AWA 1989: A Financial Savior Is (Badly) Needed

Captain Kremmen · November 13, 2019

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

Verne Gagne was sitting at his desk in his office.

He was anxious...

Usually a pretty cool, calm and collected customer, Verne uneasily awaited a phone call.

It was another call from Jeff Smulyan, the radio magnate who was looking to buy the AWA at the extremely reduced price of $1.5 million after Verne said he was looking to sell it for somehwere in the neighborhood of $5 million.

It had been a week since Smulyan sent Verne the special delivery letter outlining his reasons for wanting to buy the promotion for less.

Finally, Jessica the secretary paged Verne through the intercom.

Jessica: It's Jeff Smulyan on line one.

Verne nervously looked down at the phone. He had agonized over a decision about whether or not to sell the promotion to Smulyan at the less-than-desirable price and walking away with at least something for all his years of hard work in building the AWA, even if it was just a fraction of what he thought it was really worth.

Verne picked up the phone and pressed the red light marked one.

Verne: Hello, Jeff.

Smulyan: Good morning, Verne. How are you?

Verne: OK, I guess. Yourself?

Smulyan: I'm doing well, thank you.

Verne: Jeff, I was hoping we could talk about the potential deal to sell the AWA to you.

Smulyan: Alright.

Verne: I'm not going to pull any punches. I think your offer is too low.

Smulyan: Well, Verne, with the information that was brought back to me by my team from Emmis Broadcasting that visited you, this seems a very fair offer.

Look, your company is in dire straights financially. Attendance is way down. Your syndicated TV deals are drying up. Your deal with ESPN is up in the air. You have accrued some pretty hefty debt.

As I said in the letter I sent you last week, if I paid anywhere close to the $5 million dollars you want for the AWA, there's no telling how many more millions would be lost before turning things around financially...if it can be turned around at all.

But I do want to know what you think is a reasonable offer for the company?

Verne: I've talked it over with my lawyer and a couple of people I know in high finance. They told me that $2.5-$3 million would be a fair offer.

Silence...

Smulyan: Verne, I just don't see it.

Verne: You don't, huh?

Smulyan: Frankly, sir, no. It's just not there. Even that's too high considering the state of the promotion.

Verne: Well, how about this.

Smulyan: Shoot.

Verne: $2 million to $2.25 million. That's the lowest I can go here.

Smulyan: $2 to $2.5 million, huh?

Verne: Yes.

Silence...

Smulyan: Tell you what, Verne. Let me mull it over and call you back in a couple of days. How does that sound?

Verne: Sounds good to me, Jeff.

Smulyan: Great. We'll be talking again in two days.

Verne: OK.

Smulyan: Goodbye.

Verne: Take care, Jeff.

Smulyan: You, too.

With that the phone call ended.

Verne Gagne had another shot at possibly selling the AWA.

Then there was a knock on Verne's office door.

Verne: Come.

The door opened and in walked Verne's son, Greg.

Greg: Hi, dad.

Verne: Just talked to Smulyan again.

Greg: What did he say?

Verne: I counter-offered and we're going to talk again in two days.

Greg: That's good to hear. Just remember to not be too hasty with a decision to sell. There could still be other possible buyers out there.

Verne: Could be. 'Could' being the operative word there.

What did you want to see me about?

Greg: Got a call from an old friend of ours who works for Vince.

Verne: What did he want?

Greg: He said there are a couple of guys who aren't happy with their situations in the WWF and they are looking for opportunities elsewhere.

Verne: Who are they?

Greg: Sam Houston and Greg Valentine.

Verne: Do you think they'd consider coming here?

Greg: That all depends on the deals offered to them.

Verne: They would have to be per show deals. No guarantees.

Greg: I'll contact our friend over there and let him know there might be some interest on our part.

Verne: You do that, son.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Levinux · November 13, 2019

Absolutely loving the backstory to this dynasty. Well done so far.

Theheel · November 13, 2019

It is a very good backstory to the whole AWA crisis. I wonder if Verne really ever did try to find a buyer before the end. That real life story I haven’t heard

joshbrady91 · November 13, 2019

Really good stuff, looking forward to the next instalment.

Captain Kremmen · November 14, 2019

(The reason I'm posting these talking segments so quick is because I can type them out quickly and I might as well get them out there as fast as I can.

Things will slow down a bit now since I've got to write the next Showboat tapings.)

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

The day had arrived.

AWA boss Verne Gagne once again nervously sat at his desk and was chugging, not sipping, coffee.

His secretary Jessica buzzed in on the office intercom.

Jessica: Jeff Smulyan on line two.

Verne picked up the phone and pushed the button for line two.

Verne: Hello, Jeff.

Smulyan: Hello, Verne. Good to talk with you again.

Verne: Good talking with you as well.

Smulyan: Verne, I'll get right down to it.

I've thought about your offer and come up with a counter-offer of my own.

Verne: Let me hear it.

Smulyan: You want between $2 and $2.5 million for the AWA, right?

Verne: That's correct.

Smulyan: Well, my counter is $1.75 million.

Verne winced when he heard the offer.

Silence...

Smulyan: Hello. Verne?

Verne: I'm still here, Jeff.

Smulyan: What do you think?

Verne: I was told by some friends in business and finance that I shouldn't take any offer under $2 million.

Smulyan: It's only a quarter million dollar difference.

Verne: I know. But at the amount of money we're talking about it's a huge difference.

$2 million. And we can set the wheels in motion to get this job done right now.

Smulyan: I'm sorry, Verne. $1.75 million is gonna be my final offer. The promotion is in such bad shape...

Verne: Didn't you pay over $30 million for your share of the Mariners?

Smulyan: I did. But the fact is that even if the Mariners become a money pit I can always sell my share of the team and walk away with a decent profit.

With a wrestling promotion like the AWA, I could pour millions into it and never come close to recovering my losses.

You're sure you won't change your mind? It's still a lot of money.

Verne: I just feel I can't right now, Jeff.

I feel the investment I've poured into the AWA in time and money means it's worth more than that.

Smulyan: As a businessman I've got to be blunt with you, Verne. You're not gonna get too many offers for the promotion. And even fewer offers that will go above what I'm offering you this minute.

You can still walk away from this with almost $2 million.

Verne paused.

Verne: It's tempting...but I'm gonna have to say no. I'm going to see who else out there might be interested in buying the company or investing in it.

Smulyan: OK. I respect your decision. But it is a big gamble your taking.

Verne: I know that.

If I can't find another buyer, then maybe we could talk again about you buying?

Smulyan: We'll see. Right now I wish you nothing but the best in your pursuit of a buyer.

Verne: Thank you, Jeff.

Smulyan: You take care, sir.

Verne: Goodbye.

With that, Verne hung up the phone, placed his elbows on his desk and buried his head in both hands. Verne Gagne was now worried he'd let his only chance to sell slip through his fingers.

But had he???

TO BE CONTINUED...

joshspicer · November 14, 2019

Verne, you've become Boo Boo.

Captain Kremmen · November 18, 2019

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

From 1986, it's the Midnight Rockers & Curt Hennig vs. AWA Tag Champs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers and their partner the big Russian Alexis Smirnoff.

Fun match!

ENJOY!

Theheel · November 18, 2019

Smirnoff just past away earlier this year I believe. Him and Ivan Koloff were a good team back in the late 70’s/80’s. Although he looked older in 86, he was only around 39 at this time.

