AWA 1989: A Financial Savior Is (Badly) Needed

Captain Kremmen · June 12, 2023

FEBRUARY 1990

AWA HQ - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

The TV tapings were in the books for February and AWA boss Verne Gagne was sitting at his office desk looking at the attendance and gates for the house shows in January. There were eight shows in all.

Verne got on the intercom and told his secretary to tell Greg to come to the office as soon as possible.

After just a few minutes, there was knock on Verne's office door.

Verne: Come in.

Greg opened the door and came in and sat down at the desk.

Greg had been very pensive because of Verne keeping the secret from Triumph Media Sports* about possibly opting out of the sale.

Greg was gaunt and had actually lost weight on his already thin frame. He had also becomce very tight-lipped, even when talking to his father.

Verne: Wanted to get your opinion on these.

Verne slid the January house show numbers over to Greg. Greg picked up the sheet of paper and looked it over.

ATTENDANCE (# - Spot Show)

Green Bay, WI - Brown County War Memorial Arena - 1,876

Milwaukee, WI - Mecca Arena - 2,069

Rockford, IL - Rockford MetroCentre - 1,622

Macomb, IL # - Western Hall - 1,374

Chicago, IL - UIC Pavilion - 1,517

Dultuh, MN - Duluth Auditorium - 2,302

St. Paul, MN - St. Paul Civic Center - 2,851

International Falls, MN # - Bronco Arena - 1,638

Greg shrugged and slid paper back over to his father.

Greg: I was there for six of the shows, remember? I saw what the houses looked like.

Verne: I know you were there. But what do you think of the overall numbers?

Greg: We're in the same holding pattern we've been in for a few months now.

Verne: But business is steady. That's what these numbers prove.

Greg: OK. So, business is steady. So what?

Verne: So what? We just need for a wrestler to get hot or hit on a hot angle or sign a major star and business will start spiraling upward again. Can't you see it?

Greg: Let me see that paper again.

Verne slid it back across the desk to his son. Greg briefly looked it over once more.

Greg: I'd hardly call 1,500 in Chicago a success, dad. 2,000 in Milwaukee is nothing to write home about, either. And less than 3,000 in our home arena. That means only 15,000 empty seats at the Civic Center*.

Verne: You know how cyclical this business is. Up and down. Peaks and valleys.

Greg: We've basically been operating in a crater since 1987. Then, you had a nice uptick in business for the Lawler-Sarge title program. After that ended, business fell back down to earth.

We're drawing a bit more than we did before Lawler-Sarge, but it's not enough right now to justify triggering the opt-out clause to feed your ego and selfishness for one last run as the boss in the hopes...the hopes...that business will one day catch fire again.

Verne: You're tone is very disrespectful right now. And there's nothing selfish about what I'm doing right now. I'm doing it for those who go out and bust their ass in that ring for the AWA.

Greg leaned in an lowered his voice.

Greg (intense): You've really disconnected from reality, dad. You have two men in Crockett and Watts who are working right down the hall preparing to take over the company on March 5th, dammit.

John Waters, Debbie Harry and Jerry Jarrett are expecting the same thing to happen on that day. Are you being selfish in hiding your possible intentions from them?

Verne was speechless.

Greg (intense): You've got a month to make your decision. Are you gonna walk away from over $3 million dollars because of some long-shot fantasy rolling around in your head that maybe, just maybe, you can turn this thing around and make it red hot again?

Chances are extremely slim, as slim as the side of that piece of paper that house show report is written on, that you'll turn this around with the very limited resources we have.

But the decision is up to you and you alone. I say it all the time: Think about mom and the rest of the family. You could go broke trying to salvage this.

Verne: Failure is one side of the coin in any business.

Greg (laughed in disbelief): Is it really with this business? The coin you're gonna flip most likely says 'failure' and 'broke' on both sides.

Verne: How dare you. I really thought you'd be a team player on this.

Greg: I would be 100 percent on your side if I really believed we were very close to turning business around. But you refuse to see the truth.

You need people in here who can bring fresh ideas to the table.

Verne (laughed and shook his head): How do Crockett, Watts and Jarrett bring 'fresh ideas' to the table? They're long-time promoters just like me.

Greg (flustered): You're missing the point, dad.

Verne (smarmy): Tell me, what is the point?

Greg: Crockett, Watts and Jarrett are not you.

This conversation is over.

Verne: Wait a minute...

Greg got up without saying another thing and walked out of the office and closed the door behind him.

Verne sat back in his desk chair and rubbed his forehead. Verne was angry. But was he angry because he was told a falsehood? Or because Greg was telling him the truth?

STAY TUNED...

(* St. Paul Civic Center.)

Edited June 12, 2023 by piperrulz

sonny912 · June 13, 2023

On 6/11/2023 at 9:55 PM, smartman said:

That's why I said it was completely understandable. And I think they could have done a really good invasion with the UWF stars if Magnum TA hadn't hydroplaned into that pole. That just derailed that entire promotion really for good. Vince's meddling with their PPV was just finishing them off. It was just hard as the Southeast that was their core hadn't really seen many of the UWF's top stars. It'd be a fun read.

