Old School Fan Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 *L* Didn't even think of the her age at this time! Just think of her as 1997 I Still Know What You Did Last Summer JLH.[/Quote] It's actually pretty ingenious to use real-life celebrities in another line of work (e.g. as jobbers to the AWA stars in this diary) as part of an alternate history diary, just as I'm doing with my Rise of a Star diary, so I've no issues with that - plus, I did have a crush on the real JLH back around the time of that movie and Party of Five. Thanks for the kind words, OSF. They had that weird rule up there that required some content on your program be taped in Canada. Vince aced Verne out of his spot up there in '86. Yep, the ol' Canadian content rule. On the plus side in that case, fans in the rest of Canada got to see what the Winnipeg fans were already enjoying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theheel Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Old School Fan" data-cite="Old School Fan" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="52672" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It's actually pretty ingenious to use real-life celebrities in another line of work (e.g. as jobbers to the AWA stars in this diary) as part of an alternate history diary, just as I'm doing with my <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=551985" rel="external nofollow">Rise of a Star diary</a>, so I've no issues with that - plus, I did have a crush on the real JLH back around the time of that movie and <em>Party of Five</em>. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Who didn’t love or hav a crush on JLH around this time.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted October 28, 2021 Author Share Posted October 28, 2021 (edited) SUMMER 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN AWA honcho Verne Gagne and Wally Karbo were sitting in Verne's office. It had been two days since Verne told son Greg, wife Mary, and Wally of his possible plans to back out of the deal with Lurie to try and turn the AWA around himself. Karbo: Well, have you reached a verdict? Verne: I have. I talked with Greg and Mary this morning. I've made my final decision. Karbo: And? Verne: I'm going to go ahead and sell the company to Lurie. I'm not backing out of the deal. Karbo: I think you made the right call, Verne. Verne: It wasn't easy. Karbo: I bet it wasn't. This business has been your whole adult life. Verne nodded in agreement. Verne: That money sets Mary and I up for our golden years. I also had to think of the people who work for me. I think Lurie will give many of them long-term job security. Karbo: The money gives you ammo to keep fighting to save your home. Verne: That, too. It also give us something nice to leave to our children and grandchildren when we're gone. Karbo: How much longer is the transition supposed to take before the company officially becomes Lurie's? Verne: Another two weeks or so. And I'm staying on in charge of the wrestling operations until they can find a replacement or replacements. Karbo: You've worked hard. You deserve this. Verne: I'm sure when the final day comes it's gonna be hard to say goodbye. And all you guys have worked hard to make the AWA into one of the premiere wrestling promotions. Unfortunately, we just fell on some hard times. Karbo: Happens to the best of them. But we had a great run. Verne thought about it for a moment. Verne: We did. We really did. Been a lot of fun. Really gonna miss it. Verne Gagne was about to step down. Bob Lurie was about to take over as owner of the AWA. But in wrestling...always expect the unexpected. STAY TUNED... Edited June 15 by Captain Kremmen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHK1989 Posted October 29, 2021 Share Posted October 29, 2021 Wow....he actually did something sensible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted October 29, 2021 Author Share Posted October 29, 2021 SUMMER 1989 VERNE GAGNE'S HOME ON LAKE MINNETONKA The transition was running smoothly. It appeared that Lurie's people were close to hiring an operations manager and a booker. In a little under two weeks the transition would be complete. 2:34 AM CST Verne Gagne and wife Mary were in a deep, restful sleep. But the pair were abruptly jolted out of their slumber when the phone rang. Verne looked briefly at the clock on the night stand. It read: 2:34 AM. Verne, still half asleep, clumsily grabbed the receiver and fumbled with it before putting it next to his ear. Verne then turned on the lamp on the night stand. Verne (sleepily): He... He... Hello. Verne listened to the voice on the other end. Verne: Yes. This is Verne Gagne. Mary: Who is it, Verne? Is something wrong? Verne waved Mary off and continued to listen to the voice on the other end of the phone. Verne suddenly sat upright on the edge of the bed. Verne: Are you sure? Verne listened to the voice. Verne (pained disbelief in his voice): Oh, God. Mary sat up in bed. Mary: Is it one of the