FANS FORUM: WIS-TV NBC 10's WEEKEND ANCHOR BRIAN DEROY
Dear AWA, I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and always watched the AWA on KMSP Channel 9 during it’s heyday. What a pleasant surprise all the way from Columbia, South Carolina (where I'm an Anchor for WIS-TV NBC) to hear and see that the AWA is still alive and well. I've only seen your talent on the web but WOW - Sheik Adnan, Corino, Bockwinkel, Kirby Mack, Landell and even the Honky Tonk Man. I’m getting nostalgic, watching AWA on ESPN Classic every night now! Thanks for providing an alternative to the WWE crap. For more from Brian DeRoy, click here.
HURRICANE IKE CONTROLS THE WEEKEND WEATHER -
"The Human Massacre" KEITH WALKER DOMINATES THE REST.
The two most powerful entities of the weekend were a Hurricane (Hurricane Ike off the Coast of The Gulf of Mexico - effecting weather throughout the United States) and a man (or beast) known in MMA and Professional Wrestling circles as "The Human Massacre." Keith Walker walked into Waukesha, Wisconsin at an AWA sanctioned event with Brew City Wrestling, in cooperation with Platinum Pro Wrestling, walking immediately from is car to his match-up featuring "The Trademark of Excellence" Ricky Landell, the highly respected Cauliflower Alley Club "Future Legend" and WSL (Wrestling Superstars - LIVE Fighting World Champion). Walker went after Landell like a man with a vengeance (Landell had won the title from him in a decision match in Racine, Wisconsin earlier in the year) until ultimately beating him for the win. Under what is rumored President Dale Gagne's direction, absent from shows since challenges with the tag-team division of the AWA, after winning the title, Walker than attacked "Mr. Wrestling 3" Steve Corino, Derrick St. Holmes and almost the entire wrestling locker room before leaving Waukesha, basically unscathed with a slight smug on his face. Is Gagne really behind this unprovoked and totally unprofessional attack by one of the biggest men in the business? From the appearance of things, someone gave Walker a free pass to do basically whatever he wants to the top respected wrestlers in the AWA. Will there be retaliation from Corino, Landell and an entire wrestling territory? Check in right here and on the individuals involved personal myspace.com pages. AWA and WSL appear next on the rescheduled "WRESTLERACE 8.0" October 11, 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Don't you dare miss it!
DUDLEY BOYZ TO THE AWA
Could the Dudley Boyz regain credibility to the World Tag-Team Championship?
By Sean Bush “The Boss” of Pro Wrestling
With their TNA contracts about to expire and word spreading that they may not resign, Team 3D (a.k.a. The Dudley Boyz) may soon be headed to the American Wrestling Association. This is more than just speculation as both men have expressed interest in wrestling for the major league of professional wrestling, helping to regain credibility to a troubled Championship division of the AWA.
During an interview last year with Pro Wrestling Illustrated, Brother Ray and Brother Devon were pictured with their many championship belts collected over the years. As the only team to win the WWF World Tag Team, WWE Smackdown Tag Team, WCW World Tag Team, NWA World Tag Team, ECW World Tag Team, TNA World Tag Team, and Japanese Hustle Super Tag Team titles (whew!) they were asked by PWI if they had anything left to prove to which they responded, “Is the AWA still around?”
The AWA World Tag Team title remains the only major American tag team championship that the duo has yet to capture. Their long list of titles accumulated (please don’t make me go down the list again) already makes them one of the greatest tag teams in history. Winning the AWA’s title would put them in position to be considered _the_ greatest team of all time. Team 3D knows this and they have their eyes on those belts.
As the only team to hold the championships in the WWF, NWA, and AWA legendary tag team The Road Warriors remain the measuring stick by which all others are judged. They are in fact to tag team wrestling what Hulk Hogan is to singles wrestling. However Team 3D can arguably claim to deserve that spot. Having already won far more titles than the Warriors, AWA tag team gold is the only thing Hawk and Animal have that Brother Ray and Brother Devon do not. Overcoming that hurtle could be just the incentive they need to make the move to the AWA.
However, winning the AWA World Tag Team title won’t be so easy. The AWA has a lot of great teams in line awaiting their opportunity for a title shot. No doubt they would object to anyone trying to bully their way to the title. Everyone is hungry for those belts and the only way to get a shot is to defeat everyone else and prove that you deserve it. That’s quite a ladder to climb.
