joshspicer Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 I'm probably reading into things for the sake of the story but that Sarge and Larry meet-up felt a bit too chummy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted October 25, 2019 Author Share Posted October 25, 2019 I'm probably reading into things for the sake of the story but that Sarge and Larry meet-up felt a bit too chummy... I don't know if you've ever heard of kayfabe before, but it was a carny term used in the wrestling business. It meant: protect the business from outsiders. If a face and heel had to talk with one another they had to do so in private and not out in the open where fans could see them. Today it's not a big deal since the business has been so exposed. But back then it was still important, at least to many promoters. That's why I had Sarge act so cautious when he was walking down the hall. He wouldn't have wanted fans to see him walking into his 'enemy's' room with two beers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshspicer Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 I don't know if you've ever heard of kayfabe before, but it was a carny term used in the wrestling business. It meant: protect the business from outsiders. If a face and heel had to talk with one another they had to do so in private and not out in the open where fans could see them. Today it's not a big deal since the business has been so exposed. But back then it was still important, at least to many promoters. That's why I had Sarge act so cautious when he was walking down the hall. He wouldn't have wanted fans to see him walking into his 'enemy's' room with two beers. Well nah I got that part, but it felt like including it meant something beyond just a "Larry's cool with Sarge and losing the belt to him." Like from a storyline standpoint, not from a wrestling standpoint. It felt like including that had more of a meaning to it, but like I said, that could've just been me reading too much into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theheel Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 Looks like just a peak behind the curtain in going along with the theme of this story. The whole financial issue with AWA and the looking for an investor. Of course Smulyan almost bankrupted the Mariners. It wasn’t until he left that the team actually started to make a small amount of headway. He does get credit for getting rid of a George “the Terrible” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted October 28, 2019 Author Share Posted October 28, 2019 AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK! From 1973, it's 'Superstar' Billy Graham butting heads with Da Crusher. Fun stuff: ENJOY! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted October 29, 2019 Author Share Posted October 29, 2019 SPRING 1989 EMMIS BROADCASTING CORPORATION* - INDIANAPOLIS, IN Jeff Smulyan is the founder and owner of Emmis Broadcasting Corporation. The company owns several radio stations across the United States. Smulyan also owns the largest stake in the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball club, which he and a group of others recently purchased for $75 million dollars. On this day, Smulyan is sitting in a conference room at the offices of his broadcasting empire. With him are two of his top executives, Dale Murphy and Bob Horner. They are discussing whether or not to purchase the AWA. Smulyan: I called you guys in here for a quick meeting on the AWA situation. Horner: Are you leaning towards buying the company? Smulyan: Haven't made up my mind, Bob. Talking to some people who know wrestling, this promotion seems to be in a state of decline right now. Heard business is really bad for them. Murphy: The good thing about wrestling is it is a cyclical business. You have your up cycles and down cycles. You just hope the up cycles are far more profitable than the down cycles are money losers. Smulyan: These guys have fallen way behind Vince McMahon up there in New York. And now Turner Broadcasting owns the NWA. And these are the top two promotions in the country, right? Horner: That is correct. Smulyan: What worries me is not the purchase price. I don't think it will be all that much. Just a few million. But how many millions would we have to pour into this thing to make it profitable again? Murphy: That's the wildcard in this whole thing, Jeff. Things are tough for them right now. Real tough. I looked at their roster and it's super thin. I'm told crowds at shows are dropping into the hundreds. Horner: One good thing is, a friend of mine from Vegas called me the other night and told me Sgt. Slaughter had won their World Title. Smulyan: Sgt. Slaughter. Is he a big star? Horner: He's not as big a star as he was a few years ago. But he's still got star-power and he's the biggest star I see on the AWA roster. Smulyan: Think him being the champion will spark an upswing in business? Murphy: Hard to tell. Pro wrestling as a business is a fickle mistress. Horner: You're gonna have to sign away some big name talent from the WWF and NWA if you want to truly renew fan interest. Smulyan: Sgt. Slaughter's not enough, huh? Horner: I don't think so. He's someone you could build around. But you also need some bigger names in the picture than they already have. Smulyan: Think we could land Hulk Hogan? Horner: Wouldn't hold my breath on that one. He's Vince McMahon's meal ticket. Murphy: You'd have to make an insane offer to get him to come back to the AWA. There's plenty of talent out there not named Hogan that could help us try and salvage the AWA. Smulyan, elbows on the table, rubbed his hands together and went into deep thought for a moment. The room was silent. Smulyan: OK. There's work to do here. I need someone to set up a phone conversation between Verne Gagne and myself. I'd like to talk to him and get his thoughts on this whole thing. That phone call will let me know whether or not to proceed in looking at buying the AWA. That's all for right now, Dale and Bob. Horner: Before we head out, did I ever tell you about the time I hit four homeruns in a game? Smulyan: Yes, several times. Meeting over, gents. TO BE CONTINUED... (* Now known as Emmis Communications.