes and carrying the title cradled in his left arm, made his way down the heel aisle to the ring.

Nelson: Larry Zbysko is here.

Zbysko climbed into the ring and angrily walked up to the three men.

Verne: What do you want, Larry?

Zbysko: I want to make it quite clear that I am outraged! I had...

Fans booed and Zbysko stopped talking and glared at the crowd.

Zbysko: I signed a contract to defend the title against Ken Patera here in Vegas! I did not sign a contract to defend the belt against anyone else!

Verne: Larry, as the promoter, I have the right to make changes when I deem them necessary. Like it says on the posters promoting our show that are posted throughout the Showboat Hotel the card is subject to change. Patera's injury necessitated a change.

Zbysko: So you want me to step into this ring and face someone who I didn't properly prepare for?!

Verne: That's the nature of the sport sometimes.

Zbysko: What are you going to do, Verne, if I walk out of here with the belt and don't defend it here in Vegas?! Hmmm... What about that, smart guy?!

Verne: Well, if you refused to defend the World Title and walked out of here with the belt...I'd strip you of the title and the final two men left in the Battle Royal would square off in a match for the vacated belt!

Crowd cheered. Patera pointed and laughed at Zbysko as Zbysko freaked out.

Zbysko: No way! No way! You can't do this to the Living Legend!

Zbysko paced around in the ring for a moment.

Zbysko: I want it known right now!

Zbysko pointed at Verne.

Zbysko: You better let Stanley Blackburn know that I am wrestling this World Title match under protest!

Boos from the crowd.

Zbysko: You got me?!

Zbysko poked Verne in the chest three times as he spoke.

Patera stepped in between the two and Zbysko backed off.

Zbysko: What are you gonna do, you one-armed bandit?! Haha! We're in Vegas and I called you a one-armed bandit!

The two men stared at each other.

Verne: There's no need for this. Larry. Ken.

Zbysko and Patera had words off-mic with each other and Zbysko poked Patera in the chest a couple of times.

Zbysko (picked up on a mic): What are you gonna do, tough guy?!

Crowd cheered as Patera answered that question by slapping Zbysko hard across the face. Zbysko staggered and dropped the title and had to grab the top rope to steady himself.

Zbysko grabbed at his jaw and looked over at Patera. Patera was ready to fight with just one good arm.

Zbysko picked up the title and climbed out on the apron.

Zbysko was picked up on a mic.

Zbysko: Ex-con! Jailbird! Professional license plate maker!

Patera lunged at Zbysko and tried to grab the champ but Zbysko quickly dropped off the apron to the floor.

Zbysko walked over to the other side of the ring as Patera looked on from the ring.

Zbysko, from the floor, called Larry Nelson over. Nelson walked over and held the mic out so Zbysko could speak.

Zbysko: Ken! Isn't committing the crime of posing as a professional wrestler a violation of your parole?!

Patera snapped and charged over and dropped from the ring to the floor as Zbysko backed up. Patera started to run after Zbysko and Zbysko took off. Patera chased Zbysko once around the ring and Zbysko beat a hasty retreat up the heel entrance aisle.

Verne: Everybody just needs to calm down. We need to get this situation under control.

Patera looked back up at Verne and Nelson in the ring and then started heading over to the face entrance aisle.

Verne and Nelson were facing the camera and had their backs turned. Verne started to say something...

Crowd reacted as Zbysko charged back down the heel aisle to the ringside area and came up behind Patera and struck Patera in the back of the head with the title and Patera stumbled forward and went down.

Zbysko tossed the belt onto the ring apron and ran over to the announcer's/timekeeper's table and grabbed the ring bell off the table.

As Patera started getting to his feet, Zbysko circled around the ring, came up behind Patera and bashed Patera in the left arm with the ring bell, Patera staggering and grabbing his left arm in agony. Zbysko struck Patera in the left arm with the ring bell again. Patera staggered off holding his left arm and in severe agony.

Verne: I've seen enough!

Crowd popped as Verne Gagne took off his sports coat and dropped to the floor. Verne glared at Zbysko as Zbysko looked at Verne in disbelief.

Zbysko picked up on a mic.

Zbysko: Are you serious, old man?!

More crowd cheers as Sgt. Slaughter, Wahoo McDaniel and Greg Gagne came down to ringside. Zbysko quickly fled the scene with ring bell in hand.

Verne, Sarge, Wahoo and Greg checked on the injured Patera.

Commercial Break

The next two segments on the first taping featured two squash matches and interviews with the victors of those matches: The Top Guns (Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes) (F) and Baron Von Raschke (F).

IT'S THE AWA ON TOUR! We'll be at the high school in (insert town here). THE AWA IS THE MAJOR LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!

After another commercial break: Larry Nelson was standing in the ring with Verne Gagne.

Nelson: We are back on AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN. With me is Verne Gagne.

Verne, can you tell us what's going on right now with Ken Patera?

Verne: Larry, a doctor is looking at Ken's left arm in the dressing room right now and he might have to go to the hospital for further examination.

It looks like Zbysko probably caused more damage to Ken's left arm with the ring bell.

Nelson: It looked like you were ready to tangle with Zbysko after his attack on Patera.

Verne: Larry Zbysko is a guy that I just don't like. But I've tolerated him because he's a good wrestler, even though he can be a dirty snake at times, and our World Champion.

But he crossed a line with what he did. I could not stand by and allow it to continue. I was ready to fight if I had to.

Nelson: Will Zbysko be stripped of the title?

Verne: I was on the phone with Stanley Blackburn a few minutes ago. We decided not to strip Zbysko of the World Championship. He will be defending it against the man who wins the Battle Royal as planned!

Crowd cheered.

Nelson: Is a fine or suspension coming?

Verne: A fine is definitely coming and it will be heavy. As for a future suspension we'll have to wait and see.

Nelson: Ladies and gentlemen! Wrestling legend and AWA promoter Verne Gagne...

Verne: Can I just say one more thing, Larry?

Nelson nodded in the affirmative.

Verne: I want to thank Sgt. Slaughter, Wahoo and my son Greg for coming out here and making sure Zbysko didn't do further damage to Patera.

They are three honorable, stand-up guys...which is more than I can say for Larry Zbysko!

More cheers.

Nelson: Verne Gagne, everybody! More action on the way!

Back from commercial break

Akio Sato (H) won a squash match.

Announcer Lee Marshall discussed what happened earlier in the evening with Zbysko attacking Patera and further injuring Patera's left arm with the ring bell and said Patera had been taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Said the the Battle Royal, where the winner earns the right to challenge Zbysko for the AWA World Title, was coming up next!

Commercial Break

Back from commercial: All the wrestlers were already in the ring.

Battle Royal (Winner receives an AWA World Title shot!)

(Participants: Tommy Jammer, Tom Zenk, Wayne Bloom, Mike Enos, Sgt. Slaughter, Jake Milliman, Col. DeBeers, Wahoo McDaniel, Manny Fernandez & Jonnie Stewart)

Order of Elimination:

1) Jammer - Eliminator: Bloom - Thrown over the top rope down to the floor - :17

2) Wahoo - Eliminator: Bloom and Enos - Enos tried to toss Wahoo over the top rope but Wahoo put up a struggle and was dangling on the top rope and Enos couldn't push him over when Bloom charged over and intentionally bumped Enos and the impact forced Wahoo over the top rope down to the floor - :44

3) Fernandez - Eliminator: Slaughter - Clotheslined over the top rope down to the floor - 1:15

4) Zenk - Eliminator: DeBeers - Backdropped over the top rope down to the floor - 1:42

5) DeBeers - Eliminator: Milliman - Dropkicked DeBeers in the back and DeBeers toppled over the top rope and crashed to the padless floor - 2:34 (Crowd went nuts for Milliman eliminating someone.)

6) Stewart - Eliminator: Slaughter - Clotheslined over the top rope down to the floor - 3:43

7) Milliman - Eliminator: Enos - Threw Milliman over the top rope down to the floor - 4:31

This left Sarge and the Destruction Crew as the final three men in the Battle Royal.

Bloom and Enos immediately went to work and jumped on Sarge and started pounding away on him. Sarge staggered away from the beating but Bloom and Enos stalked him and pounded on him some more. Crowd cheering on Sarge. Sarge once again staggered away from the beating from Enos and Bloom. The pair once again slowly stalked Sarge. Enos spun Sarge around and went to hit Sarge with a head shot but Sarge blocked the punch try and nailed Enos with a trio of head shots of his own. Enos staggered. Bloom clubbed Sarge with a forearm smash to the upper back killing Sarge's offense. Bloom whipped Sarge into the buckles. Bloom looked to nail Sarge with a running clothesline but Sarge moved and Bloom crashed front-first into the buckles. Crowd popped. Bloom quickly extricated himself from the buckles and Sarge caught Bloom with a head shot. Enos moved in and Sarge whirled around and popped Enos with a head shot. Sarge then went back and forth belting the men with head shots. Bloom and Enos staggered. Sarge grabbed Enos and went to try and throw Enos over the top rope but Enos put up a fight and refused to go over and a struggle ensued. As Sarge tried to eliminate Enos, Bloom recovered enough and came up and belted Sarge with a double sledge to the back. Sarge lost his grip on Enos and Enos remained in the match. Bloom and Enos again joined forces in pounding on the Sarge. The dastardly duo then whipped Sarge into the ropes and looked to catch him coming off with a double clothesline but Sarge ducked the move and came back and blasted Enos and Bloom with a double clothesline of his own. Enos and Bloom crashed to the mat as the fans cheered. Sarge stumbled forward and fell front-first against the ropes. Crowd cheering on Sarge.