And certainly the current World Tag Team Champions aren’t going to simply hand over the straps/. /They have something the former Dudley Boyz do not have; the AWA World Tag Team Championship belts. Team 3D wants them.
ADVENTURES IN LARRYLAND by Larry Zbyszko (ECW Press)
reviewed by Brad Dykens (www.onlineworldofwrestling.com)
http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/books/adventures-in-larryland
It was a very successful attempt to make the fans hate him, when Larry Zbyszko dubbed himself “The Living Legend” early in his career, stealing the moniker from his famous mentor, Bruno Sammartino. Sammartino earned the nickname after becoming the most popular wrestler in the Northeast and helping Vince McMahon Sr. build the most successful territory in the world. Zbyszko may not have been worthy of the title at the time, but he has managed to grow into it nicely over time. Today, the handle “Living Legend” fits Zbyszko like an expensive custom-made shoe. Although nobody could match up to Sammartino’s legendary status, Zbyszko did his absolute best to continue the tradition and represent that much-needed reminder that the “old school” mentality is still alive and a worthy of today’s product.
“Adventures in Larryland,” is the fascinating story of Larry Zbyszko’s life as a professional wrestler. The journey begins with Zbyszko becoming the protégé of Bruno Sammartino, and eventually breaking out of Bruno’s enormous shadow and engaging in one of the WWWF’s most lucrative feuds of all-time. >From there, Zbyszko hit many other territories, most notably the NWA and AWA, before settling into an announcing position with World Championship Wrestling in the 90s.
I think everyone will enjoy this book, but I do have one itty bitty complaint; when I first heard that the “Living Legend” Larry Zbyszko was going to put out a book about his life as a professional wrestler, my initial thought was; “Wow! that is going to be an epic story - 400 pages AT LEAST!” When my copy of “Adventures in Larryland” arrived in my mailbox I was shocked to find that I had 191 pages of light reading on my hands. It’s a shame when the people who actually have the illustrious history to fill a HUGE book give the fans 50% of themselves in print. Meanwhile, bums like Chyna, Goldberg, and Batista, and people with far less experience put out boring 300-400 page books before their career is even finished. Thankfully, that would be my one and only complaint about this book. Larry Zbyszko’s book hits on most of the important topics, but barely skims, and sometimes ignores, some of the pressing issues as well. I’m begging you Larry (and ECW Press), give us Adventures in Larryland 2! Larry Zbyszko defends the AWA World Heavyweight Championship (a title he claims he never lost) August 2, 2008 at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds, Rochester, Minnesota.
Adventures in Larryland was released by ECW Press for $19.95 (US). Orders can be placed through their website at www.ecwpress.com
Reviewed by Brad Dykens (June 27, 2008)
STANDING THE TEST OF TIME
by Sean Bush “The Boss” of Pro Wrestling
While sitting in my chair, watching an episode of AWA Championship Wrestling, which I had previously taped from ESPN Classics, a strange and overwhelming feeling suddenly came over me. A little startled, I turned off the TV to concentrate on it but the feeling went away as quickly as it began. Shrugging it off, I went back to the show. A few minutes later it happened again. It was a familiar feeling and yet alien to me at the same time. It was like a long lost memory suddenly coming back. I was watching pro wrestling and actually enjoying it!
For so long I have been watching wrestling, looking for something – anything – to get excited about. But more often than not I would either find something to complain about or just get bored and change the channel. Now I had found it! Good old fashioned straight ahead professional wrestling. No time wasted on corny backstage skits. No hokey non wrestling “entertainment” segments. No half hour speeches by promoters. Just great competition between wrestlers who are focused on defeating their opponent in order to move up the ranks and get that shot at the coveted World Heavyweight Wrestling championship. This is what made me become a fan in the first place. It was such a refreshing change from the Hollywood scripted product that is put out by the WWE. Even though the matches were over 20 years old I enjoyed them as if they were brand new.
Having enjoyed it so much brought about a realization of exactly how bad the WWE product has become. I remember watching this same AWA show (though not necessarily this particular episode) when it was first broadcast back in the late 1980s. By then the AWA was not the dominant promotion it once was and was often looked upon as stale and out of date. And to a degree, when compared to other top promotions of the time it was. Despite still producing top quality matches with A level stars, the AWA was way behind when it came to the flash and color that was being showcased by other promotions such as the UWF, NWA, WCCW and of coarse the WWF. Colorful wrestlers with major personalities like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, and the Fabulous Freebirds were adding a whole new dimension to the sport. As charisma and showmanship was becoming more and more desirable to wrestling fans the AWA started to look boring by comparison and by the mid to late 80s was largely considered to be the weakest of the top promotions.