Hydroplaned? I thought magnum got Ina car crash or something, same thing that happened to Brian pillman.

Old School Fan · June 13, 2023

4 hours ago, sonny912 said:

Hydroplaned? I thought magnum got Ina car crash or something, same thing that happened to Brian pillman.

He did.

Captain Kremmen · June 13, 2023

There's still time to get your predictions in for round 1 of the tournament and the Kokina-Blackwell match if you haven't done so.

I'll be posting one more All-Star Wrestling and Zbyszko's decision on the WWF offer from Vince and then we'll move on to the the first round of the tourney.

PREDICTIONS

Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament

ROUND OF 16 (Plus Kokina-Blackwell)

(Bracket match winners will face each other in the round of 8.)

Bracket 1

Tom Zenk vs. Mr. Saito

Col. DeBeers vs. Perro Aguyao

Bracket 2

Tully Blanchard vs. Ken Patera

Wahoo McDaniel vs. Chris Adams

Bracket 3

Carlos Colon vs. Larry Zbyszko

Jonnie Stewart vs. Riki Choshu

Bracket 4

Jake Milliman vs. The Iron Sheik

Greg Valentine vs. Bruce Hart

SPECIAL FEATURE MATCH (Afternoon Session)

Jerry Blackwell vs. Kokina Maximus

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

BONUS PREDICTION: Does Larry Zbyszko jump to the WWF or stay in the AWA?

DHK1989 · June 13, 2023

I say Larry does jump to the WWF.

SonOfSharknado · June 13, 2023

I mean, you get into a car crash when you Hydroplane

Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament

ROUND OF 16 (Plus Kokina-Blackwell)

(Bracket match winners will face each other in the round of 8.)

Bracket 1

Tom Zenk

Col. DeBeers

Bracket 2

Tully Blanchard

Wahoo McDaniel

Bracket 3

Carlos Colon

Jonnie Stewart

Bracket 4

Jake Milliman

Greg Valentine

SPECIAL FEATURE MATCH (Afternoon Session)

Jerry Blackwell vs. Kokina Maximus

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

BONUS PREDICTION: Does Larry Zbyszko jump to the WWF or stay in the AWA?

I'll say Larry jumps ship to scare Verne into going through with the sale.

smartman · June 14, 2023

You don't necessarily crash when you hydroplane. That was the scariest moment of my life when I did a nice little spin out of nowhere (it hadn't rained in hours) on a country road heading towards a concrete drain, and I've been in 4 car wrecks in my life. Unlike Magnum, I knew not to turn the wheel when hydroplaning as that's what doomed him per the Dark Side of the Ring episode.

And I do like Son's idea of Larry leaving which cements the sale. Plus, we'd get more out of the ring stuff seeing Vince screw over Larry on everything he promised.

SonOfSharknado · June 14, 2023

I think Vince would be more likely to follow through, or at least to attempt to. It would send a message to anyone the new ownership was attempting to sign, just to really give them some trouble.

Old School Fan · June 14, 2023

1 hour ago, smartman said:

And I do like Son's idea of Larry leaving which cements the sale. Plus, we'd get more out of the ring stuff seeing Vince screw over Larry on everything he promised.

29 minutes ago, SonOfSharknado said:

I think Vince would be more likely to follow through, or at least to attempt to. It would send a message to anyone the new ownership was attempting to sign, just to really give them some trouble.

Sounds exactly like what Vince would've done/would do now, whether IRL or ITTL.

Captain Kremmen · June 14, 2023

UPCOMING POSTING SCHEDULE (DATES TBD):

- All-Star Wrestling (Final show before the tournament.)

- Zbyszko's decision on the WWF

- Results of the Round of 16 in the tournament plus Kokina vs. Blackwell

AWA CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING ON ESPN - SHOWBOAT SPORTS PAVILION - LAS VEGAS, NV - FEB. 1990

Match Commentator: Lee Marshall

Color Analyst: Lord James Blears

Ring Announcer/In-ring Interviewer: Larry Nelson

(# - Aired on a previous AWA program.)

(Earlier in the evening: Larry Nelson announced to the crowd off-air the controversial finish to The Trooper-Zbyszko qualifying match.)

(2nd Taping Re-cap)

Show Intro

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

FINAL EPISODE OF AWA ON ESPN BEFORE THE PRO WRESTLING HERITAGE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

AWA WORLD TITLE CONTRACT SIGNING: Stan Hansen (WC) vs. Sgt. Slaughter

Comments from Kokina's manager Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey and Jerry Blackwell before their match at the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament

The final Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament Update with PWI's Bill Apter

TWO NON-AWA TOURNEY PARTICIPANTS SEE ACTION: Tully Blanchard and Bruce Hart

Greg Valentine wrestles

Comments from Sam Houston and Coach Dick Murdoch about Houston's first loss in the AWA to World Champion Stan Hansen

And more!