Being a PNW guy, I love Buddy. Really was an underrated star nationally

Captain Kremmen · November 21, 2019

We need more people to read this thread. Call everyone you know and tell them about it! Big stuff beginning to happen!

horseman4lyfe · November 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>Smirnoff just past away earlier this year I believe. Him and Ivan Koloff were a good team back in the late 70’s/80’s. Although he looked older in 86, he was only around 39 at this time. Being a PNW guy, I love Buddy. Really was an underrated star nationally</div></blockquote> I remember Koloff & Smirnoff in the late 70's /early 80's feuding with Ole and Lars Anderson back in Georgia Championship Wrestling. They were a great heel team.

Captain Kremmen · November 25, 2019

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

(1st Taping Re-Cap)

(Most commercials posted on these shows will be from the '80s but not necessarily from 1989.)

Show Intro -

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

Nelson: Welcome to AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN!

I'm Larry Nelson.

With me in the ring right now are the AWA World Tag Team Champions Ken Patera and Brad Rheingans as well as Greg Gagne and AWA promoter Verne Gagne.

Ken, as we can see, your left arm is still in a sling after Larry Zbysko attacked you with the ring bell almost a month ago.

You have some news for us?

Patera: Yes, I do, Larry. While my arm is healing well and I will be returning to action soon, unfortunately, I won't be able to defend the belts with Brad tonight.

Nelson: That's tough to hear, Ken.

But Verne, you also have some news for us.

Verne: I do.

It has been decided that since Ken Patera cannot defend the tag team titles with Brad Rheingans tonight, we have allowed Brad to pick a partner to defend the titles with him against the Destruction Crew.

Nelson: Brad, you've made your choice?

Rheingans: Ken and I both made this decision. The man standing on my left will be my partner against the Destruction Crew tonight...Greg Gagne!

Modest amount of cheers.

Nelson: You couldn't pick a better replacement, Brad.

As these fans already know, Greg's one of the best tag team wrestlers in the sport.

Rheingans: That's why me and Ken picked him. Greg's credentials are rock solid in tag team wrestling. Anybody would be lucky to have him as their partner.

Nelson: Greg, your thoughts on all this.

Greg: Have to say I was both surprised and honored when Ken and Brad came to me and asked me to step in for Ken tonight in the tag team title match against the Destruction Crew.

But I want everyone to know that if Brad and myself are successful in the defense of the titles tonight, Ken will be Brad's partner again when he's healthy and cleared to wrestle.

Nelson: It promises to be quite the main event tonight as the team of Brad Rheingans and Greg Gagne team up to defend the tag team belts against the Destruction Crew...

Crowd booed as Dallas Page, manager of Badd Company, came power-walking down the heel entrance aisle and stepped into the ring.

Nelson: Dallas Page! What are you doing out here?!

DDP: I'm out here to say this isn't right, man!

Verne Gagne, what's the deal?! Since Patera can't defend his half of the tag titles within the mandatory 30-day defense window, then the belts should revert back to their previous owners...and that's Badd Company!

Verne: Dallas, Badd Company are the previous champs and still top challengers for the belts.

You want the tag team titles back?

DDP: Yup! Hand 'em over!

Verne: If you want them back...then you will win them in the ring.

Crowd cheered.

DDP not happy and shook his cane in Verne's face.

DDP: This isn't cool, Verne!

We will not take this lying down! Those belts should be handed to us on a silver platter!

Verne just glared at DDP.

DDP: This will not go without a response!

DDP stormed out of the ring and headed back up the heel entrance aisle to boos.

Nelson: Verne Gagne! An infuriated Dallas Page thinks his team is owed the belts because they were the previous tag team champions!

What do you think of Page's last remark about how not handing his team the belts without the benefit of a match will not go without a response?

Verne: I don't know what Page was rambling about there, Larry. Sounds like a case of simple frustration. Page and his men are not owed anything in this sport. They, like everyone else, needs to go out and work hard for what they want. They do that and there's a good chance they'll be the tag team champions again. But they'll not just be handed the titles because Page comes out here and has a tantrum.

Nelson: That was Verne Gagne, along with Ken Patera, Brad Rheingans and Patera's substitute Greg Gagne. Rheingans and Gagne will defend the tag team gold against the Destruction Crew in our main event!

Down to Lee Marshall and Lord James Blears.

Marshall and Blears welcomed viewers and ran down the program: World Tag Team Championship Match: Rheingans & Greg Gagne* (WTTC) vs. The Destruction Crew; an interview with former AWA World Champion Larry Zbysko; Tom Zenk sees action; Heidi Lee Morgan wrestles; and more!

(* Match replacement)

Commercials: Billy Ball - <a href="https://www.retrojunk.com/commercial/show/4103/billy-ball-billy-martin" rel="external nofollow">https://www.retrojunk.com/commercial/show/4103/billy-ball-billy-martin</a>

Back from commercial:

Tom Zenk def. Barry O: O gave Zenk a little bit of a battle before Zenk finished him off with a sleeper in just under 4 minutes.

Post-Match Interview: Zenk again talked about Col. DeBeers taking liberties with wrestlers he'd just defeated, including bloodying Jake Milliman.

Zenk closed out the interview by saying the following:

If Col. DeBeers keeps doing this to his opponents after he's defeated them...then he's gonna have to tangle with me!

Crowd cheered.

Zenk: Colonel! I've got my eyes on you, brother! Watch yourself!

Nelson said more was to come.

Pic aired with the list of the Top 5 Most Popular AWA Wrestlers.

Commercials: Boxing At The Boat -

Heidi Lee Morgan won a squash over Judy Martin

Post-Match Interview: Morgan discussed challenging Wendi Richter. Said she was going to pursue Richter until she hunted the Women's Champ down and took the belt from her.

In-Studio Promo: Manny Fernandez cut a blistering promo on Wahoo McDaniel. Manny said the situation between the two was dire and coming to a head and when the dust cleared the hatred both men had for each other would never subside and it could leave both men broken physically and mentally.

Pic aired of Larry Zbysko with the caption: An interview with the FORMER World Champion...NEXT!

Commercials: Maxim Hotel Buffet -

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

Back from commercial:

VIDEO:

In-Studio: Larry Nelson and former AWA World Champion Larry Zbysko were seated on stools. Each man had a mic. Zbysko was wearing sunglasses.

Nelson: Welcome back to AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN.

I'm Larry Nelson.

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

Zbysko interrupted Nelson.

Zbysko: And soon to be AWA World Champion again!

Nelson: Larry Zbysko.

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

Zbysko: How have I been, huh?

Zbysko chuckled in disbelief.

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

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

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

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

Zbysko: Let me clarify something, Nelson!

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

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

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

Nelson shook his head in disbelief.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nelson: Verne Gagne has it in for you?

Zbysko: Yes. You know why?

Nelson: Please, enlighten me.

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

Nelson laughed.

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

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

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

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

Zbysko took off his sunglasses and glared over at Nelson.

Nelson: What?

Zbysko: This interview is over.

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

Nelson: That was Larry Zbysko.

Split-Screen pic aired of Brad Rheingans, Greg Gagne and the Destruction Crew with the caption: STILL TO COME! AWA WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH!

Commercials: Miller's Outpost -

Back from commercial: Jonnie Stewart def. SD Jones in a squash

Post-Match Interview: Stewart said the people need to get ready because he's rising rapidly to the top and will become the hottest thing in the sport. Said he's the man to carry wrestling into the '90s.

In-Studio Promo: The Top Guns (Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes) talked about the wild match they had last week on AWA Championship Wrestling that got out of control with Badd Company. Told Badd Company that if they wanted more of them to come get it.

Pic of the tag team titles aired with the caption: World Tag Team Titles on the line...NEXT!

Commercials: KZOK 102.5 FM Seattle -

TV MAIN EVENT!