Sarge regained his bearings as Enos made it to his feet. Enos charged at Sarge just as Sarge separated himself from the ropes and turned around. Enos went to hit Sarge with a running clothesline but Sarge backdropped Enos over the top rope and down to the floor. Crowd roared its approval. Bloom moved in and caught Sarge with a boot to the gut. Sarge doubled over holding his gut. Bloom then grabbed Sarge and attempted to hoist him up for a piledriver but Sarge twice blocked the move and pulled Bloom's legs out from under him and Bloom crashed to the mat. Sarge then catapaulted Bloom into the corner and Bloom slammed head-first into the ring bolt that connects the post to the buckle. Bloom staggered out of the corner and walked right into a series of head shots by Sarge. Bloom on wobbly legs. Sarge reared back belted Bloom with a big roundhouse right to the jaw. The impact of the blow spun Bloom around facing the ropes. Sarge grabbed Bloom and threw Bloom over the top rope and down to the floor as the bell rang. Fans cheering.

Ref climbed in the ring and raised Sarge's hand in victory.

Nelson: In a time of 7 minutes, 52 seconds, your winner of the Battle Royal...and the man who will be facing Larry Zbysko for the AWA World Championship...Sgt. Slaughter!

Fans cheered some more as a sore Sarge slowly left the ring, dropped to the floor and headed back up the face aisle to the dressing room, slapping hands with fans along the way.

WINNER: Sarge - Eliminated Bloom by throwing him over the top rope down to the floor - 7:52)

(END OF FIRST TAPING)

Jaded · October 8, 2019

Awesome show; go Sarge!

Captain Kremmen · October 12, 2019

AWA on ESPN Tapings - SHOWBOAT SPORTS PAVILION - LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 1989

(2nd Taping Re-Cap)

KEY: (F)=FACE (H)=HEEL

Show opened with announcers Lee Marshall and Lord James Blears hyping the main event: Greg Gagne, Tom Zenk & Tommy Jammer vs. The Destruction Crew & Jonnie Stewart.

PLUS: Interviews with Sgt. Slaughter and World Champion Larry Zbysko a week before their World Title clash; a look back at last week's assault by Larry Zbysko on Ken Patera where Zbysko further damaged Patera's already injured left arm with the ring bell; an update on the status of Ken Patera; Manny Fernandez sees action; Wahoo McDaniel wrestles; and more.

Opening Match

Badd Company (H) w/ Mgr. Dallas Page won a squash

The victors then did a post-match interview with DDP doing most of the talking and saying that if Ken Patera is unable to defend the tag titles with partner Brad Rheingans, then Badd Company should have the belts returned to them.

Pic aired with a caption saying a look back at Zbysko's attack on Patera last week was coming up next!

Commercials

Back from commercial:

Ring Announcer/Interviewer Larry Nelson, in studio, intro'd footage from last week's attack by World Champion Larry Zbysko on Ken Patera.

VIDEO:

In-ring: Ring Announcer/Interviewer Larry Nelson, with mic in hand, is standing by with special guests.

Nelson: With me right now are AWA promoter Verne Gagne and one half of the World Tag Team Champions Ken Patera.

Ken, you were scheduled to challenge Larry Zbysko for the AWA World Championship. But as we can see your left arm is in a sling.

Tell us what happened.

Patera (minus his tag title): Well, Larry, a few nights ago, I suffered an arm injury in a match.

Because of the injury, unfortunately, I am unable to challenge for the World Championship right now.

The good news is the injury won't keep me sidelined for long. The doctor said I should be back in the ring very soon and hopefully I'll be able to defend the tag team titles with Brad again as well.

Nelson: We're sorry to see you lose your title shot, Ken. Best of luck in your recovery.

Verne Gagne. You're suddenly left without the World Title match that had been promised to these fans in Las Vegas.

But I hear you have come up with an alternative plan.

Verne: I have, Larry.

Ken, I hate seeing you miss out on the chance of a lifetime. World Title shots don't come along everyday.

Patera nodded in agreement.

Verne: Since Ken was the #1 contender for the World Championship, I had to come up with something that would be fair to these great fans out here.

So, we're gonna have a Battle Royal tonight, and the winner will challenge Larry Zbsyko for the World Championship.

Fans cheered.

Crowd booed as Larry Zbysko, in street clothes and carrying the title cradled in his left arm, made his way down the heel aisle to the ring.

Nelson: Larry Zbysko is here.

Zbysko climbed into the ring and angrily walked up to the three men.

Zbysko: I signed a contract to defend the title against Ken Patera here in Vegas! I did not sign a contract to defend the belt against anyone else!

Verne: Larry, as the promoter, I have the right to make changes when I deem them necessary. Like it says on the posters promoting our show that are posted throughout the Showboat Hotel the card is subject to change. Patera's injury necessitated a change.

Zbysko: So you want me to step into this ring and face someone I didn't prepare for?!

Verne: That's the nature of the sport sometimes.

Zbysko: What are you going to do, Verne, if I walk out of here with the belt and don't defend it here in Vegas?! Hmmm... What about that, smart guy?!

Verne: Well, if you refused to defend the World Title and walked out of here with the belt...I'd strip you of the title and the final two men left in the Battle Royal would square off in a match for the vacated belt!

Crowd cheered. Patera pointed and laughed at Zbysko as Zbysko freaked out.

Zbysko: No way! No way! You can't do this to the Living Legend!

Zbysko paced around in the ring for a moment.

Zbysko: I want it known right now!

Zbysko pointed at Verne.

Zbysko: You better let Stanley Blackburn know that I am wrestling this World Title match under protest!

Boos from the crowd.

Zbysko: You got me?!

Zbysko poked Verne in the chest three times as he spoke.

Patera stepped in between the two and Zbysko backed off.

Zbysko: What are you gonna do, you one-armed bandit?!

The two men stared at each other.

Zbysko and Patera had words off-mic with each other and Zbysko poked Patera in the chest a couple of times.

Zbysko (picked up on a mic): What are you gonna do, tough guy?!

Crowd cheered as Patera answered that question by slapping Zbysko hard across the face. Zbysko staggered and dropped the title and had to grab the top rope to steady himself.

Zbysko grabbed at his jaw and looked over at Patera. Patera was ready to fight with just one good arm.

Zbysko picked up the title and climbed out on the apron.

Zbysko walked over to the other side of the ring as Patera looked on from the ring.

Zbysko, from the floor, called Larry Nelson over. Nelson walked over and held the mic out so Zbysko could speak.

Zbysko: Ken! Isn't committing the crime of posing as a professional wrestler a violation of your parole?!

Patera snapped and charged over and dropped from the ring to the floor as Zbysko backed up. Patera started to run after Zbysko and Zbysko took off. Patera chased Zbysko once around the ring and Zbysko beat a hasty retreat up the heel entrance aisle.

Patera looked back up at Verne and Nelson in the ring and then started heading over to the face entrance aisle.

Verne and Nelson were facing the camera and had their backs turned. Verne started to say something...

Crowd reacted as Zbysko charged back down the heel aisle to the ringside area and came up behind Patera and struck Patera in the back of the head with the title and Patera stumbled forward and went down.

Zbysko tossed the belt onto the ring apron and ran over to the announcer's/timekeeper's table and grabbed the ring bell off the table.

As Patera started getting to his feet, Zbysko circled around the ring, came up behind Patera and bashed Patera in the left arm with the ring bell, Patera staggering and grabbing his left arm in agony. Zbysko struck Patera in the left arm with the ring bell again. Patera staggered off holding his left arm and in severe agony.

Verne: I've seen enough!

Crowd popped as Verne Gagne took off his sports coat and dropped to the floor. Verne glared at Zbysko as Zbysko looked at Verne in disbelief.

Zbysko picked up on a mic.

Zbysko: Are you serious, old man?!

More crowd cheers as Sgt. Slaughter, Wahoo McDaniel and Greg Gagne came down to ringside. Zbysko quickly fled the scene with ring bell in hand.

Verne, Sarge, Wahoo and Greg checked on the injured Patera.

END OF VIDEO

Nelson: An evaluation at a local hospital in Las Vegas showed that further damage was done to Ken Patera's left arm because of Zbysko's attack with the ring bell. Right now, it's not known how long Patera will be out of action. But you can bet when he comes back he'll certainly want a piece of Zbysko in the worst way.