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted October 31, 2019 Author Share Posted October 31, 2019 SPRING 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN Verne Gagne had just called for his son Greg, Wally Karbo and Al Derusha to come to his office. There was a knock on the office door. Verne: Come in. In walked Al Derusha. Al: Hey, Verne. What's this about? I've still got post-production work to do from our recent tapings. Verne: Have a seat. This is only gonna take a few minutes. A couple of minutes later Greg walked through the door. Greg: Hey, dad. Hey, Al. Verne: Hi, son. Al nodded at Greg. Greg sat down in a chair in front of Verne's desk. Wally Karbo filled out the quartet when he arrived a couple of minutes after Greg. Wally: What's going on? I'll sit over on the couch. Wally took a seat. Verne: Gentlemen, I've called you in here to tell you some big news. Wally: What is it? Verne: I was contacted by an executive who works for Emmis Broadcasting. Greg: One of Jeff Smulyan's people? Verne: That's right. They called to see if I'd be interested in talking with Jeff and seeing where his interest lies in buying the company and where my interest is in selling the company. Al: If he wants to buy it, Verne, are you gonna sell it? Verne: We'll see. Greg: Is Jeff coming here? Verne: No. It will be over the phone. I was told if Smulyan likes the way things go during our phone conversation, he will move forward and further explore the option of buying the promotion. Wally: If you're willing to sell, Verne, this guy sounds like a good choice to sell to. He's potentially got millions to pour into the AWA. Greg: That's if he wants to pour millions into it, Wally. It's gonna take a lot of work to bring the AWA back to prominence in the wrestling world. Al: When's he calling, Verne? Verne: He'll be calling me next Monday. We'll see how things go, then. Al: If he wants to buy I don't think you should let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Your could walk away with a huge amount of money. Verne: I know. Wally: Have you contacted anyone about financing the company with you still running it? Verne: Going to call a couple of guys soon. I'll see what they have to say. Greg: It's a big gamble to invest in this company right now, dad. They have to be patient. Can't expect any profits overnight. This is a marathon and not a sprint. Verne exhaled. Verne: It's gonna be an interesting next few days, guys. Verne looked across his desk at the trio as an anxious silence filled the room. TO BE CONTINUED... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 1, 2019 Author Share Posted November 1, 2019 CORRECTION: I originally posted my previous two posts (Posts #56 & 57) out of order. They are now corrected. Sorry for the error. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 1, 2019 Author Share Posted November 1, 2019 AWA ALL-STAR WRESTLING SYNDICATED TAPING RESULTS ROCHESTER, MN - ROCHESTER (MAYO) CIVIC CENTER - APRIL 1989 Since I'm not sure how they handled the taping schedules back then, I'm just going to pretend the syndicated taping run runs a week behind the Showboat tapings. Example: The second week Showboat taping would air the same week the first week syndicated taping would air, etc. Before the tapings started, Larry Nelson announced to the crowd that Sarge had defeated Zbysko to become the new AWA World Champion in Vegas a few nights earlier and the main event that evening would be Sarge defending against Zbysko instead of Zbysko defending against Patera. Also said that Patera was out with an arm injury caused in large part by Larry Zbysko using the bell on Patera's already injured left arm. 1st Taping Tom Zenk def. Tom 'Rocky' Stone Post-Match Interview w/ Zenk Studio Interview: Larry Nelson interviewed Baron Von Raschke The Top Guns (Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes) def. Dennis Stamp & Jose-Luis Rivera Post-Match Interview w/ Guns Promos for shows in upcoming towns The Destruction Crew def. Buddah Khan & Jerry Allen Studio Interview: Larry Nelson interviewed AWA Legend Nick Bockwinkel. The pair looked at and discussed footage of a couple of Bockwinkel AWA World Title defenses from his career. Manny Fernandez def. Terry Gibbs Post-Match Interview w/ Fernandez. Fernandez cut a blistering promo on Wahoo. Promos for shows in upcoming towns In-studio: Larry Nelson interviewed Mando & Hector Guerrero. Basically a filler interview. TV Main Event: Greg Gagne battled Akio Sato to a double DQ - 9:18 2nd Taping In-studio: Larry Nelson opened the program reporting what happened to Ken Patera at the hands of Larry Zbysko and the fallout from the attack. Said they would be looking at the assault later in the program. Col. DeBeers def. Jake Milliman Post-Match Interview w/ DeBeers Milliman was laid out in the ring still feeling the effects of DeBeers' face-first piledriver. Nelson: Col. DeBeers, you have devastated another opponent with your