For the AWA World Tag Team Championship

Greg Gagne* & Brad Rheingans (WTTC) vs. The Destruction Crew

In-ring: Larry Nelson.

Nelson: It is now time for our main event!

Crowd cheered.

Nelson: This match is scheduled for one fall with a 60-minute time-limit and is for the AWA World Tag team Championship!

Introducing first, the challengers! Already in the ring...weighing in at a combined weight of 518 pounds and both hailing from Minnesota...Wayne Bloom and Mike Enos...the Destruction Crew!

Most in the crowd booed as Enos and Bloom, both wearing hard hats and reflective orange vests, raised their sledge hammers in the air to little positive fan feedback.

Nelson: And their opponents! Coming down the aisle...they weigh a combined weight of 468 pounds and hail from Minnesota...Brad Rheingans and, filling in for the injured Ken Patera, Greg Gagne!

The pair stepped into the ring as fans cheered. Both men were wearing the belts around their waists.

Nelson: Your referee is Gary Derusha!

Ref went over and took the titles from the champs and held them up for all to see before handing them off to Nelson to take to the timekeeper's table.

Ref called both teams out to the middle of the ring.

Destruction Crew walked out carrying their sledge hammers. As the ref laid down the ground rules, both Enos and Bloom, in an act of psychological intimidation, held the handles of the hammers in one hand and repeatedly drove the hammer head into the open palms of their other hands.

Ref patted each man down and then sent each team back to their respective corners.

The Destruction Crew laid the sledges in their corner on the apron.

Ref went over by the ropes and gestured for Larry Nelson to come over. Nelson climbed up on the apron with mic in hand.

Ref Derusha: Before this match begins, I am ordering that those sledge hammers be removed from ringside!

Crowd cheered.

The Destruction Crew were not happy and went over and had words off-mic with Derusha as a member of Showboat security made his way to the ring and grabbed the hammers and carried them back up the heel entrance aisle.

Destruction Crew went back to their corner.

Ref called for the bell.

Rheingans and Bloom started the match for their teams.

The two men engaged in a collar-and-elbow tie-up and Rheingans got the upper hand and drove Bloom against the ropes. Bloom raised his hands slowly to show that he was breaking cleanly and not breaking bad. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> The two men moved away from the ropes and engaged in another collar-and-elbow tie-up and Bloom managed to gain the upper hand and caught Rheingans in a side headlock. Rheingans quickly countered with a belly-to-back suplex to break the hold. Both men up and Bloom charged at Rheingans and Rheingans caught Bloom with a hip toss. Bloom up and Rheingans moved in and caught Bloom with an arm drag that segued into an arm bar on Bloom. Bloom on his knees as Rheingans had the hold locked in. Bloom to a knee and then to his feet as Rhengans kept the hold firmly locked on. Bloom started moving in the direction of his partner Enos, but just before he could make the tag, Rheingans yanked Bloom away from Enos. Bloom quickly back down to his knees in the hold before getting to his feet again. Bloom then started inching towards the ropes and finally, while still locked in the bar, was able to lunge over and grab the top rope to force a break in the hold. The two men circled one another and Bloom and Rheingans locked hands and engaged in a test of strength. Bloom had the upper hand when Rheingans powered up and gained the upper hand. Bloom appeatred on the verge of failing the test but he caught Rheingans with a kick to the gut. Rheingans lost his grip. Bloom caught Rheingans with a trio of quick forearm strikes to the side of the head, whipped Rheingans into the ropes and caught Rheingans coming off with a with a back elbow to the chest. Rhengans crashed to the mat. Bloom snapped Rheingans up and threw him into the Destruction Crew's corner. Bloom tagged in Enos. As Enos stepped into the ring, Bloom popped Rheingans with a series of quick shoulder blocks to the gut. Bloom out as Enos moved in and caught Rheingans with an elbow to the top of the head. Enos pulled Rheingans out of the corner, whipped Rheingans into the ropes and dropped Rheingans with a monster clothesline. Enos for the cover. 1... Rheingans kicked out. Enos up as Rheingans was getting up. Enos caught Rheingans with a boot to the side of the ribs. Bloom stuck his foot out through the ropes and Enos slammed Rheingans' head into Bloom's boot. Enos tagged in Bloom. Bloom hit the ring and clubbed Rheingans in the back with a couple of deliberate forearms. Rheingans hurting. Bloom grabbed Rheingans and nailed Rheingans with a suplex followed by a leg drop from the standing position. Bloom for the cover. 1...2... Rheingans kicked out.

Nelson: 5 minutes gone! 55 minutes remain!

Bloom stomped on Rheingans, snapped Rheingans up and went to whip Rheingans into the ropes but Rheingans reversed and caught Bloom coming off with a belly-to-belly suplex. Rheingans for the cover. 1...2... Enos hit the ring and stomped Rheingans in the head to break up the pin try. Rheingans and Bloom down. Ref started the 10-count. Bloom up just before Rheingans and Bloom drove a knee into Rheingans' gut. Bloom hit Rheingans with some punches and went to whip Rheingans into the corner but Rheingans reversed and charged in and blasted Bloom with a shoulder block to the gut. Rheingans caught Bloom with a series of gut shots. Rhgeingans whipped Bloom into the opposite corner. Enos started to step into the ring and Rheingans was briefly distracted. Enos stepped back out and Rheingans moved in on Bloom and Bloom popped Rheingans with a running clothesline out of the corner. Rheingans crashed to the mat. Rheingans rolled over on his front side and Bloom stomped the former Olympian in the back of the head. Bloom snapped Rheingans up and popped Rheingans with a double underhook suplex. Bloom for the cover and hooked the leg. 1...2... Rheingans kicked out. Bloom quickly tagged in Enos as Rheingans recovered in the ring. Enos quick stomped Rheingans and then snapped him up and slammed Rheingans' head into the top buckle. Rheingans spun around in the corner and Enos started choking Rheingans with his boot and broke the illegal move at the ref's count of 4. Enos pulled Rheingans out of the corner, hoisted Rheingans up and nailed Rheingans with the snake eyes. Rheingans crumpled to the mat. Enos for the cover. 1...2...thr... Rheingans got a shoulder up. Crowd cheered and Greg urged his life partner to keep fighting. Enos snapped Rheingans up, whipped Rheingans into the ropes and bent over looking to back drop Rheingans but Rheingans instead caught Enos in a front facelock and nailed Enos with a bridging cradle suplex (Perfect Plex) for the pin. 1...2... Bloom hit the ring and stomped Rheingans in the gut to break up the pin try. Both men down. Ref started the 10-count. Crowd clapping and urging on Rheingans. Count grew as both men made it to their knees. The two engaged in a punch exchange as they got to their feet. Rheingans got the upper hand. Rheingans whipped Enos into the ropes and went to clothesline Enos but Enos ducked the move and came back and the two men clotheslined the crap out of each other. Both men crashed to the mat. Ref started the 10-count. Crowd cheering on Rheingans.

Nelson: 10 minutes gone! 50 minutes remain!