Nelson sent it to the ring in Las Vegas.

Larry Zbyszko won a squash match via pinfall over Red Ryder with his piledriver finisher

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW:

Nelson: Larry Zbyszko, the wrestling world is buzzing about the end of your match with The Trooper in which the winner earned a spot in the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament. Did you know who that masked man was who came to the ring and attacked The Trooper, causing him to lose the match?

Zbyszko: As Sgt. Schultz used to say on Hogan's Heroes: I know nothing! Absolutely nothing!

Loud boos from the crowd.

Nelson: These fans certainly don't believe you.

Zbyszko: Wrestling fans... the cancer of American society!

The two things that concern me the most about wrestling fans: They can vote and, worse, they can breed!

Boos grew louder at the 'Boat.

Nelson: You say you know nothing about the masked man who attacked The Trooper and cost him the match?

Zbyszko: How many times do I have to say this, man?! No! I didn't know anything about this man or the attack!

Nelson: What about Valerie? Do you know of any role she might have played in this?

Zbyszko: How would I know if Valerie had anything to do with it?! I've never even talked to her! I just know that she's a manager who comes to the ring to scout talent!

And shouldn't you be asking her that question, Nelson?!

Nelson: The whole situation just seemed very odd.

Zbyszko: Odd?! I don't care how 'odd' it was! I had nothing to do with it and that's final!

The bottom line is this!

I beat The Trooper in our qualifying match and I'm going to the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament in Anaheim!

And I have every intention of winning that belt for one reason!

Nelson: What's that?

Zbyszko: Because I love to see these fans out here suffer! I love it!

And imagine how much they're gonna suffer if I become the champion!

More boos.

Nelson: Larry Zbyszko, everybody!

In-Studio: Nelson discussed Zbyszko being in the tournament. Said Zbyszko claims innocence in the attack on the Trooper by the masked man, but Nelson's doubtful about Zbyszko's claim. Hyped the PWHC Tournament.

Pic aired of Sam Houston and Dick Muroch with the caption: NEXT... HOUSTON SPEAKS!

Commercials

In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd comments from Sam Houston and Dick Murdoch about Houston losing his first match in the AWA in a World Title clash against WC Stan Hansen.

VIDEO:

Eric Bischoff, in a suit with mic in hand, standing with Sam Houston and Dick Murdoch, both in street clothes, in front of the AWA logo.

Eric: This is Eric Bischoff with Sam Houston and Dick Murdoch.

Sam, you suffered your first loss since arriving in the AWA in a World Title match against Stan Hansen; a match that saw you give Hansen a real run for his money.

We're days removed from the match now. What are you thinking at this time?

Sam: Eric, I was really down right after the loss to Hansen. It was hard to take.

But, since I've had time to reflect the last few days, things have come into much clearer focus for me.

First, you're never going to go undefeated forever in any sport. I was disappointed the streak ended. But, the loss and losing the streak taught me a lesson.

You can learn from something like this. Stan Hansen is one of the best wrestlers in the world and that's why he's the AWA Champion.

He's a tough man to beat.

But I take solace in knowing that I gave the World Champion a battle. It was my first World Title shot in the AWA and I know there will be more to come in the future as long as I stay focused on the job at hand and take care of business.

When a horse throws you what do you do? You get back on the horse and ride it again.

I believe there's more wins and a championship in my future.

And with Dick Murdoch coaching me along the way brighter days are ahead for Sam Houston.

Eric: Dick, you prepared Sam really well for the title match. Your man just came up short in the end.

Dick: Preparing for a World Title match in wrestling is a lot like preparing for the Super Bowl in football. You lay out a game plan but know you're going to have to make adjustments on the fly during the game or match.

Sam fought hard and he made good adjustments. He came within in an eyelash of becoming new AWA World Champion.

But, Stan Hansen, you've got to give him credit, he came through in the end.

It's like when a defense stops an offense at the goal line to preserve the win in football. Stan Hansen was that defense.

Eric: What do you see moving forward for Sam?

Dick: I see a future that still ls very bright.

We take this loss, learn from it, make the necessary adjustments, and move on.

Sam Houston will be back.

Eric: Sam and Dick, thank you for your time.

Each man said a humble 'thank you' as the interview ended.

END VIDEO

Pic aired of Tully Blanchard with the caption: NEXT... TULLY TIME!!!

Commercials/AWA Tour Update

Tully Blanchard won a squash match via pinfall over Reno Riggins with his slingshot suplex finisher

Tully was mainly booed coming down the heel aisle.

Tully put on a clinic in the 4-minute bout that he dominated from start-to-finish.

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW:

Nelson: Tully Blanchard, welcome to the AWA.

You are one of the non-AWA participants that will be taking part in the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament in a few days in Anaheim on February 17th.

You looked really impressive in your win over Reno Riggins. That was total domination.