face-first piledriver finisher... DeBeers: Look at him, Nelson! Look at that pathetic excuse of a white man! Jake Milliman shouldn't even be breathing the same air as me! Look at his gross body! His breath stinks! He has food in his beard! Not a shining example of our folk! He needs... DeBeers stomped away on Milliman and then snapped him up and threw Milliman over the top rope down to the floor. DeBeers followed Milliman to the floor, snapped Milliman up and slammed Milliman's head into the announcer's table. Milliman crumpled to the floor. DeBeers snapped Milliman up once more and repeated the head slam. Milliman back down on the floor. Crowd booing DeBeers. Nelson, on the mic, trying to get DeBeers to stop. DeBeers snapped Milliman up and Milliman was now bleeding. DeBeers held the hurting Milliman by the face and shoved Jake's face into the camera. DeBeers: Look at this disgrace! Look at him! DeBeers then threw the hapless Milliman down on the floor. Nelson: A little help out here! AWA refs and some jobbers came down to ringside as DeBeers backed off. After a brief stand-off, DeBeers headed back up the heel aisle as refs and jobbers checked on Jake. Promo aired for the main event...Baron Von Raschke vs. Jonnie Stewart Tom Zenk def. Steven Dane Post-Match Interview w/ Tom Zenk Zenk: Larry Nelson, everybody knows what a low-life Col. DeBeers is. He's bad news. But what I saw him do to Jake Milliman was beyond the pale. DeBeers, let me tell you something. You keep attacking wrestlers for no reason like you did with Jake, brother, you're gonna have to deal with me! Crowd popped. Baron Von Raschke promo for his main event match. Market-specific promos for shows in upcoming towns. Larry Nelson intro'd footage of the attack by Larry Zbysko on Ken Patera in Las Vegas. To read about the assault: http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=544125&page=3 (Scroll down to the AWA ESPN Taping from the Showboat 1st show re-cap.) Nelson said they'd show highlights from the Battle Royal to decide the new AWA World Title #1 Contender next week as well as interviews with champ Larry Zbysko and challenger Sgt. Slaughter. Badd Company w/ Mgr. DDP def. The Batten Twins Post-Match Interview w/ Badd Co. and DDP: DDP said Tanaka and Diamond may be naked around the waist right now. But that wasn't going to last long and those tag titles were coming home. and homeis around the waist's of Badd Co. Jonnie Stewart promo for his main event match. Market-specific promos for shows in upcoming towns. Don Muraco def. Rico Suave Post-Match Interview w/ Don Muraco Muraco talked about making a run at the World Title or getting a partner and going after the tag gold. Split-screen pic aired of Baron and Stewart with the caption: The Baron vs. Mr. Stewart...NEXT! TV MAIN EVENT: Baron Von Raschke vs. Jonnie Stewart At the end of the match: Baron was on the offensive and went to whip Stewart into the ropes but Stewart reversed and caught Baron coming off with a knee in the gut to score the pinfall victory - TIME: 7:32 3rd Taping In-studio: Larry Nelson hyped the upcoming interviews between World Champion Larry Zbysko and challenger Sgt. Slaughter as they head into their World Title clash. Hyped the TV Main Event: Wendi Richter defends the AWA Women's World Title against Candi Devine Destruction Crew def. Reno Riggins & Bob Holly In-Studio Interview: Larry Nelson interviewed Tommy Rich. Rich said he deserved a certain level of respect not generally accorded to most wrestlers because he was a former World Champion. Said that people who don't show him that respect should have to pay a very steep price for their disrespect. Pic aired with the caption: The Chief sees action...NEXT! Wahoo McDaniel def. Kenny Jay Post-Match Interview w/ Wahoo. Wahoo talked about his intense, on-going feud with Manny Fernandez. Candi Devine promo for her TV main event title challenge against champ Wendi Richter. Market-specific promos for shows in upcoming towns. In-studio: Larry Nelson intro'd the interview with AWA World Champ Zbysko and challenger Slaughter before their big upcoming World Title tilt in Vegas. To read the promos for the World Title match: http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=544125&page=3 Scroll down to the AWA ESPN Taping from the Showboat 2nd show re-cap. In-studio: Nelson talked briefly about the stunning news of Wahoo being named the special ref for the World Title match and Zbysko not being a bit happy about it. Wendi Richter promo for her World Title defense against Candi Divine in the TV main. Pic aired of Brad Rheingans with the caption: The Olympian sees action...NEXT! Market-specific promos for shows in upcoming towns. Brad Rheingans def. Gary Young Post-Match Interview w/ Rheingans. Rheingans talked about Patera's injury and hoped Patera would be back to defend the tag belts with him before the 30-day mandatory defense window closed and they'd have to forfeit the belts. In-Studio: Larry Nelson interviewed AWA promoter Verne Gagne. Gagne talked about all that went down with Zbysko and Patera and ordering a Battle Royal with the winner getting a shot at Zbysko for the gold. Talked about Sarge winning the Battle Royal and making Wahoo the special referee for the match. Said the match between Sarge and Zbysko (WC) would be airing in its entirity next week on ASW, Also, talked about fines and a possible punishment headed Zbysko's way in the weeks to come. Split-screen pic of Devine and Richter with the caption: Wendi vs. Candi for the Title...NEXT! TV MAIN EVENT: AWA Women's World Championship - Wendi Richter (WC) vs. Candi