kids? Verne shook his head 'no' and waved Mary off again. Verne listened to the voice. Verne let out a heavy sigh. Verne: Well, thank you for calling. There's really not much more that needs to be said. Verne listened some more. Verne: It's okay that you called now. We had to know the news. Voice on the other end spoke briefly. Verne: Thank you. Goodbye. Verne hung up the phone and placed his head in his hands. Mary: Can you please tell me what's going on? Verne looked up facing away from his wife. Verne: It's Bob Lurie. Mary: What about Bob? Verne: He died* suddenly a couple of hours ago. Mary was stunned. Silence. Mary: Did they tell you what happened? Verne: Apparently, he was sitting in a chair in his bedroom reading and suddenly just slumped over. He was rushed to the hospital by paramedics but was pronounced dead on arrival. Both sat in stunned silence for a moment. Mary: I hate to sound callus, but what about the sale? Verne: Since the transition period had not ended and Lurie had not assumed control yet, it looks like the sale is null and void. I'll call Gomez later this morning and ask him to go over the contract and see if there are any provisions in it for a case like this but I doubt it. The two sat there in silence. It appeared the sale of the AWA had just slipped away. STAY TUNED... (* Bob Lurie is only dead in my storyline. He's still alive in real life and in his 90s.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old School Fan Posted October 30, 2021 Share Posted October 30, 2021 Yikes, Bob Lurie dies and that could deep-six the AWA sale altogether? Major shocker. Sure hope there's a silver lining to be found from this very dark cloud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herrbear Posted October 30, 2021 Share Posted October 30, 2021 Knew it was too good to be true. But what a shocker. You are keeping us on the edge of our seats every time. Like the old cliff-hanger serials of the 30's and 40's in the movies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theheel Posted October 30, 2021 Share Posted October 30, 2021 There goes the any chance of the AWA’s survival. So for once a Verne didn’t screw Verne, but in the end he is still screwed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHK1989 Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 That's messed up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 2, 2021 Author Share Posted November 2, 2021 CLASSIC WRESTLING VIDEO OF THE WEEK! From 1977 or 78, it's a Loser Leaves Town match for the U.S. Title: The Sheik vs. Mark Lewin ©. From Detroit Big Time Wrestling. I hated this match when I first saw it. But after watching it a few more times I became a real big fan of it. The crowd heat and psychology are off the charts in this one. Violence for the sake of violence. I don't think you'll see something like this today on sanitized, painfully boring WWE programming or the clown show fly, flop, fly act known as AEW: ENJOY! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 2, 2021 Author Share Posted November 2, 2021 SUMMER 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN The fallout... AWA boss Verne Gagne had informed son Greg about the unexpected passing of Bob Lurie via a phone call at 7am. Verne asked Greg to contact some of the wrestlers and tell them the news. At the office, Verne spoke privately with Wally Karbo, TV producer Al DeRusha, director Mike Shields and sales rep Eric Bischoff about the shocking news. Verne then called the rest of the office staff together and held a brief meeting to let them know what happened overnight. Since it wasn't a promo taping day, only a few of the wrestlers swung by after hearing the news. They wanted to make sure it was not a rib being played on them. They were informed it was not. It was a long, quiet day at AWA headquarters. Verne walked back into his office, closed the door and sat down at his desk and buried his head in his hands for a moment. Verne gathered himself and then scrolled through his Rolodex and found the number of his lawyer, Gomez Adams. Verne dialed. After two rings the secretary picked up the phone. Secretary: Adams Family Law Office. This is Wednesday. How may I help you? Verne asked if he could talk with Gomez, informing the secretary it was urgent. The secretary put Verne on hold. Verne listened impatiently to irritating pipe organ music as he waited. Finally... Gomez: Hey, Verne! How's it going my friend?! Verne: Not well, Gomez. Bob Lurie died last night. Gomez: Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that. What happened if I can ask? Verne: He died suddenly. Cause of death won't be known until an autopsy can be performed. Gomez: Hmmm... Hey! Do you know if he shit himself when he died?! I heard people shit themselves when they kick off! Verne (incredulous): Seriously, Gomez! The man just passed and you want to know if he crapped himself! Jeez! Gomez: Just something I heard and wondered if it was true. I'll have to call my coroner friend Quincy to see about that one. Possibly