Tully: First of all, let me say that just my being here is a major upgrade for the AWA.

Crowd booed.

Nelson: But, we have a lot of excellent wrestlers here in the AWA.

Tully: Excellence is in the eye of the beholder.

Every other wrestler participating in the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament is now on notice.

Tully Blanchard has arrived! And I'm leaving Anaheim with that belt in my possession!

More boos.

Tully: The Red Rocker* is bringing his A+ game on February 17th!

You have a lot of wrestlers coming in from around the world for this tournament!

Well, let me tell you foreigners something! It's gonna be a wasted trip for you! You'll travel thousands of miles for nothing! The only thing you guys are going home with are Mickey Mouse ears!

More boos.

Tully: And for the AWA wrestlers in the tournament, listen up and listen good! You guys are gonna look really bad in the eyes of your fans when a title created by the AWA winds up in the hands of a guy who's not in the AWA and who's taking the title back to Texas with him and defending it on his own terms!

Nelson: Tully Blanchard, everybody!

Jeering continued.

(* Red Rocker - A nickname Tully was known by in Southwest. Don't know if it was used anywhere else.)

Pic aired of Jerry Blackwell and Kokina Maximus with the caption: NEXT... FINAL WORDS!

Commercials

In-Studio: Larry Nelson discussed the Blackwell-Kokina situation and said the contract had been signed and they'll be facing one another in just a few days at the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament in Anaheim on February 17.

Nelson intro'd comments from Blackwell and Kokina's manager Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey.

VIDEO:

Shot of Jerry Blackwell stylin' and profilin' as only he can in street clothes. He was holdiong a mic and standing in front of the AWA logo.

Blackwell: It's finally gonna happen!

Kokina Maximus! When you and me collide in that ring in Anaheim on February 17th, California's gonna be shaken by another major earthquake!

I've had it as Kokina has punished wrestlers in the ring far more than he's had to! This man likes to torture people!

Well, that stops when we meet, Kokina! You're not going to punish me! You're not gonna torture me!

If you win the match, then you will have earned the victory! I'm not someone you can just push around in the squared circle!

Kokina, you are a bully! And I hate bullies! But, there won't be any bullying on February 17th! Oh no! That's not gonna happen!

I'm a big man just like you are, Kokina! You're not throwing me around like a rag doll in that ring! This will truly be a clash of the titans!

The irresistible force is about to meet the immovable object!

We're gonna find out what you're really made of, Kokina! Are you the real deal or just a paper tiger who can only beat on guys he's much bigger than?!

It all comes down to this! Be ready, Kokina! A 'Stone Mountain' wrecking ball is about to swing in your direction on the 17th!

Pic flipped and it was Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey, Kokina and The Masked Doctor standing in front of the AWA logo. Sheik had a mic.

Kaissey: Jerry Blackwell! When you signed the contract to face Kokina on February 17th in Anaheim, you signed up for the destruction of your career!

We are bringing an extra large stretcher to the ring to carry you out of the arena after Kokina devastates you!

And there will be no mercy from Kokina! You hear me, Blackwell! Are my words clear to you, infidel?!

Look at this man! Look at the intensity on his face! You can feel the violent energy radiating from him!

And that violent energy is going to be poured out all over you Blackwell! Kokina's energy burns so hot that when poured out upon you, you will think someone is pouring scalding lava on you!

There is no stopping Kokina Maximus! It's an impossible task! He's afraid of neither man nor beast!

Jerry Blackwell, listen carefully! This is the match where Kokina cements himself as the #1 threat to the entire AWA! If there are still any scoffers out there, they won't be scoffing when Kokina crushes the legend Jerry Blackwell!

See you in Anaheim, Blackwell! I hope you have good health insurance!

END VIDEO

Pic aired of Bruce Hart with the caption: NEXT... CANADIAN HERO!

Commercials

Bruce Hart won a squash match via pinfall over Moose Morowski with a flying clothesline

Bruce got a decent cheers coming down the face aisle to the ring.

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW:

Nelson: Bruce Hart, welcome to America!

Crowd cheered. Hart acknowledged the fans.

Nelson: You are a member of the legendary Hart wrestling family from Calgary, Canada. It was obvious just by watching that match that you were trained well by your father, Stu Hart.

You're here for the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament taking place on February 17th in Anaheim, California.

What are your thoughts heading into this historic event?

Hart: First off, it's great to be here in the USA!

Fans started chanting: USA! USA!

Hart: The bond between our nation's is strong and unbreakable.

Yes, Larry, my father trained me to wrestle. But being trained by Stu Hart is no easy task. To become a successful wrestler under my father you are pulled through the wringer.

His training could be brutal at times. But it made us Hart boys mentally and physically tougher.

I can't wait for the tournament on the 17th. It's gonna be a tough mountain to climb to get to the top and emerge the winner.

And, while I love America, I want to win the belt for my home country of Canada!

Crowd politely cheered.