Both men started to slowly get up. Rheingans to his feet and went to tag Greg in but Enos lunged over and grabbed Rheingans lower leg. After a brief struggle, Rheingans was able to wriggle free of Enos' grasp and tag in Greg. Crowd popped. Enos up and swung at Greg and Greg ducked the punch try and came back with a series of punches of his own. Greg whipped Enos into the ropes and caught Enos coming off with a dropkick. Enos up and Greg hit Enos with another dropkick. Enos back down. Enos up slowly and Greg charged in and caught Greg with a flying headscissors takedown. Greg released the hold. Enos up and moved in and caught Enos with more head shots. Greg whipped the stunned Enos into the corner and went to monkey flip the big man but Enos blocked the flip try and violently shoved Greg off. Greg crashed to the mat. Enos quickly regained his bearings in the corner. Gagne up facing away from Enos and Enos moved in and clubbed Greg with a couple of double sledges across the back. Greg stunned in the ring. Enos hoisted Greg up and walked around the ring with Greg in the air before popping Verne's boy with a suplex. Enos up and dropped an elbow smash across Greg's chest and went for the cover. 1...2... Greg, that muscle-bound beast, kicked out. Enos snapped Greg up, whipped Greg into the ropes and looked to catch Greg coming off with a clothesline but Greg ducked the move and came back with a flying crossbody attempt but Enos caught Greg in the horizontal position, held Greg for what seemed like an eternity and then nailed Greg with a fallaway slam. Enos for the cover. 1...2...thr... Rheingans hit the ring and stomped Enos in the back to break up the pin try. Bloom hit the ring to go after Rheingans but the ref ordered him to step out and Bloom did so. Rheingans back to his corner. Enos looked over at Bloom and Bloom stuck out his hand. Enos with the tag. Greg got on his hands and knees and Bloom caught Greg with a kick to the ribs. Greg fell over next to the ropes. Bloom grabbed the top rope and started mercilessly stomping away on Greg. Bloom broke the illegal move at the ref's count of 4. Bloom had brief words with the ref as he reached down to pull Greg up. Bloom whipped Greg into the ropes and looked to catch Greg coming off with a backdrop but Greg caught Bloom with a kick to the chest. Bloom shot up and stumbled back and Greg nailed Bloom with a dropkick. Bloom fell back against the ropes.

Nelson: 15 minutes gone! 45 minutes remain!

Greg moved in and caught Bloom with a side kick. Bloom hurting. Greg whipped Bloom into the ropes and looked to catch Bloom coming off with another dropkick but Bloom grabbed the top rope and held on and Greg crashed to the mat. Bloom briefly regained his bearings as Greg made it up to his feet. Bloom moved in and caught Greg with a kick to the gut. Greg doubled over and fell back against the ropes. Bloom leaned Greg back across the top rope and popped Greg with a brutal, deliberate series of forearms to the chest. Bloom whipped Greg into the ropes and looked to catch Greg coming off with a backdrop but Greg leapfrogged Bloom, spun around and ran Bloom into the ropes and rolled Bloom up for the pin. 1...2... Bloom kicked out. Bloom up and swung wildly at Greg and missed and Greg caught Bloom from behind in the sleeper. Crowd popping. Bloom trying to escape the hold. Bloom started to fade. Ref raised Bloom's arm twice and it fell harmlessly back to Bloom's side. Enos hit the ring and came up behind Greg and nailed Greg with a forearm smash to the back. Greg lost his grip on the hold. Rheingans hit the ring and started belting Enos with punches that drove Enos into the corner. Ref trying to separate Enos and Rheingans. Greg and Bloom made it to their feet and Greg popped Bloom with another dropkick and Bloom crashed to the mat and rolled out on the apron to regain his bearings. Greg looked over and the ref was now tangled up with Rheingans and Enos in the corner. Greg went and tried to help the ref. While that was going on, Dallas Page charged down to ringside and handed Bloom his cane. Bloom climbed back into the ring and held the cane at the ready. Greg was unable to free the ref from the scrum. Greg turned and walked right into a cane shot to the side of the head from Bloom. Greg crumpled to the mat. Bloom tossed the cane back to DDP and then quickly covered Greg. Ref freed himself from the corner entanglement and dropped to make the count. 1... Rheingans got the upper hand on Enos and went to break up the pin try but Enos grabbed Rheingans by the back of the tights and pulled him back. ...2...3! Ref called for the bell as the crowd booed.

Enos released Rheingans. Bloom up and Enos went over and the two hugged and celebrated. Rheingans checked on the still down Greg, who was laying on the mat and holding the side of his head.

Larry Nelson on the apron with mic and titles in hand. Ref went over and talked off-mic with Nelson.

Ref took the titles and handed them to Bloom and Enos. The two men hugged and celebrated in the ring.

Nelson: In a time of 17 minutes, 34 seconds, your winners, and NEW AWA World Tag Team Champions...The Destruction Crew!

Rheingans checked on the downed Greg, who was holding the side of his head.

The champs left the ring and dropped to the floor and started to leave with their ill-gotten gain. Larry Nelson called out to them as he walked over.

Nelson: Wayne Bloom and Mike Enos! Can I get a word with you!

The Destruction Crew was ecstatic.

Enos: Make it fast, Nelson! We've got some partying to do on the Strip!

Crowd booed as Bloom held his title up with one hand.

Nelson: You guys won those belts with outside help from Dallas Page! How do you feel about that?!

Enos: What are you talkin' about?

Bloom: Nelson, we won these belts because we were the better team in that ring tonight!

Nelson: Wayne, you hit Greg Gagne in the head with a cane handed to you by Dallas Page and that allowed you to win the match and the belts!

Enos: Huh?! What are you...

Bloom (interrupting): We've got nothing else to say! We're the champs and the people better learn to accept it because we're holding these belts for a long time!

Enos: Yes!

More boos from the crowd as the Destruction Crew taunted them by waving the belts in the air.

Shot of Rheingans and the ref still checking on a now sitting up Greg.

Nelson: We should have more on this situation next week!

WINNER: Destruction Crew - 17:34 - New Tag Team Champions

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

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

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

Keeping with the tag team title match theme, it's the Original Midnight Express (Randy Rose & Dennis Condrey) defending the AWA Tag Team Titles against The Midnight Rockers from Dec. 1987:

<a href="https://youtu.be/6hEPgKJ7J30" rel="external nofollow">https://youtu.be/6hEPgKJ7J30</a>

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 · November 27, 2019

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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

joshbrady91 · November 29, 2019

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

From: Piperrulz

Hope you had a good one!

Theheel · December 1, 2019

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

From: Piperrulz

Hope you had a great holiday as well.

Nice KZOK reference lol

Captain Kremmen · December 2, 2019

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

From 1973, it's Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens vs. Billy Robinson & Red Bastien:

GOOD STUFF!

ENJOY!

Captain Kremmen · December 5, 2019

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

(2nd Taping Re-Cap)

Show Intro:

In-Studio: Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program: Said an announcement was coming from AWA President Stanley Blackburn about whether the Destruction Crew would be allowed to retain the AWA World Tag Team Titles after what went down last week during their title clash with the champs Greg Gagne, filling in for an injured Ken Patera, and Brad Rheingans. Said the TV main was The Guerrero Bros. vs. Tommy Rich & Jonnie Stewart; The Top Guns see action; Magnificent Mimi wrestles; Brad Rheingans, Greg Gagne and Ken Patera have something to say after last week's controversial title loss; Wahoo McDaniel sees action; and more.

Then sent it to the ring at the Showboat Sports Pavilion in Las Vegas.

Don Muraco def. Tony Zane in a squash in less than 2-minutes via pinfall with his inverted piledriver finisher.

Post-Match Interview w/ Larry Nelson: Muraco talked about all the great talent the AWA has and said it was truly the major league* of professional wrestling. Said he heard rumors of a new title being introduced in the AWA. Nelson said he'd also heard those rumors but, until he gets a firm answer on them, they're just rumors.

Muraco closed the interview by saying he's looking for a partner to make a run at the Destruction Crew and those tag team titles.

Nelson wrapped up the interview and said there was more to come from Vegas.

Pic aired of Magnificent Mimi with the caption: Magnificent One sees action...NEXT!

(* Muraco said it with a straight face.)