just an urban legend. Might ask my wife. She works at a funeral home. Verne was getting pissed. Verne: Gomez, I need you to go over the contract and see if it's null and void or if it's binding. Gomez: I'll do it, Verne. Had the AWA legally changed hands yet? Verne: No. We were still in the transition period. Gomez: And the company did not change hands until after the transition period? Verne: That is correct. Gomez: Gotta tell you, it doesn't look good then for this to be binding. Did only you and Lurie sign off on the contract? Verne: Yes. And the witness. Gomez: Witness is irrelevant when it comes to ownership. But, I will have my lawyers Fred Gwynne and Al Lewis look the contract over. I gotta say that it doesn't look good for you, my friend. Sorry to be so blunt. If there's nothing in the contract that states that if Bob Lurie passes unexpectedly that the company passes into the hands of someone else, then the contract is pretty much null and void. But I'll have my guys look it over and get back to you. Verne: Thank you, Gomez. Gomez: You're welcome. Sorry for your loss. I know the sale meant a lot to you. How's the imminent domain case going? Verne: The loss of this income will certainly hamper our fight to keep our home. Gomez: You gonna shut down the company? Verne: Have to admit it's crossed my mind in the last few hours. Gomez: Well I wish you the best, my friend. The next time you swing by the office you can see this new gadget I bought. Verne: What's that? Gomez: It's a wood box. When you tap on it, a hand comes out and hands you a cigar! Amazing what they think of these days! Verne politely chuckled but his mind was elsewhere. Verne: I'll have to see it some time. Gomez: You take care, Verne. I'll get back to you and let you know what my guys find in the contract. Verne: Thanks, Gomez. Gomez: Bye. Verne: Bye, Gomez. Verne hung up the phone. Now it was just a waiting game to see if there was something in the contract that was binding and Verne was still able to sell the AWA to the Lurie camp. STAY TUNED... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 3, 2021 Author Share Posted November 3, 2021 SUMMER 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN The day after Verne Gagne contacted his lawyer Gomez Adams to see if the contract he signed with the late Bob Lurie could still be vaild, Gomez called Verne at his office. Verne's secretary buzzed the intercom to let him know Gomez was on line 1. Verne picked up the phone. Verne: Hello, Gomez. Gomez: Hey, Verne. Just calling to let you know I had two of my attorneys go over the contract you signed with Bob Lurie. Verne: What did they find? Gomez: Unfortunately, there's nothing in the contract that mandates anyone Lurie knew assume responsibility for the American Wrestling Association. If the transition period had ended before he died, then this would all be moot and someone Lurie knew would have had to absorb responsibility for the company. But since the transition period wasn't over... Verne: It renders the contract null and void. Gomez: That's right. I'm sorry, Verne, you just don't have a legal leg to stand on here. The deal is a no-go now. Verne let out a heavy sigh. Verne: Well, that's that. Thank you for checking for me, Gomez. It's back to the drawing board. Gomez: You take care, Verne. Don't do anything rash. Verne: I won't. Bye. Verne hung up the phone. Verne had recently thought about trying to turn the company around on his own. But he'd changed his mind and was looking forward to stepping aside and receiving a large financial windfall. But the news of Lurie's death seemed to drain the fight out of the legendary wrestler/promoter. Verne was now giving serious thought to shutting down the company he built from the ground up. STAY TUNED... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theheel Posted November 3, 2021 Share Posted November 3, 2021 Ok Verne needs a happy ending. He’ll go bankrupt if he keeps it so time to find him a match. Maybe millionaire match.com? Just don’t let it be Eric with some financial guy. Maybe Gomez can buy it and call it Addams Wrestling Association Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 4, 2021 Author Share Posted November 4, 2021 Yikes, Bob Lurie dies and that could deep-six the AWA sale altogether? Major shocker. Sure hope there's a silver lining to be found from this very dark cloud. Have to wait and see. Maybe Verne just throws up his hands... ...or is there an angel out there? Knew it was too good to be true. But what a shocker. You are keeping us on the edge of our seats every time. Like the old cliff-hanger serials of the 30's and 40's in the movies. Keeping you on the edge of your seats is what I'm trying to do. TO BE CONTINUED AT THIS THEATER NEXT WEEK! There goes the any chance of the AWA’s survival. So for once a Verne didn’t screw Verne, but in the end he is still screwed Kind of the story of Verne's run in wrestling at the end. That's messed up... Who knew Bob was gonna die in storyline... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 4, 2021 Author Share Posted November 4, 2021 Ok Verne needs a happy ending. He’ll go bankrupt if he keeps it so time to find him a match. Maybe millionaire match.com? Just don’t let it be Eric with some financial guy. Maybe Gomez can buy it and call it Addams Wrestling Association You don't think Sarge-Lawler saves the company in '89? No internet yet! Like the idea for Gomez. Guaranteed no Eric! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 4, 2021 Author Share Posted November 4, 2021 SUMMER 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN AWA HQ was not a happy place to be right now. AWA chief Verne Gagne was very depressed at the sudden turn of events. He told associates Wally Karbo, Al DeRusha, Mike Shields and son Greg he was thinking of closing up shop. He swore the four men to secrecy on this matter. Verne was a proud man and didn't want to see things end this way. He wanted to go out on his own terms. But that was gonna be real hard to do. Even though business in some cities was seeing an upturn in ticket sales based on the Lawler-Sarge match to determine the undisputed AWA World Champion, it wasn't nearly enough to seriously turn things around. The incoming Greg Valentine and Stan Hansen would help things only so much. A much-needed major name was nowhere to be found for what Verne could offer to pay them. To put a spin on what legendary baseball announcer Vin Scully used to say when the Dodgers were losing late in a game: The AWA is running out of outs.* And then another thought entered Verne's mind. And it wasn't a good thought... It was a thought so awful that it was guaranteed to shock everyone he told. Verne Gagne sat at his desk and thumbed through his Rolodex and found the number still in there. Maybe it's providence, he thought. Verne stared at the number for what seemed like an eternity. It was the number for...Barry Shenkarow. STAY TUNED... To see Shenkarow's nightmarish vision for the AWA, visit: http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=544125&highlight=1989+financial+savior&page=10 POST #138 (* Scully's saying when the Dodgers were losing late in a game: The Dodgers are running out of outs.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theheel Posted November 4, 2021 Share Posted November 4, 2021 You don't think Sarge-Lawler saves the company in '89? No internet yet! Like the idea for Gomez. Guaranteed no Eric! The Addams have millions and who would mess with Lurch as a special enforcer referee? A lot better than Benchwarmer Bob or Scott LeDoux Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 5, 2021 Author Share Posted November 5, 2021 SUMMER 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN Over the next couple of days, Verne could not shake the thought of calling businessman and Winnipeg Jets' owner Barry Shenkarow and trying to re-open a line of communication in the hopes of selling Shenkarow the company. The two last had am acrimonious call when Verne told Shenkarow in no uncertain terms that he would not sell to the canuck because of his vision for the AWA. Now, Verne was willing to change his tune and hoped Shenkarow might be open to negotiating again. Verne told no one of this possible move as he knew it would stun and upset people. As Verne gave more serious thought to calling Shenkarow... MANHATTAN'S UPPER EAST SIDE In an expensive penthouse on Manhattan's wealthy Upper East Side, a woman was sitting, reading a book and drinking a glass of wine in her den when the phone rang. Woman: Hello. Man: Hi, ***. This is ####. Woman: Hey, ####. How you doing? Man: Good. Have you heard the news? Woman: What is it? Man: Bob Lurie died a couple of days ago. Woman: Bob Lurie? Okay. What of it? Man: He'd signed an agreement to buy the AWA... Woman: AWA. The wrestling promotion?! Man: Yes. But because he kicked off before the deal became final the contract is null and void. Woman: How'd you find out about this? Man: A friend of mine informed me of it earlier today, hon. Woman: Were you f*****g him? The man laughed. The man and woman had that kind of relationship. Man: Maybe. Woman: Haha! Man: I heard the AWA might be back on the market. You interested? Woman: Interested in what? Buying the AWA? Man: Yep. Woman: I don't know. You don't really hear about the AWA anymore. I know they're owned by Verne Gagne. But other than that these days... Man: Let me make a few calls, ***, and see what's going on. Woman: Okay. I'm gonna have to see if I can get some tapes of recent AWA TV shows. I'm guessing things aren't going well for them if Verne's looking to bail. Man: It might be a high risk venture. But just imagine... You and me owning a wrestling promotion! Now that would be something! Woman: It would be us vs. Vince McMahon and Ted Turner! I gotta see some shows first before I make a decision on whether or not to get involved in a possible purchase. We could lose a lot of cash doing this. Man: But we could also reap a financial windfall. Look, we have the money to be