Hart: It's an honor to be in the tournament. It's an honor to be in the AWA. And it's an honor to be in the USA!

More chants of: USA! USA!

Nelson: Bruce Hart, everybody!

More cheers from the fans.

Pic aired of the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship belt with the caption: NEXT... FINAL UPDATE!

Commercials

VIDEO:

Video intro for the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament Update with PWI's Bill Apter.

Shot of PWI's Bill Apter in a suit with mic in hand standing in front of the PWI logo.

Apter: Greetings, wrestling fans.

This is Bill Apter of Pro Wrestling Illustrated with the final Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament Update.

The historic event takes place this Saturday, February 17th, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

The tournament will take place over two sessions in one day. The afternoon session will feature the opening round of the tournament plus the special feature match of Jerry Blackwell battling Kokina Maximus. The afternoon session has a bell time of 12:30pm. The evening session will feature the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament plus the second special feature match of the day: Stan Hansen defends the AWA World Championship against Sgt. Slaughter. And! Sgt. Slaughter has vowed that if he doesn't beat Hansen in this match and regain the AWA World Title, he will retire. Everything, and I mean everything, is on the line for Sgt. Slaughter here.

Tickets are stiil available through Ticket Master or by calling the Anaheim Convention Center Box Office at (714) 555-1812.

One ticket gets you into both sessions.

Here is your final look at the opening round match-ups. The winner of the matches in each bracket will go on to face each other in the round of eight.

ROUND OF 16

(* Non-AWA participant.)

Bracket 1

Tom Zenk vs. Mr. Saito*

Col. DeBeers vs. Perro Aguyao*

Bracket 2

Tully Blanchard* vs. Ken Patera

Wahoo McDaniel vs. Chris Adams*

Bracket 3

Carlos Colon* vs. Larry Zbyszko

Jonnie Stewart vs. Riki Choshu*

Bracket 4

Jake Milliman vs. The Iron Sheik*

Greg Valentine vs. Bruce Hart*

This is really gonna be a fantastic tournament, fans.

And let's hear from two of the competitors one final time before the tournament.

First, Jake Milliman.

Pic flipped and Milliman was standing in front of the AWA logo with mic in hand wearing his new 2% Forever! t-shirt.

Jake: The tournament is upon us!

I need my 'Milk-A-Maniacs' in Anaheim to be loud and stand proud for 2% milk and Jake Milliman!

With you cheering me on I'm gonna be a hard man to stop!

The 'Milk-A-Maniacs' need to show up in full force on February 17th! Let me know you're out there!

You feed off my energy and I feed off yours!

So, let's jump in a rocket ship together that's powered by 2% white milk and ride it to victory!

And if I win the title, we'll celebrate with what else....milk!

Jake struck a pseudo-bodybuilder pose.

Apter: Now, let's hear from Jonnie Stewart.

Pic flipped and Stewart was standing in street clothes with mic in hand in front of the AWA logo.

Stewart: The Wrestler of the 90's is gonna set the tone for the decade by walking out of the ring in Anaheim on February 17th as the first Pro Wrestling Heritage Champion in history.

Jonnie Stewart's gonna be remembered forever in the history books for this magnificent accomplishment.

There are 16 men in this tournament. And you can go ahead and forget the names of the other 15 because I'm the only one you'll need to remember.

And I promise you people that I will be a champion that never runs from a challenge and I will fight with honor and integrity or my name isn't Jonnie Stewart.

And I don't want you fans who recognize me in when I'm in Anaheim to come up to me and ask for an autograph because you won't be getting one.

For the 15 other wrestlers in the tournament: Step aside boys, a real man, the Wrestler of the 90's, is coming through to claim what's rightfully his.

Pic flipped back to Bill Apter.

Apter: Fans, the excitement is building! We are now just days away from this historic pro wrestling event going down.

The last few months of build-up come to a climax on February 17th at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

It's the tournament to decide the first-ever Pro Wrestling Heritage Champion. PLUS! Kokina Maximus finally clashes with Jerry Blackwell in a battle of the big men! That special feature match will take place during the afternoon session which has a bell time of 12:30pm

And, during the evening session, which features the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the tournament, the other special feature match has Stan Hansen defending the AWA World Title against Sgt. Slaughter in their re-match from Christmas night at Brawl In St. Paul 2. If Sgt. Slaughter fails to regain the AWA World Title, he has vowed to retire from the sport. The evening session has a bell time of 7:30pm.

Tickets are still available through Ticket Master or by calling the Anaheim Convention Center Box Office at (714) 555-1812.

And Anaheim is a great place to visit in the winter. There's lots to do in Anaheim. From the great beaches to Disneyland and everything in between, fun abounds in Anaheim. Also, Anaheim has great restaurants and plenty of fine hotel accommodations for your stay.

Well, that's it. The tournament is finally upon us.

I'm Bill Apter. Hope to see you there.

END VIDEO

In-Studio: Nelson said time is running out for fans to get their tickets for the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament on Feb. 17.