Commercials: Members Only Jackets -

Back from commercials:

Magnificent Mimi won a squash over Whitney Hansen.

Post-Match interview w/ Larry Nelson: Mimi said it's great that so many gals are gunning for Wendi Richter. Said all those challengers will wear Richter down enough that she will be primed for destruction when Mimi clashes with Richter for the title.

In-Studio Promo: Col. DeBeers

DeBeers was standing in front of the AWA logo with mic in hand. He was in his ring attire.

DeBeers: So, Tom Zenk, the un-natural man, because we know he didn't get that body just through hard work at the gym, has said that if I treat another vanquished opponent the way I treated the likes of Tommy Jammer and Jake Milliman that I was going to have to deal with him.

Ha!

I'm scheduled to wrestle on this program next week. Zenk...I will rough up the wrestlers I defeat if I feel like it!

None of them the deserves the respect of the good Colonel.

And if you stick your nose in my business, Zenk, you will pay a stiff price at the hands of this South African mercenary!

Pic aired of Wahoo with the caption: The Chief sees action...NEXT!

Commercials: Pizza Inn -

Back from commercials:

Wahoo McDaniel was dominating Terry Gibbs in a squash match. Wahoo had blasted Gibbs with his big chop finisher. Gibbs laid out in the ring. Suddenly, Manny Fernandez, in street clothes, charged down to ringside. Wahoo looked over and saw Fernandez. Fernandez gestured for Wahoo to come down to the floor and fight. Wahoo, enraged, left the ring and dropped to the floor and confronted Fernandez. Gibbs just laying in the ring. Fernandez started trash-talking Wahoo. Wahoo moved on Fernandez and Fernandez backed up and started begging off. Ref counting. Ref's count hit 10 and the ref called for the bell. A stunned Wahoo looked up at the ref. Ref went over and said something to Larry Nelson.

Gibbs slowly regaining his senses and got to his knees and the ref went over and raised his hand in victory as the fans booed.

Nelson: The referee has counted out Wahoo McDaniel! Your winner of the match...Terry Gibbs!

Fernandez started laughing and pointing at Wahoo. Wahoo glared back at Fernandez as his hands balled up into meaty fists.

Fernandez picked up on a mic:

Fernandez: You lost to Terry Gibbs, Wahoo! Hahahaha!

Wahoo was seething.

Fernandez: Maybe you should lay off the fire water and quit dreaming about being the cheap smokes salesman of the year! Hahaha...

Wahoo tore into Fernandez at ringside with a stiff series of open hand chest chops as the fans popped. Fernandez staggered. Wahoo then moved in on Fernandez and caught Fernandez with a head shot and then Fernandez caught Wahoo with an eye rake. Fernandez laid into Wahoo with punches and sent Wahoo crashing into the ring steps. Wahoo staggered off. Fernandez came up behind Wahoo and grabbed Wahoo by the back of the hair and went to slam Wahoo's head into the ring apron but Wahoo got his hands on the apron and stiffened his arms and twice blocked Fernandez trying to slam his head into the apron. Wahoo caught Fernandez with a trio of elbows to the ribs and freed himself from Fernandez's grasp. Wahoo then slammed Fernandez's head into the apron. Fernandez spun around and Wahoo blasted Fernandez with a couple of more blistering open hand chest chops before Fernandez caught Wahoo with a kick to the gut. Wahoo stumbled back holding his tummy. Fernandez caught Wahoo with a head shot but Wahoo quickly shook it off and caught Fernandez with a shot to the gut. The two men then started exchanging punches and then Fernandez grabbed Wahoo by the throat and Wahoo countered doing the same to Fernandez. The two men were choking the life out of one another when wrestlers from both dressing rooms charged down the aisle to separate the warring factions.

Wahoo's face was a mask of rage and Fernandez was shit-talking Wahoo in Spanish. Both sides were being kept apart from one another. Fernandez made the bull sign and shouted: Viva la raza!

Wahoo broke free from those holding him back and jumped on Fernandez and the slugfest between the two re-ignited. Fans eating it up. Wrestlers once again stepped in to break things up and keep the two apart from one another.

PIc aired of the AWA World Tag Team Titles with the caption: President Blackburn's decision...NEXT!

Commercials: American Express - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbtdPSn13xI

Back from commercials:

In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd video from the end of the tag team title match pitting champs Greg Gagne (Gagne was subbing for the injured Ken Patera) and Brad Rheingans against the Destruction Crew.

VIDEO:

Bloom moved in and caught Greg with a kick to the gut. Greg doubled over and fell back against the ropes. Bloom leaned Greg back across the top rope and popped Greg with a brutal, deliberate series of forearms to the chest. Bloom whipped Greg into the ropes and looked to catch Greg coming off with a backdrop but Greg leapfrogged Bloom, spun around and ran Bloom into the ropes and rolled Bloom up for the pin. 1...2... Bloom kicked out. Bloom up and swung wildly at Greg and missed and Greg caught Bloom from behind in the sleeper. Crowd popping. Bloom trying to escape the hold. Bloom started to fade. Ref raised Bloom's arm twice and it fell harmlessly back to Bloom's side. Enos hit the ring and came up behind Greg and nailed Greg with a forearm smash to the back. Greg lost his grip on the hold. Rheingans hit the ring and started belting Enos with punches that drove Enos into the corner. Ref trying to separate Enos and Rheingans. Greg and Bloom made it to their feet and Greg popped Bloom with another dropkick and Bloom crashed to the mat and rolled out on the apron to regain his bearings. Greg looked over and the ref was now tangled up with Rheingans and Enos in the corner. Greg went and tried to help the ref. While that was going on, Dallas Page charged down to ringside and handed Bloom his cane. Bloom climbed back into the ring and held the cane at the ready. Greg was unable to free the ref from the scrum. Greg turned and walked right into a cane shot to the side of the head from Bloom. Greg crumpled to the mat. Bloom tossed the cane back to DDP and then quickly covered Greg. Ref freed himself from the corner entanglement and dropped to make the count. 1... Rheingans got the upper hand on Enos and went to break up the pin try but Enos grabbed Rheingans by the back of the tights and pulled him back. ...2...3! Ref called for the bell as the crowd booed.

Ref took the titles and handed them to Bloom and Enos. The two men hugged and celebrated in the ring.

Nelson: In a time of 17 minutes, 34 seconds, your winners, and NEW AWA World Tag Team Champions...The Destruction Crew!

In-Studio:

Nelson: AWA President Stanley Blackburn has rendered a decision regarding this matter as to whether or not the title change will stand.

VIDEO:

Video faded in on Prez Stanley Blackburn sitting behind the big desk in his office.

Blackburn: Hello. This is AWA President Stanley Blackburn.

Last week, with the help of outside interference from Badd Company manager Dallas Page, the Destruction defeated the team of Brad Rheingans and Greg Gagne, who was wrestling in place of the injured Ken Patera, to win the tag team titles.

After re-watching the tape of the match, this is not an easy thing to do, I have decided to let the decision stand. The Destruction Crew are the new AWA World Tag Team Champions.

The reason for this decision was because the referee, Gary Derusha, was trying to re-store order in the match as things had gotten out of control and did not see the interference that helped the Destruction Crew win the match.

I could, based on the video evidence, overturn this decision and return the belts to the previous champions or hold the titles up until further notice. But, I believe it's important to let the human element take precedence in sporting competition. Mistakes will sometimes be made in situations like this. Or things won't be caught by the referee. Just look at the occasional missed or bad calls in other sports.

It happens, and we see the error that was made after the fact. Gary Derusha's a fine referee; one of the best in the business. He got caught in a tough situation and the Destruction Crew was able to take advantage of that fact and win the belts.