competitive with WWF and the NWA. We could sign some major stars. Woman: Do you know who their biggest star is right now? Man: I believe it's Sgt. Slaughter. Woman: If this was 1985, hearing that Sgt. Slaughter was the AWA's top star, I'd jump in with both feet and make an offer. But if he's there today and the promotion's not doing well...it's a different story. I've gotta try and round up some tapes and call some of my other friends who are fans and see what they know about the AWA today. Man: Alright. Just throwing the idea out there. I'll snoop around and see if I can find out what they want if the company is still for sale. Woman: Okay. Keep me posted. Man: Will do. Bye, ***. Love ya. Woman: Bye, ####. Right back at ya. The woman hung up the phone. She leaned back on her couch and started thinking about being the owner of a wrestling promotion that used to be one of the 'Big 3' in North America. The idea captured her imagination. Meanwhile, back at the ranch... Verne Gagne made a decision. He decided to pick up the phone and call Barry Shenkarow. The man and woman who talked about possibly buying the AWA may never get the chance. STAY TUNED... (Names redacted until a later date.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old School Fan Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 And the plot thickens... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 9, 2021 Author Share Posted November 9, 2021 CLASSIC WRESTLING VIDEOS OF THE WEEK! It's promo week! PROMO 1 - 1981 - MSG: Bob Backlund, Stan Hansen, Fred Blassie & Pedro Morales (Fantastic Hansen promo here!): PROMO 2 - 1978 - THE SPECTRUM: Lou Albano, Bob Backlund. Billy Graham & The Grand Wizard (Lou kills it!): PROMO 3 - 1980 - THE SPECTRUM Hulk Hogan, Bob Backlund, Ken Patera & The Grand Wizard (Hogan was a great heel promo!): PROMO 4: Ivan Koloff, Ivan Putski, Fred Blassie & Peter Maivia (Uncle Ivan knew how to rock a promo back in the day!): All these promos range from good to excellent. Why? Because they were raw, uneven in spots and incorrect words were sometimes used. (Like Hansen calling a signature a 'John Henry' instead of a 'John Hancock'.) In other words: they were real. The words were their own. You could buy into what they were saying. The emotions and reactions were 100% theirs. No script writers needed! Also, I liked the Vince McMahon in these promos much better than the one who has largely destroyed this business the last 35+ years. ENJOY! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 10, 2021 Author Share Posted November 10, 2021 (New shows coming soon!) SUMMER 1989 AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN AWA overlord Verne Gagne dialed the office number of Canadian businessman and owner of the NHL's Winnipeg Jets Barry Shenkarow. After a few rings the secretary picked up the phone. Gagne introduced himself and asked if he could speak to Barry Shenkarow. She asked the reason for the call and Gagne told her it was about selling the AWA to Shenkarow. She put Verne on hold and buzzed Shenkarow in his office. After talking briefly with Shenkarow, the secretary came back to Verne and told him that Mr. Shenkarow would speak to him in a moment as the NHL owner was wrapping up a business call. Verne said he'd wait and the secretary placed him on hold. Verne waited for about five minutes. And then... Barry: Hello, Verne. Verne: Hi, Barry. Barry: Sorry to hear about Bob Lurie. VVerne: Just one of those unexpected things, unfortunately. Barry: My secretary said you wanted to re-open talks about selling the AWA to me. Verne: That's correct. I'm hoping we can do business. Barry: Well, you know my vision for the product and we had a strong disagreement about it the last time we talked and you refused to sell to me. But I'm still open to a possible deal. Make me an offer. Verne: The original offer, if memory serves me correctly, was for $2.7 million. Barry: You are correct. Verne: You still looking to buy at that price? Barry: Uh, no. Verne: Okay. How does $2.2 million sound, then? Barry: Still too high for me. Verne was starting to get steamed. Verne: $2 million? Barry: Tell me, what was Bob gonna buy the company for? Verne: $2 million for the company, plus a 3-year consulting deal for me at $175,000 per year. Barry: Let's see. Hmmm... In total, that's just over $2.5 million. Verne: Yes. But I'm flexible. Barry: Well, Lurie's out now. You and me parted on rough terms the last time we talked. Would you still want to be part of the promotion if I bought it? Verne: I'd probably bow out unless it was strictly a behind the scenes role. Barry: Well, I'd want you in an on-air role as the evil promoter. Verne: I don't think I could do it, Barry. Barry (sighs): Okay. Let me think up a counter offer. Silence. A look of quiet desperation crossed Verne's face. Barry: 1.5. Verne: What was that? Barry: 1.5. $1.5 million. Verne: Is that you're offer?! Barry: It is. Verne: That's only half of what you offered the last time. Barry: My final offer. Verne: You can't do two?! Barry: I could. But I'm not going to. Verne was steaming. Verne: Why?! Barry: Don't think it's worth that much. Look, just think about it, Verne. It might be the last offer you get from anybody. The AWA isn't exactly the WWF in terms of interest right now. I'll think about upping my offer a little. But $1.5 million is a lot more than zero, my friend. Verne was seething, his famous temper flaring up. Verne (trying to keep from exploding): Alright. Give me some time to think about it. Barry: You do that, Verne. The offer is on the table and there's little wiggle room in it. Verne: Talk with you soon. Barry: Bye, Verne. Verne: Bye. Verne angrily slammed down the phone and the rage came pouring out. Verne: F**K YOU! Verne sat back in his chair and was breathing heavily. His secretary came down the hall and knocked. Verne told her not to enter. She asked if everything was alright and Verne told her he'd be fine and he just needed to do some thinking. The concerned secretary walked away from the door. Verne wouldn't even let Greg, his own flesh and blood, in the office to check on his dad and talk. Verne wanted to be alone. Meanwhile... MANHATTAN'S UPPER EAST SIDE The woman who lived in the penthouse had called a few of her friends she knew were wrestling fans and asked if any of them had tapes of recent AWA TV shows but it was fruitless. Then another name popped in her head and she called him. He was at work getting ready for a show at his club. The man's personal office phone rang. Luckily, he was working at his desk. The man picked up the phone. Man: Hello. Woman: Hi, Hilly. Hilly: Hey, ***! How are you? Long time no talk to. Woman: It has been a while. I'm doing fine. You? Hilly: Doing okay. We've got to catch up some time. Woman: I agree. Hilly: Hey, I'm preparing for a show tonight so I've only got a few minutes. What do you need? Woman: Do you know anyone who has tapes of recent American Wrestling Association shows. Hilly: Look no further! Woman: You have 'em?! Hilly: Yep. I've recorded the last 14 or 15 shows off of ESPN. Woman: Is there a chance I could borrow them? Hilly: Sure. Can I ask why you need them? Woman: I'll explain it to you later. Right now, I just need to see those tapes. Hilly: Anything for you, ***. Woman: Thank you. Hilly: Tell you what. I'll have someone swing by your apartment building tomorrow and drop them off at the front desk. Woman: Oh, Hilly! You're a living doll! Hilly: Tell me about it! The two laughed. The pair said their goodbyes and hung up. The woman then called her friend who had informed her the AWA might be for sale. The man answered at his home. Man: Hello. Woman: Hey, ####. Man: Oh, hi, ***. Woman: Any chance you can get away from work in a day or two and come up here for an evening. Man: Why? Woman: Hilly taped the last several episodes of the AWA on ESPN and promised to have someone drop them off here tomorrow. We can watch them together and see if this thing is worth buying. Man: I think I can swing it. Fly up for an evening and then fly home the next morning. Woman: Sounds great, ####. You can stay here. Man: Let's do it in two days. That good? Woman: Perfect. Man: I'll pencil it on my schedule. See you then, hon. Woman: I think we might be able to make a decision that evening. ####...I love ya. Man: Love you, too, ***. Ciao. Woman: Sayanora. The pair disconnected. Verne Gagne's dream of selling the AWA hung in the balance. If a sale didn't happen...and soon...Verne would have to consider pulling the plug on his once magnificent creation. And pulling the plug was becoming a more serious option with each passing day. STAY TUNED... (Names redacted until a later date.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old School Fan Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 To read about Barry Shenkarow and what he wants to do with the AWA if he got it, you'd think he was trying to out-Vince Vince McMahon (especially given what he was doing with the WWF product then). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 10, 2021 Author Share Posted November 10, 2021 WRESTLING ECONOMICS 101! Manager Lou Albano explains how he handles the Wild Samoans' finances: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 11, 2021 Author Share Posted November 11, 2021 To read about Barry Shenkarow and what he wants to do with the AWA if he got it, you'd think he was trying to out-Vince Vince McMahon (especially given what he was doing with the WWF product then). It'll be a nightmare. But we shall see... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 12, 2021 Author Share Posted November 12, 2021 FOR MY READERS... Due to burnout, I'm going to be taking a break from writing this BTB/diary. I'm going to post a couple of abbreviated shows before I go to finish the current round of ESPN and syndicated tapings (4th show in each current set). Will be coming back some time in December or early January. Thanks for understanding. This thing is reaching its conclusion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.