Told fans to stick around because the contract signing between Sarge and Hansen (WC) for the AWA World Title was still to come.

Pic aired of Greg Valentine with the caption: NEXT... THE HAMMER!

Commercials

Greg Valentine won a squash match via submission over The Italian Stallion with his figure 4 finisher

Greg was mainly booed coming down the heel aisle to the ring but also had his fans.

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW:

Nelson: Greg Valentine. I have to admit that you're looking really impressive heading into the 16-man tournament to decide the first Pro Wrestling Heritage Champion on February 17th. You just dominated The Italian Stallion.

Valentine: 'Hammer Time' is coming to Anaheim!

February 17th is going to be a day to remember in this sport!

I am feeling good and I'm at the top of my game right now! But, let's be honest, I am always at the top of my game!

I'm going into the tournament flying high right now! Whoever steps in the ring with me better be at the top of their game, too, or they stand no chance!

And my figure four, the most devastating finisher in the sport, I'm applying it with such ferocity that I don't think any man I put in it in the tournament will be able to escape it!

So, the thousands of fans headed to the Anaheim Convention Center on February 17th are in for a real treat!

Because 'The Hammer' is gonna show them what being a real man and a real wrestler is all about!

And you ladies looking for a night with 'The Hammer' need to know this! Don't call me in the middle of the night at my hotel before the tournament expecting a night of passion with me!

We can enjoy that kind of wrestling after I've wrestled my last match in the tournament! And my last match will be the last match of the night!

I'm Greg Valentine and I have approved this message!

Crowd booed.

Nelson: Greg Valentine, everybody!

Pic aired of the AWA World Title with the caption: NEXT... CONTRACT SIGNING!!!

Commercials

CONTRACT SIGNING

Video opened with a shot of Larry Zbyszko standing at a speaker's podium in the middle of a long table that had been set up in the middle of the ring at the Showboat Sports Pavilion.

The arena was empty.

Nelson: Welcome to the contract signing for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship match taking place on Saturday, February 17th, at the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament at the Anaheim Convention Center.

I'm Larry Nelson.

Let me first introduce the participants in this contract signing.

First, he is the lawyer who will oversee the contract signing, Gustav B. Schirach III.

Schirach came down the face aisle in an expensive lawyer suit and sunglasses and carrying a multi-page document. Schirach stepped into the ring and shook hands with Larry Nelson and then Schirach took a seat towards the end of the table.

Nelson: Now, AWA President Stanley Blackburn.

Blackburn came down the face aisle and was also wearing a suit. Blackburn climbed into the ring and shook hands with the other two already in the squared circle. Blackburn sat down next to Schirach.

Nelson: Next, AWA promoter Verne Gagne will come to the ring.

Verne, also in a suit, made his way down the face aisle and climbed in the ring and, like the others, shook hands with the other men and took his seat towards the end of the other side of the table..

Nelson: Now, I will introduce the two participants in the match.

Introducing first, the challenger. He is Sgt. Slaughter.

Sarge came down the face aisle to the ring in his ring gear and DI hat.

Sarge climbed in the ring and shook hands with everyone and took his seat at the table next to the podium and removed his DI hat and placed it in front of him on the table.

Nelson: Finally, he is the reigning AWA World Heavyweight Champion, Stan Hansen.

Hansen was making his usual boorish, gutteral noises as he walked to the ring. Hansen was in street clothes, cowboy boots, cowboy hat, carrying the World Title in one hand and a bottle of beer in the other.

Hansen stepped in the ring and made a public declaration.

Stan: I'm not shakin' hands with any of you rattlesnakes!

Hansen took his seat next to Verne on the other side of the podium opposite Sarge.

Hansen put his belt and beer on the table.

Nelson: And now, Verne Gagne will speak.

Nelson stepped back as Gagne got up and walked to the podium.

Verne: Thank you, Larry.

We are here today for the official contract signing between World Champion Stan Hansen and challenger Sgt. Slaughter.

The match will take place Saturday, February 17th in Anaheim, California as a special feature match during the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament.

There is a stipulation that has been added to this match. Let me be clear, the AWA did not want to include this stipulation. But the challenger, Sgt. Slaughter, demanded it so, with much hesitation and discussion, we agreed to Sarge's stipulation request.

Quick shot of Hansen taking a swig of his beer.

Verne: The stipulation is: If Sgt. Slaughter does not beat Stan Hansen and regain the AWA World Title on February 17th, he must retire from wrestling.

This is not a position we in the AWA like to be in. But we were stuck between a rock and a hard place.

There is really nothing left to say. Sgt. Slaughter's career is on the line. And we'll just have to see what happens in Anaheim on the 17th.

Thank you.

Verne sat back down and Nelson approached the podium.

Nelson: That was AWA promoter Verne Gagne.

And now, we will have the official contract signing.

Gustav, you have the contract.

Gustav handed the contract and a pen to Larry Nelson and Nelson placed it on the podium.