The decision stands.

But when Ken Patera can wrestle again, he and Brad Rheingans will be granted immediate re-matches against the Destruction Crew inside a steel cage and Dallas Page will be locked in a cage of his own to make sure he can't interfere and Greg Gagne will be the keeper of the key to Page's cage.

Thank you for your time.

Nelson then intro'd video from the former champs Ken Patera, Brad Rheingans, and Patera's sub, Greg Gagne.

VIDEO:

The trio, in street clothes and Patera's left arm still in a sling, stood in-studio in front of the AWA logo. Each had a mic.

Rheingans: Let me just start by saying that we don't agree with President Blackburn's decision on this matter. But, we will abide by it.

When Ken comes back, the Destruction Crew is gonna have to defend those titles against us inside a steel cage! What are Enos and Bloom gonna do when there's nowhere to run?! What are they gonna do when they can't bank on outside interference?!

We're all about to find out real soon!

Patera: I'm chomping at the bit to step back inside the squared circle! I can't wait until my arm is out of this sling!

Greg Gagne did an excellent job filling in for me and the tag team titles would most likely still be in our possession had it not been for Dallas Page!

I think Blackburn's decision is wrong on every level!

But I will be back...and soon...and when the four of us are locked inside that steel cage, and Page is in lockdown in a cage of his own, what are the Destruction Crew going to do, huh?! What are they gonna do?!

There's no way out! Outside help won't be coming! You have to win on your own merit inside the cage, boys! We're about to find out if you can do it!

Greg: I was really down after getting pinned in the title match last week. But Ken and Brad have been great in keeping my spirits up during this time.

I have to admit that I was also disappointed in President Blackburn's decision to let the title change stand.

The side of my face is still hurting a bit where Bloom struck me with that cane.

But we move forward.

Page, you won't be able to pull any of your shenanigans when you're locked away inside your own little cell and I'm the keeper of the key!

The Destruction Crew is gonna have to fight like mad to retain those titles against these two men here!

And I'm gonna make sure Dallas Page doesn't get out of his cage to cause havoc!

Pic aired of the Top Guns with the caption...High Flying action...NEXT!

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

Commercials: Murph's 76 -

Back from commercials:

Top Guns (Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes) won a squash over Jerry Allen & Tom Stone

Post-Match Interview w/ Larry Nelson: Guns talked about DDP helping the Destruction Crew win the World Tag team Titles last week. Talked about their recent brawl with DDP's team, Badd Company, which ended in a wild double DQ when the teams fought throughout the arena. Said there's definitely heat between the two teams. Also, talked about challenging the Destruction Crew for the World Tag Team Titles.

Nelson said more after the break.

Pic aired of Sgt. Slaughter in his ring attire with the AWA World Title slung over his left shoulder with the caption: Next Week! The World Champion is here!

Pic flipped and aired the AWA logo with the caption: The Main Event is next!

Commercials: Close-Up Tootpaste -

Back from commercials:

TV MAIN EVENT

Tommy Rich & Jonnie Stewart vs. Hector & Mando Guerrero

The Guerrero brothers made their way to the ring via the face aisle to a decent ovation from the crowd.

Rich and Stewart made their way down the heel aisle to the ring to mainly boos.

Once in the ring, Rich gestured for the ring mic and got it.

Rich: As you people all know, I am a former World Heavyweight Champion.

A few years ago, on a magical night in Augusta, Georgia, I defeated Harley Race to become the youngest NWA World Champion in history.

I had a spectacular run that ranked up there with the reigns of all-time greats.

Lee Marshall: Not this again! His reign lasted all of five days!

Rich: Mando and Hector, because of my status as a former World Champion, I am demanding that you show me the respect I deserve.

The brothers looked amused at what was transpiring.

Rich: Also, Jonnie Stewart here is the future of wrestling. He is the man who will carry the sport on his shoulders into the '90s.

Crowd booed.

Mando stepped up to Rich.

Mando: Tommy...shut up!

Rich: How dare you speak to a man who is a former World Heavyweight Champion and the wrestler of the '90s like that!

Mando: Actions speak louder than words.

Let's wrestle, you two pandejos!

Many in the crowd erupted in laughter and some cheered.

Lee Marshall: Whoa! Stop the presses! We'll let you viewers look up what 'pandejo' means on your own time!

Stewart: If that's good, then me and Tommy are the best pandejos around!

Many of the fans were still laughing as Rich and Stewart looked around and were puzzled by the crowd reaction. The Guerrero brothers were also chuckling.

Lord James Blears: It figures that Rich and Stewart think Mando just complimented them, Lee.

Match was an exciting see-saw affair with both teams scoring some exciting near falls. Match ended when Stewart's interference on behalf of Rich backfired and Stewart was driven from the ring and the Guerrero brothers nailed Rich with a double dropkick and Mando covered Rich to score the pinfall victory for his team.

WINNER: Hector & Mando Guerrero - 11:18

END OF PROGRAM: https://youtu.be/cWdeNkqudL0?t=2812

Captain Kremmen · December 8, 2019

BREAKING NEWS!

FROM THE

MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE!

Jets Owner Interested In Buying Gagne's AWA

Barry Shenkarow, owner of the NHL's Winnipeg Jets, has expressed interest in possibly buying the American Wrestling Association from Minneapolis-based owner/promoter Verne Gagne.

It's been rumored that Gagne is looking to either sell the promotion or bring on a wealthy financial backer in an effort to give the sinking promotion a much needed cash infusion and try to help turn their fortunes around.

Shenkarow, a multi-millionaire, is interested in getting involved in the wrestling business and would look to do a 'complete overhaul with a unique spin' on the AWA should he buy it.

What, exactly, the 'complete overhaul with a unique spin' is was not explained when we spoke to a Shenkarow spokesman.

There are also rumored to be a couple of other unnamed parties who are potentially interested in buying the AWA.

The AWA used to do tapings for the Canadian market in Winnipeg for a number of years.

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

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

From 1986, Stan Hansen defends the AWA World Title against David Sammartino:

ENJOY!

lod619 · December 12, 2019

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46935" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK! From 1986, Stan Hansen defends the AWA World Title against David Sammartino: <div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/z7RuTSBP3G0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Stan Hansen vs. David Sammartino"></iframe></div></div></div></blockquote> One of my favorite matches, best thing Sammartino did, took an ass kicking like a champ. Hansen as champion despite the "minor tension"<img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> brewing was great just great matches with Slaughter, Blackwell,etc and his constant abuse of Larry Nelson was highlight.

Captain Kremmen · December 13, 2019

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

(3rd Taping Re-Cap)

Show Intro:https://youtu.be/XV5YFK7k7t0

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

New World Champion Sgt. Slaughter makes an appearance

TV Main Event - Re-Match: The Top Guns vs. Badd Company w/ Mgr. Dallas Page

Jerry Blackwell is back and faces his old nemesis Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey

Col. DeBeers wrestles. Will the Col. take excessive liberties with his opponent after the match if DeBeers wins? Will Tom Zenk back up his words of recent weeks that he will personally deal with DeBeers if DeBeers takes advantage of another defeated foe?

And more!

Nelson then sent it to the Showboat Sports Pavilion in Las Vegas.

Akio Sato defeated Tommy Jammer via pinfall with a flying kneedrop to the chest from the top rope - TIME: 6:36

In-Studio Promo: Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey said the feud between he and Jerry Blackwell continues and will never die until he has destroyed Blackwell.

Split-Screen Pic aired of El-Kaissey and Blackwell with the caption: THE FEUD IS RE-IGNITED...NEXT!