More action to come...

Commercials

Back from commercial: Wahoo McDaniel won a squash match and then did a post-match interview with Larry Nelson talking about his red-hot feud with Manny Fernandez. Said nothing's been settled between the two and might not be settled until one of them can no longer wrestle!

IT'S THE AWA ON TOUR! We'll be at the high school/community center in (insert town here). THE AWA IS THE MAJOR LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!

Back from commercial: Larry Nelson was standing in-ring with Sgt. Slaughter.

Nelson: We are back on AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN!

With me right now is the man who will be challenging Larry Zbysko for the World Heavyweight Championship...Sgt. Slaughter!

Fans cheered.

Sarge was in his ring duds.

Nelson: Sgt. Slaughter, it's obvious you have these fans behind you heading into this big match.

Sarge: Larry Nelson! The support of these fans means a great deal to me! These people are the backbone of our sport!

When I started in pro wrestling, I dreamed of one day winning the World Heavyweight Championship! I have a golden opportunity to realize that dream!

Larry Zbysko, as proven by his actions against Ken Patera, has shown himself to be a man unworthy of holding the AWA World Championship!

To use military speak...I aim to liberate the title from him!

Crowd cheered. Some sporadic USA! USA! chants amidst the throng.

Sarge: Zbysko's had the title long enough! Now it's time to end his reign of error!

More cheers.

Sarge: It's time for a new era to be ushered in in the AWA!

It will be an era in which the World Champion will carry hlmself with honor and integrity, things that are seriously lacking in the current World Champion, and make the fans proud of their World Champion once again!

And if I win the belt, I promise to be a fighting champion and defend the World Championship against all worthy contenders!

Nelson: And there are several worthy contenders right here in the AWA.

Sarge: They don't call this the major league of pro wrestling for nuthin'!

Let me wrap it up by saying that I am primed and ready for this match!

I am so close to finally winning the one title that has eluded me my entire career! To have your name written in the history books as the World Champion in this great sport is something very few men have actually realized! I want to be one of the few, the proud!

I don't wanna win this belt just for myself! I also wanna win it for all these fans out here who have had enough of Larry Zbysko!

Crowd cheered. Some started chanting Sarge! Sarge!.

Sarge saluted the crowd.

Nelson: He is Sgt. Slaughter! Can he defeat Larry Zbysko and become the new AWA World Champion?!

Now down to ringside and Lee Marshall and Lord James Blears!

Blears and Marshall briefly discussed the Sarge's interview and hyped the interview with champ Larry Zbysko that was coming up on the program.

Then sent it back to the ring.

Manny Fernandez won a squash match and then did a post-match interview where he said Wahoo was wrestling on borrowed time and that he was gonna finish the Indian star off once and for all and reduce Wahoo to nothing but a blood-soaked memory.

Pic aired of AWA Champ Zbysko with the caption: An interview with the World Champion...NEXT!

Commercials

Back from commercial: Larry Nelson was standing in the ring with AWA World Champion Larry Zbysko:

Zbysko was in street clothes and had the belt cradled in his left arm.

Crowd already booing as Zbyso soaked it all in.

Nelson: We are back on AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN.

With me right now is AWA World Champion Larry Zbysko.

More boos.

Nelson: Larry, what you did to Ken Patera was inexcusable.

Verne Gagne has already said you're going to be fined for your actions. And a suspension could be coming at a later date.

Are you proud of yourself?

Zbysko: Ken Patera should never have slapped the World Champion.

He got what he deserved from me.

Nelson: He slapped you because you poked him in the chest! For that he deserved to have his arm bashed in with the ring bell?!

Zbysko: That's right! If Ken Patera wants to mess with this bull then he's gonna get the horns!

As for a fine and possible suspension...I don't care about those things right now!

I had a contract to defend this title against Ken Patera and Verne Gagne decides to screw with me and now I'm defending the belt against Sgt. Slaughter!

Well, I want it known that since I don't have the time to properly prepare for Slaughter, I will do whatever I have to do to keep the title!

Nelson: You're openly admitting that you'll bend or break the rules to retain the World Championship?!

Zbysko: I didn't put it that way. But if you want to, Nelson.

If Verne Gagne wants to play games with me then games he will get!

Nelson: Wow!

Zbysko: And! And! I'm still wrestling this championship match against Slaughter under protest!

More boos from the crowd.

Zbysko: You spudheads really need to shut your mouths and show YOUR World Champion some respect!

Boos grew louder. Zbysko looked out over the crowd.

Verne Gagne made his way down the face aisle in street clothes and came to the ring and climbed in to a decent reaction.

Zbysko: What do you want, Verne?! You want to fight me now?!

Verne: Shut up, Zbysko.

Crowd cheered Verne.

Verne: I came out here to tell you how appalled and angry I still am about what you did to Ken Patera. A heavy fine is coming your way and that's for certain.

Zbysko: That's what you came to tell me?!

Verne: Actually, no. I came to tell you something completely different.

Zbysko: So, you've come to your senses and I don't have to defend the belt against Slaughter because that's not who I signed to put the title on the line against!

Verne: Oh! You're still defending the World Title against Slaughter.

But after what you did to Ken Patera, I've decided to add something to the match.

Zbysko: Add someth... What does that mean?!

Verne: Because of the magnitude of this match we need a referee who can keep law and order in the ring.

So, we're gonna have a special guest referee for the match.

Crowd cheered.

Zbysko: What?! You can't do that, old man!

Verne: I certainly can do it.

And the man who will be refereeing the match tonight is a man who I know can do the job and whoever wins will be a deserving victor.

And that man is...Chief Wahoo McDaniel!

Crowd erupted. Zbysko lost it.

Zbysko: No! No way! I'm gonna call my lawyer and try to get this match stopped!

You're stacking the deck against me on purpose because you want me to lose this!

Zbysko pointed at the belt.

Zbysko: You're trying to cheat me...

Verne: I'm cheating? Coming from you that's rich.

Wahoo has given me his word that he's calling the match right down the middle. And I know Wahoo is a man of his word.

Zbysko: Stanley Blackburn sure won't stand for this!

This is a miscarriage of justice on a massive scale!

I'm gonna try to get this thing stopped!

Zbysko stormed out of the ring and headed back up the heel aisle to loud boos.

Nelson: Verne, are you worried about Zbysko's possible attempts to stop the match?

Verne: The match will go forward and the winner will be our World Champion.

Crowd cheered.

Nelson: You heard it, fans! The match is happening according to Verne Gagne!

Commercials

Back from commercials: Announcers Lee Marshall and Lord James Blears hyped for next week: AWA World Title Match - Larry Zbysko (WC) vs. Sgt. Slaughter. Blears pointed out that we have Verne's word that the match will take place but Blears also said Zbysko will do everything he can to try and get it stopped.

Then sent it to the ring for the main event.

TV Main Event: Greg Gagne, Tommy Jammer & Tom Zenk vs. Destruction Crew & Jonnie Stewart - Stewart and the Destruction Crew won when Stewart pinned Jammer after the match broke down and all six men started brawling in the ring and Bloom struck Jammer in the back of the head with his hard hat allowing Stewart to pin Jammer - TIME: 11:09

Announcers hyped the World Title match for next week one final time as the program went off the air.

END OF PROGRAM

Captain Kremmen · October 15, 2019

I should have posted this when I started...but I forgot!

AWA PRESIDENT

Stanley Blackburn

AWA ROSTER SPRING 1989

(Roster is based on reading match results from the time and personal memory.)

FACES

Sgt. Slaughter

Ken Patera & Brad Rheingans (AWA World Tag Team Champions)

Greg Gagne

Top Guns (Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes)

Wendi Richter (AWA Women's Champ)

Don Muraco

Baron Von Raschke

Verne Gagne (Promoter)

Wahoo McDaniel

Tommy Jammer

Tom Zenk

Jake Milliman

The Guerrero Bros. (Mando, Chavo & Hector)

Jerry Blackwell

HEELS

Larry Zbysko (AWA World Champion)

Col. DeBeers

Manny Fernandez

Destruction Crew

Jonnie Stewart

Akio Sato

Badd Company (w/ Mgr. Dallas Page)

Magnificent Mimi

Tommy Rich

(I've decided to mothball the AWA TV Title until further notice and the AWA Light Heavyweight Title has been dropped.)

Captain Kremmen · October 15, 2019

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK

This week's video could be titled That '70s Wrestling Show!

It's the High Flyers (Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell) vs. Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens.

The heel team also debuts their new manager!

ENJOY!

Captain Kremmen · October 18, 2019

AWA ON ESPN TAPINGS - SHOWBOAT SPORTS PAVILION - LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 1989

(3rd Taping Re-Cap)

Show opened with Larry Nelson standing center ring, mic in hand.

Nelson: Welcome to AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN. I'm Larry Nelson.

With me right now is the man who will be the special guest referee for the World Title match between the champ Larry Zbysko and challenger Sgt. Slaughter.

Wahoo McDaniel, were you surprised when Verne Gagne came to you and asked you to be the referee for this big match?