Devine Richter defeated Devine via pinfall when she rolled through a flying bodypress from Devine - TIME: 10:15 Nelson closed out the show by hyping the Slaughter-Zbysko (WC) AWA World Title match on ASW next week! 4th Taping In-studio: Larry Nelson welcomed fans to ASW. Said this was one of the biggest episodes in the history of the program as Larry Zbysko defends the AWA World Title against Sgt. Slaughter in Las Vegas. Nelson explained that Ken Patera was originally supposed to get the title shot against Zbysko in Las Vegas but an injury to his left arm in a match at a few nights earlier kept him from being able to compete and Zbysko attacked Patera and further injured the arm with the ring bell, thus putting Patera out of action even longer than originally expected. Nelson said Verne Gagne came up with an idea to hold a Battle Royal with the winner getting the shot at the championship. Nelson then intro'd highlights of the Battle Royal. To read about the Battle Royal: http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=544125&page=3 (Scroll down to the AWA ESPN taping from the Showboat 1st taping re-cap.) Nelson also discussed Wahoo being made the special ref for the bout and Zbysko not being happy about it. Pic aired of the AWA logo with the caption: World Championship Predictions...NEXT! Market-speciific promos for shows in upcoming towns. Larry Nelson intro'd video of wrestlers making predictions about who they thought would win the World Title clash between Zbysko (WC) and Sgt. Slaughter. 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 Nelson said when they came back, the fans would witness one of the most important matches in the history of the AWA: Larry Zbysko (WC) defends the AWA Gold against the Sarge! Market-specific promos for shows in upcoming towns. Larry Nelson intro'd the World Title Match. VIDEO: 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 Dark Matches No DQ: Wahoo McDaniel def. Manny Fernandez via pinfall after Wahoo snatched a chair from Fernandez's hands that Fernandez was about to use on Wahoo and Wahoo violently pummeled Fernandez with the chair - TIME: 17:43 - Both men bled buckets The Destruction Crew & Badd Company def. Hector & Mando Guerrero & The Top Guns when Pat Tanaka pinned Derrick Dukes after Tanaka clocked Dukes with DDP's cane as the ref got distratced by the other wrestlers brawling with each other - TIME: 12:33 AWA World Title: Sgt. Slaughter (WC) def. Larry Zbysko via submission with the Cobra Clutch - TIME:16:09 ATTENDANCE: 1,471 (Not good) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurora Posted November 2, 2019 Share Posted November 2, 2019 I probably need to ask my dad who most of these people are. I like the way it's written. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 2, 2019 Author Share Posted November 2, 2019 <p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:12px;">SPRING 1989</span></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:12px;"> </span></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:12px;"> AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN</span></span></strong></p><p> </p><p> Verne Gagne sat reading the day's Minneapolis Star-Tribune newspaper as he waited for the call.</p><p> </p><p> The call was coming from Jeff Smulyan, owner of a mass communications empire and part-owner of baseball's Seattle Mariners.</p><p> </p><p> Smulyan is also a potential buyer for the AWA.</p><p> </p><p> Verne was reading the paper and sipping his coffee when his secretary buzzed in over the intercom.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>What is it, Jessica?</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#DDA0DD;">Jessica:</span></strong> <em>Call on line two, sir.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>Thanks, Jessica.</em></p><p> </p><p> Verne pushed the line two button.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>Hello.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>Is this Verne Gagne?</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>Yes, it is.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>This is Jeff Smulyan.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>How are you, Jeff?</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>I'm doing OK. How about yourself?</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>I'm fine.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>Before we go any further, I just wanted you to now that, being an Indiana boy, I remember you from when I was growing up.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>Thank you. Were you a fan?</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>Uh...I enjoyed pro wrestling when I was younger but I haven't really followed it in a number of years.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>I see.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Well, let me tell you, Jeff, before we go any further that the wrestling business is unlike any other business out there.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>So I've heard.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>Owning a wrestling company is one thing. But you need good wrestling people around you to make the product successful over the long haul.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>I've heard the business can be very cyclical.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>It can be at times. But when you hit on a hot period it's like your slot machine keeps hitting three 7's every time.</em></p><p> </p><p> Smulyan chuckled.