Nelson: Would Sgt. Slaughter please step to the podium and sign the contract.

Sarge stood up and walked to the podium He briefly looked over the contract, flipped to the back page and signed the contract. Sarge then sat back down in his seat.

Nelson: Stan Hansen will be the next to sign.

Hansen got up, walked to the podium, didn't even bother to quickly go over it, and signed the contract and walked back and sat in his seat.

Nelson: President Stanley Blackburn, please sign as a witness.

Blackburn up and walked to the podium and signed the contract. Blackburn then walked back to his seat and sat down.

Nelson: I will be signing as the second witness.

Nelson signed the contract.

Nelson then handed the contract to Schirach, who briefly looked over the signatures and nodded in approval.

Nelson held up the contract.

Nelson: It is official! Stan Hansen will defend the AWA World Title against Sgt. Slaughter on February 17th in Anaheim, California.

If Sgt. Slaughter does not beat Stan Hansen and regain the AWA World Title in the match, he MUST retire from wrestling!

And now, we'll hear from the two combatants in the match.

First, the challenger Sgt. Slaughter.

Sarge up and stepped to the podium.

Another quick shot of Hansen taking a drink of beer.

Sarge: You go ahead and keep drinking that beer, Hansen! You might need lots of brewskis after our match on February 17th to mellow you out!

People ask me why I'm putting my career on the line in this match!

The answer is simple: If I cannot beat Stan Hansen and regain a belt I should have never lost on Christmas night, then I don't deserve to be a professional wrestler anymore!

Hansen! You're attack on me at Brawl In St. Paul 2 before our match that evening tilted the match, when we had it later in the night, heavily in your favor!

People told me not to go out there and wrestle you after you bloodied me during your Pearl Harbor* job! Verne Gagne told me that because of what happened that I didn't need to go back out there and defend the World Title! He said I would not be stripped of the belt because of your attack on me! I could defend the belt against you another day!

But, those people in the St. Paul Civic Center Christmas night paid to see us clash over the World Title! I owed it to those fans who supported me in the arena to defend the belt! If I could walk, I was going out to that ring! I promised the people I was going to be a fighting champion! And sometimes champions have to fight through great adversity!

I fought with honor and integrity!

You won the belt, Hansen! But look what it took you to do it!

You beat me this time... my career is over! It's dead and buried! Gone with the wind!

But, I know the people will be backing me in the Anaheim Convention Center that night! I cherish their support! It motivates me to do better! Their support makes me fight harder and fight through the pain and tough times!

The fans are the engine that drives the Slaughter tank!

An army is coming to Anaheim on February 17th, Hansen! And we're coming for you! You better be prepared!

Sarge sat back down next to the podium. Nelson back to the podium.

Nelson: We will now hear from the World Champion Stan Hansen.

Hansen stood up and placed the AWA World Title on the podium. He then took another swig from the beer bottle and placed that on the podium as well.

Hansen (unusually calm): As you people well know, I am a man of very few words.

Larry Nelson rolled his eyes in the background.

Hansen (still calm): Sgt. Slaughter, I sincerely want to say one thing to you. Enjoy your retirement. Enjoying going RV-ing around the country and wishing you were still in this great sport of ours.

The good news is you'll still be able to buy a ticket to the arena to watch wrestling. You won't be able to participate in it anymore. But you can always watch and wish you had not put your career on the line against me.

Sarge: Don't get cocky, Hansen.

Hansen (calm): Cocky? Me? No, sir. No, sir.

Sarge looked down to write a note and then...

WHAM!

Hansen smashed the beer bottle over Sarge's head. Sarge fell out of his chair to the floor.

Verne quickly stood up.

Verne: Jesus Christ! What the hell is the matter with you!

Hansen: You're done, Sarge! Your career ends on February 17th! And ol' Stan Hansen will be the man who finishes you!

Verne: Get out of here!

Hansen grabbed the title belt.

Hansen: You owe me for that beer, Verne!

Verne: Go! Just (bleeped) go!

Hansen left the ring and headed back up the heel aisle and disappeared to the back.

Sarge, now a bloody mess, was sitting up in the ring being checked on by the others. Sarge made it to his feet under his own power.

Sarge angrily stepped to the podium and grabbed the mic out of its stand.

Sarge: Stan Hansen! You have set in motion something that can now not be stopped!

I'm coming to Anaheim on the 17th and now this match is about more than just a title and a career!

It's about vengeance! I'm gunning for you, Hansen!

I will crawl over rusty nails and broken glass if I have to to make it to the ring!

When I get my hands on you... I will not be responsible for what I do!

You're gonna reap the whirlwind of what you just did to me, Hansen!

And if I'm gonna be finished in Anaheim, I promise you this - I will drag you into the abyss with me, Hansen!

See you on the 17th, you bastard!

END PROGRAM

IS THE BELT HELD BY THIS MAN THE HILL ON WHICH SGT. SLAUGHTER'S CAREER WILL DIE???!!!