Wahoo was in street clothes.

Wahoo: I was stunned, Larry.

Verne came up to me in the dressing room and said he thought they needed a referee who could maintain order and can handle themselves physically if need be during the match between Slaughter and Zbysko.

Nelson: You are considered one of the toughest men in this sport.

Wahoo: This is a tough man's business, Larry. It's not a sport for the timid.

Nelson: We all witnessed Larry Zbysko's vicious attack using the ring bell on Ken Patera's already injured left arm. He's gonna be out of action now longer than originally expected.

What are your thoughts on the matter since Zbysko, after all, is the World Champion?

Wahoo: I thought it was an act of cowardice. Larry Zbysko likes playing dirty when he feels it will benefit him. But he won't be playing dirty tonight. If he retains the title in the match against Slaughter, he'll do it cleanly.

Ken's a good friend of mine. He's down right now after what happened to him. But I know he'll be back. And when he comes back, I wouldn't want to be Larry Zbysko!

Fans cheered.

Nelson: If Zbysko tries anything dirty what will you do?

Wahoo: If Zbysko tries anything illegal during the match then he'll have to deal directly with me! And I really don't think he wants that!

But both men need to know that this match will be called fairly. I am favoring no one.

Nelson: Wahoo McDaniel, everybody!

Fans cheered some more.

Nelson: Let's send it to ringside and Lee Marshall and Lord James Blears.

Announcers Lee Marshall and Lord James Blears welcomed viewers and hyped the match coming up later in the program: AWA World Championship - Larry Zbysko © vs. Sgt. Slaughter (they pointed out that Larry Zbysko, as they spoke, was still trying to use the courts or AWA Prez Stanley Blackburn to stop the match). Said Col. DeBeers sees action on the program; Brad Rheingans wrestles; and more. Then sent it back up to the ring.

Mando and Hector Guerrero won a squash match. There was no post-match interview.

Pic aired of Col. DeBeers with the caption: The Colonel sees action...NEXT!

Commercials (including one for Lee Press-On Nails)

Back from commercial: Col. DeBeers won a squash match over Mexican wrestler Jose Luis-Rivera. DeBeers did a post-match interview and extolled the virtues of white people and apartheid South Africa. Said he's looking for his next major conquest in the AWA since he ran off Jimmy Snuka and 'steroid abuser' Scott Hall.

AWA Top 5 World Title Contenders vid aired.

Commercials (more Lee Press-On Nails ads!)

IT'S THE AWA ON TOUR! We'll be at the high school/community center/county fair in (insert town here). THE AWA IS THE MAJOR LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!

Back from commercial: Larry Nelson was back in the ring with Verne Gagne.

Nelson: With me right now is promoter Verne Gagne.

Verne, Larry Zbysko has said that he is going to try and get the World Championship match between himself and Sgt. Slaughter stopped. He's apparently still trying to do this as we speak.

Can Zbysko get the match stopped using the courts?

Verne: To answer your question: no. Zbysko cannot use the courts to stop a pro wrestling match. He can try to do it, but the only thing that will happen is Zbysko will be told by his attorneys that the matter would be kicked back to President Stanley Blackburn and he's already said the match will proceed.

The match is happening.

Fans cheered.

Nelson: It seems like Zbysko might be a little fearful of facing Slaughter.

Verne: I don't know if he is or isn't. He's facing Sarge with the belt on the line.

If he doesn't want to defend the belt against Sarge, then that's OK, too. He will simply be stripped of the championship and it will be held up.

Nelson: Can you tell us how much the fine will be for Zbysko's attack on Ken Patera with the ring bell?

Verne: I can't disclose it. But after discussing it with Stanley Blackburn, it is quite a heavy fine. Larry will feel it in the wallet.

Nelson: Is a suspension coming for the assault?

Verne: That's still being discussed and will be decided after Zbysko defends the title against Sgt. Slaughter.

Nelson: Verne Gagne, everybody! More great action coming up!

Pic aired of the AWA World Championship belt with the caption: Later...Match for the AWA World Championship!

Commercials (Lee Press-On Nails! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />)

Back from commercial: Brad Rheingans wrestled a squash match. In a post-match interview, Rheingans discussed his tag team partner Ken Patera. Said he hoped Ken made it back soon so they could defend the tag titles again. Mentioned the 30-day rule being in effect for a title defense. Closed by saying he hopes Sarge defeats Zbysko and takes the title.

Crowd cheered.

Lee Marshall and Lord James Blears intro'd a video of other AWA wrestlers making their predictions for the Zbysko ©/Sarge AWA World Title match.

VIDEO:

Top Guns (Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes): Sarge

Destruction Crew: Zbysko

Tom Zenk: Sarge

Greg Gagne: Sarge

Manny Fernandez: Zbysko

Badd Co. & Mgr. DDP: Zbysko

Baron Von Raschke: Sarge

Tommy Jammer: Sarge

Mando & Hector Guerrero: Split (Mando: Sarge/Hector: Zbysko)

AWA Women's Champ Wendi Richter: Sarge

Magnificent Mimi: Zbysko

Tommy Rich: Zbysko

Col. DeBeers: Zbysko

AWA Legends Nick Bockwinkel, The Crusher & Dick The Bruiser: Sarge

END OF VIDEO

Announcers discussed the wrestler predictions and said the World Title match: Zbysko © vs. Sarge was coming up after the break.

Commercials (Knock-knock. Who's There? Lee. Lee who??? Lee Press-On Nails! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />)

Back from commercial:

Main Event: AWA World Title Match - Larry Zbysko (WC) vs. Sgt. Slaughter (Special Ref: Wahoo McDaniel)

Wahoo got a good ovation as he made his way down the face aisle to the ring and climbed in. Wahoo was in a black shirt, black pants and black shoes. Wahoo briefly acknowledged the crowd and went and stood in a corner.

Marine Corps Hymn played and out came Sgt. Slaughter to a strong ovation. Sarge made his way down the face aisle, was in his ring attire, DI hat and sunglasses. He was carrying little American flags and handing them to fans on the way to the ring. Sarge climbed into the ring and saluted the crowd.

After a brief pause...

AWA World Champion Larry Zbysko came out in his ring attire and with the coveted belt around his waist.

The champion made his way down the heel aisle to the ring and climbed in. Zbysko had a towel around his neck.

Zbysko went and stood center ring and he and Wahoo engaged in a brief staredown. Zbysko then went to his corner.

Nelson: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is scheduled for one fall with a 60-minute time-limit and is for the AWA Heavyweight Championship of the World!

Crowd cheered.

Zbysko walked out of his corner and up to Larry Nelson.

Zbysko: I wasn't able to get this match stopped using legal means! So, I want President Stanley Blackburn to hear this all the way back in Minnesota! I am wrestling this match under protest!

Zbysko stalked back to his corner as the crowd booed.

Nelson: Introducing first, the special guest referee for this match...Chief Wahoo McDaniel!

Crowd cheered. Wahoo stayed in a corner with arms folded.

Nelson: And the challenger, he hails from Parris Island, South Carolina...weighing in at 298 pounds...he is 'America's Hero'...Sgt. Slaughter!

Crowd cheered as Sarge stepped out of the corner and briefly saluted the fans.

Nelson: And his opponent...

Boos started raining down on the champ.

Nelson: He is the reigning AWA World Champion! From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...weighing in at 235 pounds...Larry Zbysko!

Zbysko took a step out of his corner with hands on hips, head tilted slightly back in an arrogant fashion and a smug look on his face.

Zbysko took off the title and Wahoo went over to take the belt.

Just before Zbysko handed it over, he was picked up on a mic:

Zbysko: You make sure the belt is returned to its rightful owner when the match is over! Got me?!

Wahoo briefly glared at Zbysko, took the title and then held the belt up for all to see before handing it off to Larry Nelson, who was now standing on the floor.

Wahoo called both men out to the middle of the ring. Sarge and Zbysko locked eyes as Wahoo laid down the ground rules. Wahoo then patted each man down and sent each man back to his corner. Wahoo called for the bell.

The two men came out of their corners and circled one another and engaged in a collar-and-elbow tie-up. The two struggled to gain the advantage and Sarge finally got the upper hand and drove Zbysko into the corner and Wahoo ordered a break. The two men cautiously separated from one another and Sarge slowly backed up. Zbysko moved out of the corner. The two men circled each other again and engaged in another collar-and-elbow tie-up and this time Zbysko drove Sarge into the corner. Wahoo again ordered a break. Zbysko backed up slowly and raised his hands in the air signaling a clean break.

But this is Zbysko we're talking about here...