Commercials: Citgo Gas - https://youtu.be/Zjhy5xAx1Rw

Back from commercials:

'Crusher' Jerry Blackwell vs. Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey

Before the match, Kaissey grabbed the ring mic from Larry Nelson and stated the following:

Kaissey: Jerry Blackwell! You made a big mistake coming back to the AWA! Your journey down your road of suffering begins tonight!

Blackwell walked over and snatched the mic out of Kaissey's hand. Kaissey reacted in a shocked fashion.

Blackwell: Sheik! Let me tell you something, boy! The only suffering there's gonna be tonight is when you feel all 500 pounds of the Mountain from Stone Mountain coming down on you!

Crowd cheered as Blackwell turned and tossed the mic.

Kaissey attacked Blackwell before the match.

Ref called for the bell.

Kaissey dominated early, but Blackwell fought his way back into the match. Blackwell took control and whipped Kaissey into the corner and went to hit Kaissey with his running splash finisher but Kaissey moved and Blackwell slammed front-first into the buckles.

Kaissey regained the upper hand and used a couple of illegal tactics on Blackwell in an effort to score the victory but Blackwell repelled the potential loss.

End of the match saw Blackwell on the offensive. Blackwell dropped Kaissey with a clothesline. An unsteady Kaissey made it to his feet and Blackwell went for his famous standing dropkick but Kaissey fell out of the way and all 500 pounds of Blackwell crashed to the mat. Blackwell down and hurting. As the ref checked on Blackwell, Kaissey crawled over by the ropes and reached into his tights and brandished a foreign object. Blackwell stirred and made it to his feet, Blackwell took a shaky step back and then moved in on Kaissey. Kaissey was now on a knee. Blackwell reached down and grabbed Kaissey and started pulling Kaissey up when Kaissey stunned Blackwell with a loaded right hand to the jaw. The big man crashed back to the mat. As the ref again looked at Blackwell, Kaissey turned facing the crowd and dropped the object back in his tights. Kaissey then quickly turned and dived down on the stunned and confused Blackwell for the pin. 1...2...thr... Blackwell threw Kaissey off. Crowd cheered. Kaissey up and moved in and started stomping away on the downed Blackwell. Blackwell started getting up and Kaissey hit Blackwell with some gut shots and then slammed Blackwell's head into the top buckle. Blackwell appeared out of it. Kaissey then went to whip Blackwell into the opposite buckles but Blackwell reversed and sent Kaissey slamming into the buckles. Kaissey stunned. Blackwell quickly regained his bearings, charged in and pulverized Kaissey with a running big splash. Blackwell pushed the limp Kaissey out of the corner and Kaissey crashed on his back in the ring as the fans cheered. Blackwell covered Kaissey for the pin. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell to more cheers from the fans. Winner: Blackwell - TIME: 9:37

Pic aired of AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter with the caption: THE CHAMPION IS HERE...NEXT!

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

Commercials: Big Bill Hell's Car Dealership -

Back from commercials:

In-ring: Larry Nelson.

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

Please welcome my guest at this time. He is the reigning AWA World Champion...Sgt. Slaughter!

Marine Corps Hymn played and out came Sarge to a good ovation. Sarge was in his ring attire and camo jacket and DI hat. He had the belt slung over his left shoulder. Sarge handed out little American flags on his way down the face entrance aisle to the ring. Sarge climbed in the ring and saluted the fans and they saluted back.

Nelson: These fans love ya, Sarge! And they are happy to see you, instead of Larry Zbysko, as the World Champion!

Sarge: It's quite an honor to hold this title, Larry! Many great men have held this championship! And I hope that I can make my mark as big as they did when they were the champion!

Fans: USA! USA! USA!

Nelson: You hear the chant, Sarge! You are 'America's Hero'!

Sarge acknowledged the fans.

Sarge: These fans out here are the life blood of this great, great sport of ours!

And I aim to be a champion they can be proud of!

It seemed like you had to take a shower after Larry Zbysko's reign of error was over because he's such a dirty player! You had to wash off the gunk and grime from that title reign!

Nelson: Do you look at this as a new era in wrestling?

Sarge: Yes, I do, Larry!

We are moving in a new direction! I promise to be a fighting champion and take on all deserving challengers for this, the top World Title in pro wrestling!

Nelson: Since Larry Zbysko lost the belt to you, he's obviously gonna get his re-match at some point. What are your thoughts on that?

Sarge: I saw the interview you did a couple of weeks ago with Zbysko! He wants this title back so badly! And that makes him a desperate man! And a desperate man is a dangerous man! Zbysko plays to win! And for him, winning is everything! It's his bottom line! Honor is a word that's foreign to him! He doesn't care how he gets it done! As long as he wins it's all that matters in Larry Land!

I know I'm gonna have quite the fight on my hands when we meet in the squared circle again! You have to prepare for Zbysko on so many levels! He's very smooth when it comes to breaking the rules...

Crowd booed as Zbysko, in his ring attire, made his way down the heel entrance aisle and climbed into the ring.

Nelson: Larry Zbysko! What are you doing out here?!

Zbysko walked up to Nelson and Sarge.

Zbysko: I came out here to tell Sgt. Slaughter and all his moronic followers that they'd better enjoy the ride while they can! Because this ride isn't going to last long! I'm gunning for you, Sarge! And I'm gonna be the AWA World Champion again very soon!

Sarge: We'll see about that, Zbysko! You've gotta beat me first! Talk is cheap!

Zbysko: It's especially cheap when it's coming out of your mouth, GI Joke!

You just make sure to keep that title nice and shiny for when I win it back!

I've never been more determined to do anything in my life! I AM going to be the World Champion once again! And you Slaughter-loving goobers can wallow in my greatness! A greatness that none of you will ever attain!

Sarge: These fans out here...they make this sport go around! Without them...nothing! You just remember that!

Zbysko: You can have these idiots, Sarge! Look at 'em! The IQ points are just draining out of my body being in their midst! And it's guys like me that make this sport go around! You need to remember that, Mr. Rambo wannabe!

Sarge: You can run your mouth all you want, Zbysko! I'll let my actions in this ring speak for me!

Zbysko: Your actions will speak loudly, Sarge! And your actions will spell one word: L-O-S-E-R! Got that?! Good!

Zbysko turned and left the ring and dropped the floor and headed back up the heel aisle.

Sarge: He can talk all he wants, Nelson! He wants this belt back?! He needs to put me down for the three count! Then he can gloat all he wants!

But he has to win first! And with these fans behind me, that's gonna be a tall order for him!

Fans cheered.

Nelson: Sgt. Slaughter, everybody!

AWA Championship Wrestling logo appeared on the screen with the words: MORE TO COME!

Commercials: Chunky Soup -

Back from commercials:

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

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

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

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

Nelson: Gino Carabello.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video aired from the last match between the Top Guns and Badd Company brawling into the crowd with the caption: WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF???!!!

Commercials: Ralph Williams' Bay Shore Chrysler-Plymouth -

Back from commercials:

TV MAIN EVENT: The Top Guns (Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes) vs. Badd Company (Pat Tanaka & Paul Diamond) w/ Mgr. Dallas Page

Before the match, announcers intro'd video from the two teams previous encounter a few weeks ago which ended in a double DQ as the match disintegrated into a brawl that wound up in the seats.