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>Well, Mr. Gagne...</em></p><p> </p><p> Verne: Please, call me Verne.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>Thank you. </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Well, Verne, the bottom line is I'm interested in possibly getting into the wrestling business. I know this can be a very lucrative undertaking. I also know it's going to take time and hard work to get this promotion back up to the level it needs to be at.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Have you given any thought to a sales price?</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>Yes, I have. I'm looking in the ballpark of $5 million for the whole promotion</em>.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>That includes the entire tape collection, the ESPN deal and the deals you have with stations in different cities to carry your syndicated program, correct?</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>That's right. Everything's included including the TV deals.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>I was thinking the asking price might be somewhere along those lines. Do things ever turn around quickly business-wise in pro wrestling?</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>It can. But, now I'm not gonna lie to you, Jeff, it usually takes time for a turnaround to happen if business has been down for a while. You just have to weather the storm.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>How long, if I can ask?</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>Could take months. Could take a year or more.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>I'm guessing when you say a year or more you mean years, correct?</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>Yes.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>Well, Mr. Gagn..., Verne, being in business all these years, I consider myself a pretty good judge of the people I'm dealing with. You strike me as an honest man that I can work with.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>Thank you.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>I'll tell you what. I would like to send one of my executives and a couple of my company's accountants to your offices to go over the books and do their due dilligence.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>I know what that is.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>Great. How about I have one of my staff call you and set up a date and time when we can do this.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>Sounds good to me, Jeff.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>You'll be hearing from us soon, Verne.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>OK. Take care.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Smulyan:</span></strong> <em>Good talking with you.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>And you as well.</em></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Smulyan:</strong></span> <em>Goodbye.</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verne:</strong> <em>Bye, Jeff.</em></p><p> </p><p> Verne hung up the phone and turned and looked out his office window. He was wondering if he was gonna pull the trigger and sell the AWA.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><em><span style="font-size:12px;">TO BE CONTINUED...</span></em></strong></p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lod619 Posted November 3, 2019 Share Posted November 3, 2019 I probably need to ask my dad who most of these people are. I like the way it's written. Yeah this doesn't make me feel older then I already am. This is a company in it's death throes, it's lost Curt Hennig, Shawn Michaels,Marty Janetty to the WWF, had what were at one point pretty big names(Nikita Koloff, Tully Blanchard, Magnificent Muraco) show up for a short period but leave just as quickly, an absolutely horrendous partnering with Jerry Jarrett out of Memphis/Dallas(USWA), the Superclash 3 debacle. Zbyszko was never going to be a huge draw, Slaughter was probably the last "big name" they had at this point. Watch a few youtube videos from each year 83/84/85/86/87/88/89/90 just to see how much it changed and fell by the wayside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theheel Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 Yeah this doesn't make me feel older then I already am. This is a company in it's death throes, it's lost Curt Hennig, Shawn Michaels,Marty Janetty to the WWF, had what were at one point pretty big names(Nikita Koloff, Tully Blanchard, Magnificent Muraco) show up for a short period but leave just as quickly, an absolutely horrendous partnering with Jerry Jarrett out of Memphis/Dallas(USWA), the Superclash 3 debacle. Zbyszko was never going to be a huge draw, Slaughter was probably the last "big name" they had at this point. Watch a few youtube videos from each year 83/84/85/86/87/88/89/90 just to see how much it changed and fell by the wayside. They had some great talent, but the talent that stayed got old, and the young talent went to WWF. They had an opportunity in 1988 when UWF sold, and WCCW went down to grab some guys, but they weren't in financial position to bring them in. It was actually a very sad demise of one of the top 3 “big” regional territories. A great company at one time but Verne would not change. It often happens in the business world that when a group doesn’t adept and change it fails or is bought out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshbrady91 Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 Really enjoyed reading this. You've captured my mind without using any visual presentation, something I wished to do on my dynasty report. I will be keeping my eye out on new post releases. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lod619 Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 They had some great talent, but the talent that stayed got old, and the young talent went to WWF. They had an opportunity in 1988 when UWF sold, and WCCW went down to grab some guys, but they weren't in financial position to bring them in. It was actually a very sad demise of one of the top 3 “big” regional territories. A great company at one time but Verne would not change. It often happens in the business world that when a group doesn’t adept and change it fails or is bought out I got into wrestling with the AWA probably 81ish(I watched during the mid 70s Shire's stuff out of San Francisco, Moon Dog Mayne and those guys but it wasn't on tv very long as a recall)I really took to the AWA with Ventura,Heenan, Patera, the High Flyers, etc eventually I watched Georgia just after the name change but since cable hadn't made it's in roads yet Georgia viewing was sporadic. I have never been a big WWF fan(I first saw it with Graham destroying the belt and Backlund getting weepy). 84-85 were good years with the Road Warriors, Jimmy Garvin, Freebirds(Verne really screwed the pooch with the mis-use of the Fabulous Ones according to Steve Keirn it was another case of Verne not getting their gimmick), Gino Hernandez even put in a guest appearance and they hyped him coming into the company at house show. 86 was interesting, Hansen as champion was awesome, David Sammartino had the best match he's ever had against Stan and just got the bejeezus beat out of him, his interactions with Larry Nelson were hilarious to me. 87 to mid 88 was probably their last solid period with the Rockers, Hennig, Adonis, the Original Midnight Express. When they got the Rock N Roll Express they probably could of used that has a re-start if the money was there and Ricky Morton's problems with Verne leading to Robert working with Greg Gagne instead(as much as I liked Greg and think he tends to get a raw deal as far as his ability to work in the ring and behind the mic nobody really wants to see that combination especially 89) Toward the end though they relied alot on Eddie Sharkey trainees like Tommy Jammer and the Top Guns. DeBeers gimmick was only going to last for so long(shocked Verne went with it and it lasted as long but Easy Ed was very good if a bit lazy in the ring) Toward the end even as their production values got worse(if that was possible with the green screening) I liked the Texas Hangmen, the Tokyo Bullets, Scott Norton and the Destruction Crew. Only so much you can do when you're drawing 400-500 people to a show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 4, 2019 Author Share Posted November 4, 2019 <p><strong>AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!</strong></p><p> </p><p> From 1984 (some list it as '85 but I believe that's incorrect), it's the AWA World Tag Champs The Road Warriors vs. Baron Von Raschke and Curt Hennig.</p><p> </p><p> Features a great angle, the Warriors having to battle just to try to get back to the dressing room and a killer promo by the brothers in paint.</p><p> </p><p> Crowd heat: <strong><em>EXTREME!</em></strong></p><p> </p><p> Certainly won't see anything like this in 'sports entertainment' today!</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/QzciBUkM6Ss?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="The Road Warriors vs Baron Von Raschke and Curt Hennig"></iframe></div></div><p> </p><p> <strong>ENJOY!</strong> <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 6, 2019 Author Share Posted November 6, 2019 <p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:12px;">SPRING 1989</span></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:12px;"> </span></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:12px;"> AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN</span></span></strong></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:10px;">April had just given way to May...</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> Jeff Smulyan, owner of radio industry giant Emmis Broadcasting Corporation and part-owner of the Seattle Mariners and who was exploring the idea of buying the AWA, had recently sent two members of his accounting team and one executive to Minnesota to meet with Verne Gagne and do their due dilligence.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> Verne was grilled by the executive about the downturn in the AWA's fortunes the last three years. He wanted to find out what Verne thought caused the collapse of what was the #1 promotion in the country just six short years ago.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> As for the accountants, they spent three days poring over the business records. They examined attendance at house shows and TV tapings. They saw that crowds had dwindled greatly over the last couple of years.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> And they followed the money...</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> What the accountants found was, well, not great news for Verne and crew.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> The company was bleeding money at an alarming rate.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> The losses were piling up and, as it stood in 1989, the hope of turning red ink to black ink anytime soon was not possible.