Zbysko then quickly slapped Sarge across the face. Sarge glared at Zbysko. Crowd buzzing. Zbysko started backing up and begging off as Sarge came out of the corner. Zbysko quickly bolted from the ring to the floor. Crowd booed. Wahoo ordered Sarge to step back as Zbysko paced on the floor. Wahoo started the 10-count. Zbysko continued walking around on the floor as the count grew. At 7,. Zbysko climbed up on the apron. Sarge went to go after Zbysko and Zbysko quickly dropped again to the floor and went back to the infamous 'Zbysko stall'. More boos from the crowd. Wahoo had to step in between Sarge and the ropes and ordered Sarge to step back. Sarge did and he and Wahoo had brief words with one another. Wahoo started the 10-count once more. Once again, the count grew and Zbysko climbed back up on the apron and started to cautiously climb back into the ring as Sarge came over and went to grab Zbysko but the champ quickly dropped back to the floor to the un-delight of the crowd. Once again, Wahoo ordered Sarge to step back and Sarge did as told. Zbysko was standing on the floor next to the ring. As Wahoo counted, Zbysko turned to say something to the heckling fans at ringside. Sarge grew tired, went over and pushed Wahoo aside and reached down over the top rope and grabbed Zbysko by the hair. Crowd popped. Zbysko spun around in Sarge's grasp and was now facing the ring. As Wahoo tried to separate Sarge from Zbysko, Zbysko took the opportunity to reach into the ring and pull Sarge's legs out from under him. Sarge lost his grip on Zbysko's 'do and crashed to the mat. Move stunned Sarge. Zbysko pulled Sarge out of the ring and down to his feet on the floor. Zbysko caught the hurting Sarge with a couple of punches and whipped Sarge towards the ring post. Sarge slammed head-first into the post, stumbled forward and went down on the floor. Wahoo counting. Zbysko rolled in and out of the ring to break the count.

Nelson: Elapsed time 5 minutes...55 minutes remain!

Sarge had gotten to his hands and knees on the floor and Zbysko went over and kicked Sarge in the side of the ribs, snapped Sarge up by his thinning hair and slammed Sarge's head into the ring apron. Wahoo counting. Sarge down on a knee on the floor next to the ring. Zbysko snapped Sarge up and threw Sarge back in the ring. Zbysko climbed in and stomped on Sarge's head. Sarge hurting and holding his noggin. Zbysko picked up Sarge and bodyslammed the challenger. Zbysko quickly dropped down and covered the challenger. 1... Sarge kicked out. Zbysko up and snapped Sarge up in a front-facelock. Sarge responded by driving Zbysko back-first into the buckles. Zbysko lost his grip on Sarge. Sarge was bent over holding the middle rope. He quickly regained his bearings and popped Zbysko with a trio of deliberate shoulder blocks to the gut. Sarge whipped Zbysko into the opposite corner and charged in and looked to nail Zbysko with a running clothesline but Zbysko moved and Sarge slammed front-first into the buckles. Sarge leaned against the buckles. Zbysko clubbed Sarge in the back with forearm smash, pulled Sarge out of the corner and rolled Sarge up into a small package for the pin. 1...2... Sarge kicked out. Zbysko snapped to his feet and clapped his hands together rapidly three times in Wahoo's face and yelled: I had him down for three! Crowd booed. Wahoo shook his head 'no' and held up two fingers. Sarge had recovered enough, and while Zbysko was busy arguing with Wahoo, Sarge crawled up behind Zbysko and rolled Zbysko up for the pin. 1...2...thr... Zbysko kicked out. Both men up and Zbysko swung wildly at Sarge and missed and Zbysko spun himself around facing away from Sarge and Sarge popped Zbysko with an atomic drop. Zbysko down to his knees holding the jewels. Sage reached down and grabbed Zbysko by the hair and prepared to pull Zbysko to his feet but Zbysko caught Sarge with a couple of gut punches and a quick poke to the eye. Because of Wahoo's positioning he didn't see the eye poke. Sarge turned away grabbing his eye. Zbysko to his feet. Wahoo went over to Zbysko and gestured and said Zbysko poked Sarge in the eye. Zbsyko loudly proclaimed his innocence to the boos of the crowd. Zbysko moved in and caught Sarge with a head shot. Zbysko whipped Sarge into the ropes and caught Sarge coming off with a spin kick to the chest. Sarge crashed to the mat. Zbsyko for the cover. 1...2... Sarge kicked out. Zbysko shot to his feet and started arguing with Wahoo again about the count being too slow. The two had words.

Nelson: Elapsed time 10 minutes...50 minutes remain!

Sarge started getting up as Zbysko grabbed him by the hair, pulled him to his feet and went to slam Sarge's head into the top buckle but Sarge got his foot on the top buckle and blocked the try, elbowed Zbysko in the ribs and freed himself from Zbysko's grasp and slammed Zbysko's head into his boot. Zbysko stunned and staggered off. Sarge came up behind the champ, spun him around and blasted Zbysko with a head shot. Zbysko fell back against the ropes. Sarge whipped Zbysko into the ropes and caught Zbysko coming off with a back elbow to the chest. Zbysko crashed to the mat. Sarge reached down and snapped Zbysko up and popped Zbysko with a backbreaker across the knee. Sarge for the cover. 1...2... Zbysko kicked out. Sarge reached down and started pulling Zbysko up when Zbysko reached down and pulled Sarge's legs out from under him and Sarge crashed to the mat. Zbysko for the cover. 1... Zbysko placed a foot on the middle rope for leverage. ...2... Sarge got a shoulder up. Zbysko quickly removed his foot off the middle rope just as Wahoo looked over. Zbysko tried for the pin once again. 1... Again, Zbysko placed a foot on the middle rope. Fans yelling at Wahoo to check it out but Wahoo doesn't see it. ...2... Wahoo looked up and saw Zbysko's foot on the rope and ordered a break in the pin try. Zbysko once again had words with the Chief. Zbysko raised his fist like he was going to punch Wahoo but Sarge had gotten to his feet, came up behind Zbysko, grabbed Zbysko's arm, spun Zbysko around and popped Zbysko with an open hand chop to the chest. Zbysko in pain from the blow. Sarge snapped Zbysko up and hit him with a gutbuster across the knee. Zbysko down. Sarge for the cover. 1...2... Zbysko kicked out. Sarge snapped Zbysko up and whipped Zbysko into the ropes. Zbysko caught the top rope and held on and managed to bail through the top and middle rope from the ring to the floor as the crowd booed. Zbysko standing next to the ring with one arm on the apron and holding his gut with the other hand. Sarge went to go after Zbysko but Wahoo intercepted him and told him to stand back. Sarge had brief words with Wahoo but stood back. Wahoo started the 10-count. Zbysko started walking slowly at ringside and was shaking out the affects of the match. Zbysko made his way up on the apron at the count of 8. Zbysko started to climb back into the ring and Sarge went to grab him but Zbysko once again dropped back to the floor to more boos. Again, Wahoo ordered the irked Sarge to stand back. Sarge did and Wahoo started the 10-count. Zbysko standing on the floor holding his gut. Zbysko looked up at Sarge, waved and turned and headed back up the heel aisle. Sarge left the ring and followed Zbysko up the aisle. Sarge came up behind Zbysko, spun him around and nailed Zbysko with another open hand chest chop. Zbysko stunned. Wahoo counting. Sarge hoisted Zbysko over his shoulder and carried Zbysko back to the ring, up the ring steps and dumped Zbysko over the top rope back into the ring to break the count.

Nelson: Elapsed time 15 minutes...45 minutes remain!

Sarge stepped into the ring as Zbysko scooted on his ass into the corner. Sarge moved in slowly on Zbysko and Zbysko tried to call a timeout but there are no timeouts in wrestling. Sarge moved in to snap Zbysko up but Zbysko leaned out through the middle and bottom rope. Wahoo stepped in and ordered Sarge to step back. Sarge seemed to be irritated and he and Wahoo exchanged some heated words. Zbysko remained seated in the corner. Zbysko no longer had part of his upper body sticking out of the ring. Sarge went over and Zbysko tried the same stalling tactic to no avail. Sarge grabbed Zbysko's ankles and went to pull Zbysko out of the corner but Zbysko grabbed the top rope and held on and a tug-o-war ensued as Sarge tried to pry Zbysko off the rope. After a brief struggle, Sarge won and gave Zbysko a hard yank and Zbysko lost his grip on the top rope and crashed to the mat. Zbysko grabbed the back of his head. Sarge snapped Zbysko up, whipped Zbysko into the ropes and looked to catch Zbysko coming off with a backdrop but Zbysko caught Sarge with a kick to the chest. Sarge shot up and stumbled back and Zbysko popped Sarge with a jumping spin kick to the chest. Sarge crashed to the mat. Zbysko grabbed the top rope and put the boots to the Sarge. Wahoo counting. Zbysko stopped the illegal move at the count of 4. Zbysko snapped Sarge up and grabbed Sarge in a front facelock and nailed Sarge with a swinging neckbreaker. Sarge down on his side holding the back of his neck. Zbysko rolled Sarge over on his back and went for the cover. 1...2... Sarge kicked out. Zbysko up and stomped Sarge. Zbysko then grabbed Sarge and prepared to hoist Sarge up for a piledriver.