Edited June 16, 2023 by piperrulz

Saffir · June 14, 2023

On 6/4/2023 at 9:29 AM, Saffir said:

Bracket 1

Tom Zenk vs. Mr. Saito

Col. DeBeers vs. Perro Aguyao

Bracket 2

Tully Blanchard vs. Ken Patera

Wahoo McDaniel vs. Chris Adams

Bracket 3

Carlos Colon vs. Larry Zbyszko

Jonnie Stewart vs. Riki Choshu

Bracket 4

Jake Milliman vs. The Iron Sheik

Greg Valentine vs. Bruce Hart

SPECIAL FEATURE MATCH (Afternoon Session)

Jerry Blackwell vs. Kokina Maximus

Now that we have a bonus question, I say that Larry does sign with Vince. Larry would be loyal enough to do the right thing and go out on his back, losing to Colon. Plus, there should be some outsiders winning the early rounds, at least. He wraps up the Trooper feud, puts him over, and go gets paid as his career winds down.

Edited June 14, 2023 by Saffir

Old School Fan · June 16, 2023

On 6/14/2023 at 3:28 PM, piperrulz said:

Bruce Hart won a squash match via pinfall over Moose Morowski with a flying clothesline

And speaking of Moose Morowski (who's made a few match appearances in Rise of a Star, both under his real name of Stan Mykietovich and as Stan the Moose)...

Moose Morowski vs. Verne SIebert (from All-Star Wrestling in Vancouver, c. 1983)

Captain Kremmen · June 17, 2023

12 hours ago, Old School Fan said:

And speaking of Moose Morowski (who's made a few match appearances in Rise of a Star, both under his real name of Stan Mykietovich and as Stan the Moose)...

Moose Morowski vs. Verne SIebert (from All-Star Wrestling in Vancouver, c. 1983)

Fans wouldn't care for it today, but I like the old school finish. Two slams in a row IRL would drain the fight out of almost anybody. basic but effective IMHO.

Captain Kremmen · June 17, 2023

AWA ALL-STAR WRESTLING SYNDICATED TV TAPING - HALLENBECK HALL GYM - ST. CLOUD, MN - FEB. 1990

Announcers: Lee Marshall & Lord James Blears

Ring-Announcer/Interviewer: Larry Nelson

(# - Previously aired on another AWA program.)

(2nd Taping Re-cap)

Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program:

FINAL EPISODE OF ALL-STAR WRESTLING BEFORE THE PRO WRESTLING HERITAGE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

AWA WORLD TITLE CONTRACT SIGNING: Stan Hansen (WC) vs. Sgt. Slaughter

Comments from Jerry Blackwell and Kokina's manager Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey before their match at the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament

The final Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament Update with PWI's Bill Apter

TWO NON-AWA TOURNEY PARTICIPANTS SEE ACTION: Carlos Colon & Chris Adams

Col. DeBeers wrestles

Comments from Sam Houston and Coach Dick Murdoch about Houston's first loss in the AWA, to World Champion Stan Hansen

Special announcement about next week's show

And more!

Nelson sent it to the ring in St. Cloud.

Wahoo McDaniel won a squash match via pinfall over Jose-Luis Rivera via pinfall with his big chop finisher

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW:

Nelson: Wahoo, it is about to go down. You're gonna be stepping in the ring in Anaheim, California, on February 17th with a chance to become the first-ever Pro Wrestling Heritage Champion.

How are you feeling heading into this big tournament?

McDaniel: I'm a little banged up; that's part of being a professional athlete. But overall, I feel good and I'm ready to go.

I've really been working on my cardio to prepare to wrestle possibly four matches in one day. Endurance, stamina will be a major factor in who wins the new title.

Nelson: As a long-time veteran of the sport, do you have any special things you do to prepare for something like this?

McDaniel: You need to be mentally prepared. That's the most important thing.

Usually, we wrestle one match a night and then it's on to the next town. But it takes a different kind of mentaltiy to wrestle four matches in one night. Especially when the four matches will be against top level competition from around the world.

Nelson: What does Wahoo McDaniel think his chances are in a tournament like this?

McDaniel: If I wrestle my match and stay mentally tough, then I like my chances. But, you can never let yourself get discouraged during a tournament like this. You let doubt and frustration creep into your mind then you're gonna be gone very early in this tournament.

Nelson: Any final words before heading to the tournament?

McDaniel: I'll see you all in Anaheim on the 17th.

Fans cheered.

Nelson: Wahoo McDaniel, everybody!

Fans cheered.

Pic aired of Sam Houston with the caption: NEXT... HOUSTON SPEAKS!!!

Commercials

In-Studio: Nelson intro'd comments from Sam Houston and Coach Dick Murdoch after Hopuston's first loss in the AWA challenging Stan hansen for the AWA World Title.

VIDEO:

# Eric Bischoff, in a suit with mic in hand, standing with Sam Houston and Dick Murdoch, both in street clothes, in front of the AWA logo.