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> There were some major unpaid bills.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> The accountants saw that the AWA syndicated deals had largely dried up and the show was now carried on far fewer stations than during its heyday just a few years ago.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> The contract with ESPN now seemed like an albatross around the neck of the growing cable sports giant. If the ESPN deal collapsed and no other cable stations wanted to air AWA Championship Wrestling, there was no way Smulyan, or anyone sane, would bother to seriously consider buying the promotion.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> Shrinking Syndication + No Cable Contract + Unpaid Bills = No Deal...</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> But the ultimate decision was in the hands of Jeff Smulyan.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> The more Verne Gagne thought about it, the more he warmed up to the idea of selling the AWA.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> Verne was still sending out feelers to see if some wealthy pals of his might be interested in giving the AWA a multi-million dollar cash infusion with him still in control. But so far he had been rebuffed. The investment wasn't worth it, they said.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> The accountants and the executive from Emmis Broadcasting finished their work and flew back to Indianapolis.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10px;"> Now, the waiting game began as Verne waited to hear from Jeff Smulyan.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:12px;"><em><strong>TO BE CONTINUED...</strong></em></span></p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshbrady91 Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 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><strong>AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!</strong><p> </p><p> From 1984 (some list it as '85 but I believe that's incorrect), it's the AWA World Tag Champs The Road Warriors vs. Baron Von Raschke and Curt Hennig.</p><p> </p><p> Features a great angle, the Warriors having to battle just to try to get back to the dressing room and a killer promo by the brothers in paint.</p><p> </p><p> Crowd heat: <strong><em>EXTREME!</em></strong></p><p> </p><p> Certainly won't see anything like this in 'sports entertainment' today!</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/QzciBUkM6Ss?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="The Road Warriors vs Baron Von Raschke and Curt Hennig"></iframe></div></div><p> </p><p> <strong>ENJOY!</strong> <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thanks for the link!</p><p> </p><p> Enjoyed The Road Warriors vs Baron Von Raschke and Curt Hennig <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 7, 2019 Author Share Posted November 7, 2019 SPRING 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN It had been 10 days since Verne Gagne was visited by an exec and accountants from Jeff Smulyan's Emmis Broadcasting Corp. based out of Indianapolis. Verne was sitting at his desk and cringing as he read the reports of the limited number of house shows. Even though the World Title change had not aired on TV yet, all the shows were headlined by newly crowned champ Slaughter defending against champ turned challenger Larry Zbysko. Outside of the two TV tapings (for ESPN in Vegas and syndicated All-Star Wrestling in Rochester, MN) only one house show broke 1,000 paid and that was at the Auditorium in Milwaukee, WI. Verne's wealthy friends were skittish about pouring millions of dollars into an enterprise that would most likely continue to be a big money loser for the foreseeable future. Selling or completely shutting down the AWA were clearly becoming the only two options left on the table. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Verne: Come in. It was his trusted secretary Jessica. And in her hand was a letter sent via special delivery. The return address was listed as Emmis Broadcasting in Indianapolis. Jessica handed Verne the letter, he thanked her and she left and closed the door to Verne's office. Verne looked at the envelope for what seemed like an eternity. He then grabbed his letter opener and dragged it across the top of the envelope. Verne reached in and pulled out the letter and unfolded it. Verne briefly stared forward before lowering his eyes and reading the contents. The letter said: Verne, This is Jeff Smulyan. After thoroughly looking over the reports from the accountants and the notes from the executive I sent to visit you, I have made a decision. Before I get to the decision I first want to let you know why it was reached. I realize that pro wrestling is a cyclical business. But this down cycle you're in right now is really bad. Ticket sales are minuscule compared to what they were as recently as 1986. Outside of TV tapings (especially the ones in Vegas), the regular arena shows, with very few exceptions, are drawing in the hundreds, sometimes in the low hundreds. It would be very hard to re-build the fanbase in a reasonable amount of time. It looks like it would be a very slow process. I'm also concerned about the TV deals, especially the one with ESPN. The contract with ESPN is running out in a few months. Would they be interested in keeping the AWA on their network or are they going to cut ties? There's no guarantee another cable outlet would be interested in the AWA at this time