Blears: Lee, if Zbysko hits this piledriver it's over. The neck has just been injured by the swinging neckbreaker. This would be the point of no return for Slaughter.

Zbysko tried to hoist Sarge up for the piledriver but Sarge twice blocked the move and backdropped Zbysko to the mat. Crowd cheered.

Nelson: Elapsed time 20 minutes...40 minutes remain!

Zbysko up as Sarge got to a knee. Zbysko moved in on Sarge and Sarge stunned Zbysko with an uppercut to the jaw that stunned Zbysko. Zbysko staggered off and Sarge came up behind Zbysko and locked Zbysko in the Cobra Clutch. Crowd popping like zits. Zbysko struggling in the hold and trying to keep from passing out. Zbysko appeared to start weakening in the hold. In an act of desperaration, Zbysko lunged towards the buckles and slammed into Wahoo. Wahoo crashed into the buckles under the weight of both Zbysko and Sarge. Wahoo crashed to the mat and rolled out on the apron. Sarge's grip loosened on Zbysko and Zbysko was able to drive the back of his boot into the Sarge's wedding tackle to free himself from Sarge's grasp. Sarge stumbled and fell over next to the ropes holding his privates. Manny Fernandez came charging down the heel aisle and went over and peeled Wahoo off the apron and down to his feet on the floor. Fernandez slammed Wahoo's head into the ring post and Wahoo stumbled forward and went face down on the floor. Zbysko pounded away on Sarge and Sarge stumbled and fell in the middle of the ring. Zbysko signaled for Fernandez. Fernandez climbed into the ring. Fernandez and Zbysko snapped Sarge up, whipped Sarge into the ropes and caught Sarge coming off with a double clothesline. Sarge crashed to the mat and was laid out helplessly in the ring. Zbysko pointed at the announcer's/timekeeper's table and said something to Fernandez. Fernandez sneered and shook his head in agreement with what Zbysko just said. Fernandez left the ring for the floor as Zbsyko put the boots to the hurting Sarge. Wahoo now on one hand and both knees. The Chief was bleeding. Fernandez grabbed the ring bell off the table and climbed back into the ring as Zbysko pulled Sarge to his feet.

Marshall: The ring bell comes into play again for Larry Zbysko.

Blears: Lee, it might not be a bad idea to hide the bell when Zbysko is out here from now on. It would be a disgrace to see him retain the title this way.

Zbysko held Sarge from behind as Fernandez prepared to hit Sarge with the ring bell. A bloody Wahoo was now on his feet on the floor. Wahoo looked up and saw what was about to happen. Fernandez raised the bell over his head and started to move towards Sarge when Wahoo climbed into the ring and came up behind Fernandez and snatched the bell from his hands. Wahoo tossed the bell aside as Fernandez spun around and Wahoo tore into Fernandez with a brutal a brutal series of rapid-fire chest chops. The chops stunned Fernandez and Wahoo grabbed Fernandez and threw Fernandez over the top rope and crashing down to the floor. Fans going wild. Zbysko threw Sarge down and went over and got in Wahoo's face and started jawing with Wahoo. As the two men were in a heated exchange, Sarge was recovering behind them.

Nelson: Elapsed time 25 minutes...35 minutes remain!

Zbysko went to hit Wahoo but Wahoo blocked the punch try. Sarge to his feet. Wahoo slammed Zbysko hard across the chest with a vicious chop that stunned Zbysko. Zbysko turned and walked right into a Slaughter Cannon that flatlined the champ. Crowd exploded. Sarge covered Zbysko and hooked the leg. 1...2...3! Crowd grew even louder as Wahoo called for the bell.

Larry Nelson handed Wahoo the belt. Sarge to his feet and jubilantly pumped his big fists in the air. Crowd still roaring.

Wahoo took the belt, handed it to Sarge and raised Sarge's hand in victory to the delight of the crowd.

Nelson: In a time of 25 minutes, 12 seconds, your winner...and NEW AWA World Champion...Sgt. Slaughter!

Crowd started chanting: Sarge! Sarge! Sarge!

Wahoo helped Sarge put the belt on.

Greg Gagne, the Top Guns, the Guerrero Brothers, Tommy Jammer, Baron Von Raschke, Wendi Richter and Tom Zenk all came to the ring to congratulate the new World Champion as the program ended.

WINNER: Sarge - Pinfall - Slaughter Cannon - 25:12

END OF PROGRAM

Theheel · October 19, 2019

Honestly a move the AWA probably should have considered with Slaughter. Sarge was one of Verne’s trainee’s back in the day. I don’t know if it was the GI Joe stuff or why they didn’t give him the belt. With Nick retired maybe Verne just didn’t trust anyone except family at that point.

Like to see where you go now that the title is switched

Captain Kremmen · October 20, 2019

<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>Honestly a move the AWA probably should have considered with Slaughter. Sarge was one of Verne’s trainee’s back in the day. I don’t know if it was the GI Joe stuff or why they didn’t give him the belt. With Nick retired maybe Verne just didn’t trust anyone except family at that point. Like to see where you go now that the title is switched</div></blockquote> I don't know if Sarge could have helped right the ship with as bad as things were in '89. But putting the belt on Slaughter in '86 when things were just starting to go downhill and you had the Hansen debacle (Hansen was, IMHO, an excellent World Champion) might have helped, at least for a while, to hold off the coming collapse a little longer. Just my 2 cents.

Theheel · October 21, 2019

Oh I definitely agree with Stan, but with that a Japan contract again Verne got twisted with things. I enjoyed Hanson as champ.

What the AWA did that often drove fans crazy was the awarding of the belt instead of a decision in the ring. Awarding the title to Bockwinkle again was just a terrible decision. A 1 night tourney, a battle royal, a singles match with the top 2 contenders, anything but just simply awarding the belt. In 86 they had enough talent to do any of those things.

Could you see an 8 man tourney with

Scott Hall

Curt Hennig

Sarge

Larry Zbysko

Jimmy Snuka

Greg Gange

Col DeBeers

Playboy Buddy Rose (a PNW personal favorite)

That would have been much better than awarding the belt. I even left a Nick Bockwinkel and Bruiser Brody out. So much they could have done to make a bad situation much more exciting

Captain Kremmen · October 21, 2019

<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>Oh I definitely agree with Stan, but with that a Japan contract again Verne got twisted with things. I enjoyed Hanson as champ. What the AWA did that often drove fans crazy was the awarding of the belt instead of a decision in the ring. Awarding the title to Bockwinkle again was just a terrible decision. A 1 night tourney, a battle royal, a singles match with the top 2 contenders, anything but just simply awarding the belt. In 86 they had enough talent to do any of those things. Could you see an 8 man tourney with Scott Hall Curt Hennig Sarge Larry Zbysko Jimmy Snuka Greg Gange Col DeBeers Playboy Buddy Rose (a PNW personal favorite) That would have been much better than awarding the belt. I even left a Nick Bockwinkel and Bruiser Brody out. So much they could have done to make a bad situation much more exciting</div></blockquote> Verne still had enough talent in early '86 to remain one of the Big 3. But it's like he just didn't grasp (or want to face what was happening). The WWF was on fire by this time and fans looked at Crockett's NWA on TBS as the true alternative. Remember Wrestlerock? That was a loaded show talent-wise. It was sad to see it all fall apart so quickly. Me thinks by '87, Verne needed to try and sell the company in real life. Hansen was awesome. Loved his promos. But like you said, Verne got hung up on the Japan deal. But he knew of that deal when he put the belt on the guy. WTF?! He fumbled away Hogan and fumbled away Hansen. The awarding the belt thing always seemed lame to me, too. At least he awarded to his best guy in '81 (why couldn't Verne have just lost clean to Bockwinkel in his retirement match? Seems like an ego thing.) But a tournament would probably have been the way to go in '86. The wrestlers you listed showed they still had a solid roster. As for Buddy Rose he was a fantastic heel. "I weigh a slim, trim 217 pounds!" Good stuff. He and Somers were great as a team. Throw in Sherri and they were even better. Leaving Brody out probably would not have been a bad thing given his rep in the sport.

Captain Kremmen · October 21, 2019

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

From 1985.

The unbelievable happens...Nick Bockwinkel becomes a fan fave in a matter of seconds!

ENJOY! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Captain Kremmen · October 22, 2019

AWA ON ESPN TAPINGS - SHOWBOAT SPORTS PAVILION - LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 1989

(4th Taping Re-Cap)

Show Intro -

In-Studio: Larry Nelson was sitting at a news desk with the AWA logo in the background.

Nelson welcomed viewers to the program and said they would be looking back at Sgt. Slaughter defeating Larry Zbysko to become the new AWA World Champion and a post-match interview with the new champ.

Also ran down the program: Main Event: Don Muraco vs. Tommy Rich; Col. DeBeers vs. Tommy Jammer; Top Guns vs. Badd Company w/ Mgr. DDP; an update on Ken Patera; and more. Nelson sent it to the ring at the Showboat Sports Pavilion.