Match was a heated affair with both teams making a strong showing. Once again, the match got out of control and the two teams started brawling with each other. The action spilled out of the ring onto the floor. Ref again called for a double DQ between the two squads. The fighting continued around ringside and Rice and Tanaka took their fight into the face aisle as Dukes and Diamond were slugging it out at ringside. Page took the opportunity to strike Dukes from behind with his cane. Ref called for the bell a second time. DDP grabbed Dukes from behind as Diamond grabbed a seat from ringside. (NOTE: Showboat Sports Pavilion chairs were cushioned high-back chairs with a gold frame that did not fold.) Diamond rammed the head of the chair into Dukes' gut. DDP let go of Dukes and Dukes doubled over holding his gut. Diamond brought the back of the chair crashing down across Dukes' back and Dukes went down on the concrete floor. Rice gained the advantage over Tanaka in their personal skirmish. Dukes was now on his back on the floor and Diamond drove the head of the chair into Dukes' throat. Dukes struggling to breath. Rice saw what was happening, quickly grabbed a chair that a security guard had been sitting in and charged over. Diamond stopped choking Dukes out and he and Page fled the scene and joined up with Tanaka over by the heel aisle. Rice checked on the downed Dukes. Dukes sat up. Two EMT's came to ringside to check on Dukes.

Rice gestured for Larry Nelson. Nelson came over and Rice angrily grabbed the mic from Nelson's hand as Badd Co. looked on from the opening to the heel entrance aisle.

Rice: Badd Company! This isn't over! We're gonna meet again! And when we do...it's gonna be your funeral! All three of you!

Crowd cheered.

Shot of Badd Company looking on in typical sinister heel fashion.

DECISION: Double DQ - 8:14

END OF PROGRAM: https://youtu.be/cWdeNkqudL0?t=2812

Captain Kremmen · December 17, 2019

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

Verne Gagne was sitting at his desk in his office at AWA HQ. Across from him were Wally Karbo and Verne's son, Greg.

Verne: I've called you guys in here to give you an update on where things stand right now.

First, we have another interested buyer in Barry Shenkarow. He owns the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL. I'm due to speak with him on the phone later this week.

Greg: Have you heard anything about how much he's willing to pay for the promotion?

Verne: Not yet. I don't want to be pushy. So, I'm not forcing the issue of money right now. I've only received a mail communication from one of his employees so far about his interest. We'll see how the phone call goes.

Wally: I read in the paper that he's got some ideas on how he wants to run the company.

Verne: I read that, too. Again, I don't want to seem pushy in trying to sell. I'll let him explain his ideas for the AWA when we talk.

Greg: If you sell to him, dad, just remember it's no longer your business. He can run it how he sees fit.

Verne: I know, son. But we've built up the AWA as a traditional wrestling company. I'll listen to what he has to say and then make a decision if he agrees to buy.

Wally: Are we bringing in a new wrestler?

Verne: Yeah. Sam Houston has agreed to come in and work for us. Hopefully, we'll have him in time for the next set of tapings in Vegas.

Greg: Got any ideas on how to use him yet?

Verne: He'll keep the cowboy gimmick he's got. But I haven't decided on whether he should be a heel or face.

Greg: I'd love to work with him when he gets here. Seems like a pretty solid hand in the ring from what I've seen.

Wally: What about Greg Valentine? I know he wanted out of the WWF, too.

Verne: With the way our finances are right now, I'm worried he might be too expensive for us. Might be able to book him for a few dates. But after that, who knows.

Wally: Are you still seeking a money man?

Verne: Not as vigorously as I was. Can't seem to find any interested parties to bankroll us. The ones I've talked to don't seem to want to take the risk.

Greg: I've looked at the booking sheet. It looks like we've got three good matches at the top of the card for some of the house shows. Hopefully, they can move some tickets.

Verne: Let's see. Sarge defends the World Title against Zbysko; Badd Company vs. Top Guns in a No Disqualification match; and, after Patera's return is officially announced on TV, the Destruction Crew defends the World Tag Team Titles against Brad Rheingans and Ken Patera in a steel cage with manager Dallas Page locked in a cage at ringside with Greg as keeper of the key to Page's cage.

Greg: Don't forget, dad, until Patera returns, it's gonna be the Destruction Crew and Manny Fernandez vs. Brad, myself and Wahoo.

Verne: Our ad budget's kind of tight. But, we need to use the bulk of it right now to advertise as much as possible in the markets where those three matches are happening on the card.

Wally: You'll have to move some ad funds around, Verne. That will hurt advertising in markets where all three of these matches aren't taking place.

Verne: I know. I hate to do it. But it's where we're at right now financially. Some of the smaller markets we regularly visit and spot show towns are just gonna have to take a hit in getting the word out except for promos on AWA TV shows airing in those towns.

Greg: And some of those towns now carry our program after midnight on the weekends. That hurts us even further as not as many eyeballs are on their TVs at that time.

Verne looked over at Greg and nodded in agreement.

Verne: There was something else I wanted to bring up with you two.

Wally: What is it?

Verne: I know I mentioned that Greg Valentine may be too expensive for us to bring in except for a few shots.

But there's a former AWA wrestler out there I think we might be able to strike some sort of deal with.

Greg: Who is it?

Verne: You know who I'm talking about, son.

Greg thought about it for a moment and then he got a serious case of the big eyes.

Greg: Him???!!! You don't mean...

Verne: Yes, I do mean him.

Greg: But he's pretty much been black-listed from all the major promotions in this country since his backstage fight with Mr. T in '85 when he was working for the WWF!

Verne: There's nothing legally binding that says we can't bring him in.

Greg: Well...no...

Wally: Bringing him back could spark some renewed interest with some of the fans we've lost over the last few years. It might be worth the gamble.

Greg: He could be a legal liability.

Verne: I think he wants to work again. And he wants to work in a promotion with some name value and not continue having to work in small regional promotions with very little reach outside their immediate areas.

Wally: If you can reach an agreement with him, then I say pull the trigger. We have nothing left to lose.

Greg: We could lose everything if he goes off half-cocked like he did with T or, even worse, what he did to news reporter John Stossel. We could be sued into oblivion and he could single-handedly put the AWA out of business.

Verne: The Stossel thing we discussed before. I do believe that Vince put him up to that.

He won't misbehave like that if there's money to be made; and if he wants to make a comeback in a promotion with national exposure.

Wally: The match-ups that are out there if he comes back...

Greg: Are those match-ups going to be in the ring or backstage?

Wally: In the ring...hopefully.

Greg shook his head in disgust.

Greg: You need to really think this one through, dad. He could be a real problem in the long run.

Verne: Well, then, does anyone have any better ideas?

The three men became quiet and an uneasy silence filled the room.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

From WrestleRock '86, it's Col. DeBeers vs. Wahoo McDaniel:

ENJOY!

Captain Kremmen · December 21, 2019

AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

Decided to post this vid a couple of days early because of the Christmas holiday.

From Christmas night 1985, Rick Martel defends the AWA World Title against Stan Hansen:

https://youtu.be/T1EzTiGrkJo

ENJOY!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2019!

ScubaSteve83 · December 21, 2019

what mod do you use for this?

JepMasta · December 26, 2019

This is one of the best diaries I have ever read.

Please keep it going.

Captain Kremmen · December 28, 2019

Will be posting new AWA show re-caps and other segments beginning in January.

Will Greg Valentine sign with the AWA?

Who is the former AWA wrestler Verne is thinking of bringing back even though his son objects to it?

Will Verne find a buyer for the AWA?

Is there anyone out there willing to bankroll the struggling company?

Will Verne just close the doors of the promotion?

Is the AWA thinking of introducing a new championship to replace the AWA TV Title?

The answers to all these and many more questions are coming soon!

Happy New Year!

joshbrady91 · December 30, 2019

Another fantastic read as always, can't wait to find out those answers! Looking forward to more! Happy New Year

Sign In

AWA 1989: A Financial Savior Is (Badly) Needed

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Join the conversation