with it being in the state of decline it's in. The syndicated show has seen a dramatic decrease in stations willing to carry it since '87. You've brought on very few new stations the last couple of years and others have just dropped the show completely. You mentioned in our phone discussion that it could take years for business to rebound back to a profitable level. The question is: how many years, exactly? You said you were looking to sell the AWA for somewhere in the ballpark of $5 million. If the AWA was still going strong or we knew it was really close to making a turnaround then offering up the $5 million would be easy. But, when you look at the $5 million sales price along with unpaid debts your company has incurred plus the promotion itself being awash in serious red ink in terms of ticket sales and declining TV deals, I feel the investment would be a massive money pit to the tune of millions and millions of dollars. I'm still willing to make you an offer, Verne. But it's no longer for $5 million. The amount I'm now offering for the AWA, and that includes the tape library, TV contracts, company debt, any wrestler contracts, etc., is $1.5 million. I hope you'll consider the offer, Verne. It's still a good deal for you. Hope to hear from you soon on this matter. Warmest Regards, Jeff Smulyan Verne sighed as he placed the letter down on his desk. He placed his elbows on his desk and folded his hands together. He was in deep thought. Verne Gagne just had his first (and last?) offer to buy the AWA outright from him. Will he sell? TO BE CONTINUED... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theheel Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 Now let’s see if ol Verne has any negotiation skills, although his deck (AWA) has no Aces to play with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 8, 2019 Author Share Posted November 8, 2019 Now let’s see if ol Verne has any negotiation skills, although his deck (AWA) has no Aces to play with. Well, Verne does have a couple of Jokers in the deck named Sgt. Slaughter and Larry Zbysko. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 8, 2019 Author Share Posted November 8, 2019 SPRING 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN An hour after Verne Gagne read the letter he received from Jeff Smulyan about purchasing the AWA for the reduced price of $1.5 million, Greg Gagne, TV producer Al Derusha and Wally Karbo now sat in Verne's office across the desk from the boss. Verne: Guys, I just received this letter from Jeff Smulyan. Verne held up the letter. Greg: What does he say in it, dad? Verne: He's made an offer to purchase the company. Wally: That's great! Al (less enthusiastic than Wally): How much, Verne? Verne: He thinks that with our dropping attendance, uncertainty of remaining on ESPN or cable, for that matter. and our shrinking syndicated network for All-Star Wrestling, it isn't worth the $5 million dollar asking price. Wally: What did he offer? Verne: $1.5 million. A collective gasp from Greg, Wally and Al echoed through the room. Wally: What? Greg: Smulyan can't be serious? Al: That sounds like a low-ball offer to me. Even with the promotion currently in bad shape it's got to be worth more than just $1.5 million. Greg: Crockett sold his territory to Turner for $9 million just a few months ago. Verne: We're not worth that much right now, son. That promotion may be struggling some. But from what I've heard it's because of over-spending on things like private planes and fancy offices. On the wrestling side of things in terms of house shows and pay-per-views, they're turning a profit. Al: The AWA may not be worth $5 million. But it's certainly worth a bit more than $1.5 million. Wally: Crockett bought the UWF from Watts in '87 as I recall. How much did Watts sell for? Greg: It was supposedly a $4 million dollar deal. But Watts only received a fraction of the money. Al: Crockett bought Watts out because he wanted Watts' syndicated network slots around the country for his product. Turned out to be a waste of money that only added to Crockett's woes. Wally: At that price, Verne, I don't think you should sell it. With taxes and all, the slice of the pie you'll get is gonna look mighty small. Greg: Wally's right. The room fell silent as Verne was carefully thinking about the matter. Al: What are you thinking, Verne? Verne: The next time I talk to Smulyan I'm gonna test the waters. See if I can possibly up the price some. $1.5 million isn't much for all the work poured into this business the last 29 years. Greg: Don't be hasty in making a decision. There might still be other potential buyers out there. Verne: I know. But what if there aren't? What if this is my only chance to cash in, boys? The room grew contemplative and quiet. TO BE CONTINUED... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 12, 2019 Author Share Posted November 12, 2019 AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK! From 1987, it's Wahoo McDaniel vs.Curt Hennig in an Indian Strap Match: This match makes the cut! ENJOY! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshbrady91 Posted November 13, 2019 Share Posted November 13, 2019 AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK! From 1987, it's Wahoo McDaniel vs.Curt Hennig in an Indian Strap Match: This match makes the cut! ENJOY! Thanks for the match! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 13, 2019 Author Share Posted November 13, 2019 Thanks for the match! You're welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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