AWA Women's World Champion Wendi Richter won a squash match. She then did a post-match interview about what it's like to be the champion and the rigors of the road.

Interviewer Larry Nelson said their was more to come.

Commercials

Back from commercial: Col. DeBeers defeated Tommy Jammer in 4:06 via pinfall with the face-first piledriver.

After the win, DeBeers called Larry Nelson into the ring. Nelson got in with mic in hand. Jammer still laid out on the mat feeling the affects from one of the best (and today unused) finishers in the sport.

Nelson: What's this about?

DeBeers pointed down at Jammer.

DeBeers: Tommy Jammer is a disgrace to our people! Look at him laying their like a piece of trash! He needs to learn a...

DeBeers stomped away on Jammer and then snapped up the hapless loser of the match and threw him over the top rope down to the floor. Jammer seriously hurting.

DeBeers then left the ring and headed back up the heel aisle to mainly boos but also a small smattering of cheers as refs came down to check on Jammer.

Picture from last week's World Title match between Zbysko and Slaughter appeared on the screen with the caption: A look back at Sarge's historic title win...NEXT!

Commercials (Lee Press-On Nails Ad:

<div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/kTcTVOCFhvU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="1987 Lee Press On Nails TV Commercial"></iframe></div></div>)

IT'S THE AWA ON TOUR! We'll be at the high school/community center/county fair/used car dealership parking lot in (insert town here). THE AWA IS THE MAJOR LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!

Back from commercials:

In-studio: Larry Nelson was sitting at the news desk with the AWA logo in the background.

He intro'd video from the end of the World Title match between Zbysko and Sarge.

VIDEO:

Zbysko staggered off and Sarge came up behind Zbysko and locked Zbysko in the Cobra Clutch. Crowd popping like zits. Zbysko struggling in the hold and trying to keep from passing out. Zbysko appeared to start weakening in the hold. In an act of desperaration, Zbysko lunged towards the buckles and slammed into Wahoo. Wahoo crashed into the buckles under the weight of both Zbysko and Sarge. Wahoo crashed to the mat and rolled out on the apron. Sarge's grip loosened on Zbysko and Zbysko was able to drive the back of his boot into the Sarge's wedding tackle to free himself from Sarge's grasp. Sarge stumbled and fell over next to the ropes holding his privates. Manny Fernandez came charging down the heel aisle and went over and peeled Wahoo off the apron and down to his feet on the floor. Fernandez slammed Wahoo's head into the ring post and Wahoo stumbled forward and went face down on the floor. Zbysko pounded away on Sarge and Sarge stumbled and fell in the middle of the ring. Zbysko signaled for Fernandez. Fernandez climbed into the ring. Fernandez and Zbysko snapped Sarge up, whipped Sarge into the ropes and caught Sarge coming off with a double clothesline. Sarge crashed to the mat and was laid out helplessly in the ring. Zbysko pointed at the announcer's/timekeeper's table and said something to Fernandez. Fernandez sneered and shook his head in agreement with what Zbysko just said. Fernandez left the ring for the floor as Zbsyko put the boots to the hurting Sarge. Wahoo now on one hand and both knees. The Chief was bleeding. Fernandez grabbed the ring bell off the table and climbed back into the ring as Zbysko pulled Sarge to his feet.

Marshall: The ring bell comes into play again for Larry Zbysko.

Blears: Lee, it might not be a bad idea to hide the bell when Zbysko is out here from now on. It would be a disgrace to see him retain the title this way.

Zbysko held Sarge from behind as Fernandez prepared to hit Sarge with the ring bell. A bloody Wahoo was now on his feet on the floor. Wahoo looked up and saw what was about to happen. Fernandez raised the bell over his head and started to move towards Sarge when Wahoo climbed into the ring and came up behind Fernandez and snatched the bell from his hands. Wahoo tossed the bell aside as Fernandez spun around and Wahoo tore into Fernandez with a brutal a brutal series of rapid-fire chest chops. The chops stunned Fernandez and Wahoo grabbed Fernandez and threw Fernandez over the top rope and crashing down to the floor. Fans going wild. Zbysko threw Sarge down and went over and got in Wahoo's face and started jawing with Wahoo. As the two men were in a heated exchange, Sarge was recovering behind them.

Nelson: Elapsed time 25 minutes...35 minutes remain!

Zbysko went to hit Wahoo but Wahoo blacked the punch try. Sarge to his feet. Wahoo slammed Zbysko hard across the chest with a vicious chop that stunned Zbysko. Zbysko turned and walked right into a Slaughter Cannon that flatlined the champ. Crowd exploded. Sarge covered Zbysko and hooked the leg. 1...2...3! Crowd grew even louder as Wahoo called for the bell.

Larry Nelson handed Wahoo the belt. Sarge to his feet and jubilantly pumped his big fists in the air. Crowd still roaring.

Wahoo took the belt, handed it to Sarge and raised Sarge's hand in victory to the delight of the crowd.

Nelson: In a time of 25 minutes, 12 seconds, your winner...and NEW AWA World Champion...Sgt. Slaughter!

END OF VIDEO

Back in the studio: Larry Nelson intro'd the interview with Sarge after Sarge won the belt.

VIDEO:

Larry Nelson was standing in the now empty Showboat Sports Pavilion next to the ring with new World Champ Sgt. Slaughter. Sarge had cleaned up and was now in street clothes and had the World Title cradled in his left arm.

Nelson: Sgt. Slaughter, congratulations on beating Larry Zbysko and becoming the new AWA World Champion.

Sarge: Thank you, Larry. Being the World Champion has been a dream of mine since I started in this sport.

And to beat a scoundrel like Larry Zbysko to become the new World Champion makes the victory that much sweeter.

Nelson: We know that Larry Zbysko, since he's now the former World Champion, has a re-match clause in his contract. And I don't think there's any doubt he's gonna trigger that clause as soon as possible. He loved being the World Champion.

Sarge: This belt was like oxygen for Zbysko! It was his life! Well now that oxygen supply has been removed from him! He's gasping for air!

I know he's gonna come after me! I know how badly he wants this back!

Sarge held up the title.

Sarge: But I'm more than ready to fight him again! He's now in the position of the challenger! And a guy like Zbysko will do whatever he feels he has to do to get what he wants! He'll get his re-match alright! But I'm gonna do everything in my power to keep him from regaining the World Championship! He was a disgrace as champion! I aim to be a champion the people can be proud of!

Nelson: Besides Larry Zbysko, there are some other serious challengers here in the AWA who would love nothing more than to beat you and be where you are right now.

Sarge: The list of challengers here is a long one, Nelson! If I'm gonna be the champion for any length of time, I know that I've got to face all worthy challengers for this belt and I've got to prepare accordingly! But I will be a champion that fights with honor!

I worked long and hard to achieve the goal of becoming the World Champion! There's no way I'll take any challenger, even if it's Jake Milliman, lightly! I feel it's my duty to restore this belt to its former glory after it was tarnished by that rat Zbysko!

Nelson: Sarge, I think I can speak for all the fans out there when I say we wish you the best and hope you have a long World Title reign that does indeed bring honor to that prestigious belt.

Sarge: Character is the defining hallmark of a champion! Whatever your character, that's the type of champion you will be!

Nelson: We know your character is rock solid, Sarge! Best of luck defending the AWA World Title.

Sarge: Thank you.

Nelson: New AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter, everyone! A new era has begun in the AWA!

END VIDEO

Split-screen pic aired of Badd Co. and the Top Guns aired with the caption: Tag Team War...NEXT!

Commercials (2 more Lee Press-On Nails Ads:

<div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/wzEd0IAPmKA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="1988 Miss Lee Press On Nails Commercial#2"></iframe></div></div>)

Back from commercial:

Badd Company w/ Mgr. DDP vs. Top Guns (Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes) - Before the match, Badd Co. manager DDP took the mic mid-ring.

DDP: Somebody needs to inform Ken Patera that the 30-day window for him and Brad Rheingans will close quickly! If Kenny boy can't come back before the 30 days are up, then I demand that the tag team titles be returned to the previous champions...Badd Company!

Crowd booed lustily.

The match started out as a standard tag team affair but quickly devolved into a wild match that turned into all four men brawling. Match was out of control so the ref called for the bell and said it was a double DQ at 6:33. Both teams continued brawling at ringside and Pat Tanaka and Ricky Rice fought into the stands before refs and job guys came out to break things up and settle things down.

Announcers talked about the tag team brawl.

Announcer Lee Marshall had an update on the health status of Ken Patera. Marshall said Patera's arm is healing well and he will hopefully be back in action soon. Said Patera and Rheingans defending the titles within the 30-day window is very iffy and AWA honchos will have to decide what to do about the titles in the coming days.

Said more action to come.

Split-screen pic aired of Tommy Rich and Don Muraco with the caption: MAIN EVENT: Muraco vs. Rich...NEXT!

Commercials (Are you ready for another one? No! Well here it is! Lee Press-On Nails:

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Back from commercial:

TV MAIN EVENT: Tommy Rich vs. Don Muraco

Before the match began, Rich took the ring mic from Larry Nelson.

Rich: All this excitement about the World Championship reminds me of somethin'. I'll have you know that I was a World Champion, too. I defeated Harley Race for my World Championship. And it was an unforgettable run.

Marshall: I'd hardly call five days as champion an 'unforgettable run'.

Rich: Present...and past...World Champions should be shown the respect they deserve and demand.

So, Don Muraco, as a one-time World Champion, I'm asking you to lay down in this ring and let me cover you for the pinfall win.

Muraco walked over to Rich.

Muraco: You want me to take a dive, in essence, so you can win the match because you once held a World Title? Is that right?

Rich: I wouldn't put it like that, Muraco. There's no shame in losing to a guy who was the World Champion. You need to do what the World Champion asks.

Muraco snatched the mic from Rich's hand.

Rich: I didn't ask you to do that.

Muraco: There's no shame in losing to a former World Champion. But, Tommy, if you're gonna beat me tonight then you're gonna have to do it the old fashioned way and...earn it.

Crowd cheered as Muraco handed the mic off to Larry Nelson.

Good match between two solid veterans, Rich tried to take some shortcuts to win but was thwarted by Muraco. At the end of the match, Muraco was able to hit Rich with his inverted piledriver finisher to score the pinfall victory in a time of 10:13 as the program ended.

END OF PROGRAM: <a href="https://youtu.be/cWdeNkqudL0?t=2812" rel="external nofollow">https://youtu.be/cWdeNkqudL0?t=2812</a>

******************************************************

TV Taping News & Notes

Paid Attendance: 2,632

Comps given out: 518

Comps used: 204

Total Attendance: 2,836

Showboat Sports Pavilion Capacity: 5,500

The interview with Sgt. Slaughter at ringside after Sarge won the title was taped after the tapings ended and the fans had left the arena.

The World Title match went on last in an effort to keep many of the fans from leaving the marathon tapings early. It worked, as very few fans left during the tapings.

The dark match was a wild and bloody affair between Wahoo McDaniel and Manny Fernandez in a Steel Cage. Wahoo defeated Manny by pinfall with his big chop finisher in a time of 14:44 The match took place before the World Title match.

Since the arena was barely half full, fans were moved over in front of the camera to make it look like the place was pretty packed on TV.

UPDATED CHANGE IN PLANS! Sarge's title win over Zbysko will be announced at the house shows before it airs on ESPN. And Ken Patera will be pulled off all house shows and TVs until he returns from his worked injury suffered at the hands of Zbysko. At the house shows, it will just be stated that Patera will not be appearing for 'personal reasons' since the angle won't air on ESPN until May. Title change will also air on ESPN in May.

Captain Kremmen · October 25, 2019

SPRING 1989

SHOWBOAT HOTEL - LAS VEGAS, NV

Promoter Verne Gagne had just walked into his room at about 12:30am at the Showboat Hotel after a marathon set of TV tapings that lasted until almost 11:30.

Verne placed his notebook on the nightstand, sat down on the side of the bed, picked up the phone and dialed 24-hour room service.

Verne exhaled as he listened to the dial tone.

Someone picked up after four rings.

Voice on the other end of the phone: Wah Wah!

Verne: Yes, room service, I'd like to place an order.

Voice: Wah Wah?

Verne: Room 420.

Voice: Wah Wah?

Verne: I'd like the Reuben sandwich with onion rings, two pickle spears and two cans of Tab.

Voice: Wah Wah?

Verne: No dessert, thank you.

Voice: Wah Wah.

Verne: $6.75 plus tip. OK. How long will it take?

Voice: Wah Wah.

Verne: 15 minutes. Thank you.

Voice: Wah Wah.

Verne: Goodbye.

Verne hung up the phone.

Almost immediately after hanging up, there was a knock on the door. Verne, irritated, got up and walked over to the door.

Verne: Who is it?

Voice on the other side of the door: It's Greg.

Verne opened the door and gestured for his son to come in. Greg closed the door behind him.

Verne: We've had a long day, son. Couldn't whatever it is you have to say wait until later this morning?

Greg: I really think I should talk to you now about it.

Verne: About what?

Greg: Can we sit down?

The two made their way over to the table and each took a chair.

Verne: Can we make this quick. I wanna eat and get some sleep.

Greg: Have you talked to anyone yet about possibly funding the promotion?

Verne: Not yet? That starts in the next few days after we get back to Minneapolis.

Greg: We've got an interested party who might want to buy us out, dad. His name's Jeff Smulyan.

Verne: Smulyan? The name does not ring a bell.

Greg: He's a multi-millionaire who founded and runs Emmis Broadcasting. They own several radio stations across the country.

He's also part of an ownership group that recently purchased the Seattle Mariners. He put down $35 million of the $75 million to buy the franchise.

Verne: Wow! This guy's got money!

Greg: Serious money.

You have to admit, dad, that you could walk away with a nice chunk of change if Smulyan decided to buy the promotion.

Verne: We need to get in touch with him or his people. This is definitely worth exploring.

And while we wait to see what might happen with, what's his name again?

Greg: Jeff Smulyan.

Verne: Yes, Smulyan. While we wait to hear from him, I'll be calling people about investing in the promotion.

Was that it, son?

Greg: As it stands right now, dad.

Verne: Great. We'll talk more on the flight home.

Greg got up and started walking towards the door.

Verne: Greg, how'd you find out about this guy's interest anyway?

Greg: Al (Derusha) and I have been putting out feelers. One of Al's contacts got back to him and told him about Smulyan's interest.

Verne: Really...

Well, we'll see what happens. Talk with you later, Greg.

Greg: OK, dad.

Greg walked out and closed the door behind him as Verne sat waited for his meal to be delivered.

********************************************************************************

SHOWBOAT HOTEL - LAS VEGAS, NV

It was 2am and Robert Remus, known to fans as the newly crowned AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter, walked out of his hotel room on the fifth floor of the Showboat Hotel and caught the elevator to the third floor. Sarge had two beers in his hands.

Remus got out of the elevator, made his way down the hall, cautiously looked around, and then gently knocked on the door of room 337.

The door opened slightly and Sarge's 'hated' foe Larry Zbysko was standing there.

Zbysko: Bob. Come on in.

Sarge: Thanks, Larry.

Sarge closed the door behind him.

Zbysko: I just got back from doing a little gambling in the casino.

Sarge Any luck?

Zbysko: If losing $300 bucks is luck, then I was very lucky.

Have a seat.

Zbysko sat on the side of the bed as Sarge sat in a chair at the table in the room.

Sarge: Oh! Got us a couple of brews.

Sarge handed one to Zbysko. They opened their adult beverages.

Zbysko: A toast...to the new World Champion.

They clinked cans and drank to Sarge 'winning' the belt.

Zbysko: What can I do for ya, man?

Sarge: Just stopped in to thank you for doing the honors for me last night.

Zbysko: No problem. I think you owe me a steak dinner at Murray's when we get back to Minneapolis since I did the favor for you.

Sarge (sarcastically): Dinner at Murray's? For us to be seen together there would be a violation of kayfabe.

Zbysko: Then get it to go!

The two laughed and briefly stopped talking to sip their brewskis.

Zbysko: In this business, money is the only real thing. The closest thing to reality in the ring is winning the World Title.

Sarge: It's a unique position I've never been in. It feels a little different.

Zbysko: Just remember you're the big dog now. You're in the big money position. And if you can draw as the World Champ it benefits all of us in the wallet.

Sarge: I know, Larry. I hope I'm up to the task.

Zbysko: I believe you are. You're still popular and have strong name value. I thought we had a good match and I believe you're gonna have a good run as champion.

Sarge: Here's to a good run.

They raised their beer cans once more and took a few more swigs of the hops and barley.

Sarge: Guess you're gonna be put in a program with Patera.

Zbysko: Yeah, I wasn't expecting that. Verne never said anything when he came to my room in the afternoon and told me he was making a title change.

Apparently he came up with the angle I did with Patera just after arriving at the Pavilion.

Sarge: Well, here's hoping we can spark an uptick in business.

Zbysko: We could be looking at our last shot to make the AWA relevant again.

Sarge: Well, I just came down to thank you for dropping the belt to me. Better go get some sleep before we leave here later this morning.

Zbysko: You're welcome, brother.

The two stood up. Zbysko and Sarge shook hands.

Before Sarge left the room...

Zbysko: Hey, Bob.

Sarge: Yeah.

Zbysko: Not only do you get a pay upgrade in the World Champion position...you also get an upgrade in the quality of poontang you'll get.

The two laughed.

Sarge: Just don't tell my wife!

More laughter.

Sarge opened the door of the room and Zbysko stood out of the way so no one could see him to protect kayfabe if outsiders were passing by. Sarge let himself out and nodded and closed the door behind him.

It was just another night's work for Zbysko, who got ready for bed, slipped in between the sheets and fell into a deep sleep.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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AWA 1989: A Financial Savior Is (Badly) Needed

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