Fast forward to 2008.
WWE has completely taken over the mainstream of pro wrestling. Many fans have no choice but to watch WWE to get their wrestling fix. But, most that do leave unhappy. More often than not, when discussing the previous night’s Raw or Smackdown you will hear fans speak not of what was good about it, but rather what was wrong with it. Other fans have simply stopped watching all together save for an occasional glimpse just to keep up with it. Sadly I am one of those fans.
So when I started watching the AWA on ESPN Classics I was overjoyed to find exactly how exciting it still is, showcasing stars such as Curt Hennig, Shawn Michaels, Scott Hall, Nick Bockwinkel, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, Sgt. Slaughter, Bruiser Broody, Larry Zbyszko, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Rick Martel, Stan “The Lariat” Hansen and others. You don’t see pro wrestling like this anymore. And remember, this was when the AWA was considered to be at its /worst/.
It’s kind of funny when you think of it. The AWA and classic competition oriented professional wrestling – even at its worst -- has managed to stand the test of time, actually proving to be superior to anything and everything that the WWE puts out today. So, if you’re tired of watching soap opera skits, if you’re sick of hearing about affairs and illegitimate offspring, if you’re bored with “sports entertainment” and want to watch true professional wrestling, I suggest that you check out AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN Classics as soon as possible. While you're at it, make sure to see the AWA live when they come to your area. It will make you a pro wrestling fan all over again.
BIG BROTHER SPEAKS OUT!
CBS Big Brother’s Howie Gordon Sits Down One-On-One with The AWA’s Andy Mancini
Andy Mancini: What drove you from /Big Brother/ to the wrestling ring?
Howie Gordon: Well I can tell you that I'm driving. It's only a short
drive from Chicago to Wisconsin! *He laughs* I have tried various
entertainment gigs since Big Brother: Stand-up comedy; Meet the New Elvira; 101 Craziest TV Moments; Music Videos (We are the Stars of Reality); Numerous reality Shows; I’m always excited about trying new events. Who knows? I might get my
ass kicked during my wrestling debut in Racine or I could be the next
"Rock!"
AM: How have you been preparing yourself to step out of /Big Brother/
and into a wrestling ring?
HG: Ideally, I would have wanted another three to four months to
prepare. I just started back in the gym a few months ago. At 75% I still
look better then most of the people in the world, but I'd like to come
in at 90% or better in terms of physical shape. But who knows, maybe my
competition will be BETTER too! *He laughs.”
AM: Have you been studying your opponent at all? What have you found out?
HG: Some people told me about the American Gladiator dude and they
simply said: "Howie, you had better hope he doesn't show up!" I did hear
the guy is a real bad ass.
AM: Do you feel that you have anything to prove?
HG: I think everyone in the world has to prove themselves day after
day. But to win, lose or draw in the ring? Who knows? Any given Sunday.
If I lose, then I lose. But I'd certainly like to win. I haven’t proven
myself yet in the wrestling world but I will.
AM: Will you be bringing your light saber?
HG: I think I’m going to bring the saber. After all, I’m Jedi Howie!
AM: Do you have anything that you would like to say to any of the
other television stars making their wrestling debut?
HG: Yes, if they allow me to wield my light saber, then all those guys
will have his hands full. If they don't... well, then I'd like to buy
them a beer somewhere.
AM: Thank you for your time, Mr. Gordon. Any final thoughts?
HG: Remember to check out www.howiegordon.com.
THE AWA RETURNS TO ESPN!
Wrestling fans worldwide once again have a choice when it comes toclassic wrestling. ESPN, originally broadcasting "AWA Championship Wrestling" during the late 80's, has started re-broadcasting the popular series of shows on it's ESPN CLASSICS channel. Many believed that WWE Libraries monopolized the AWA archived footage, not taking into consideration that ESPN purchased, produced and broadcast the originalstarting in 1985. WWE has attempted to deceive viewers and claimownership to everything AWA. Currently, the WWE is in a legal battlewith today's AWA for claims to the entire brand. Sources have indicated that ESPN, owned by ABC, has recently reached out to the AWA with assistance in their battle with WWE. Regardless of what is happening "behind-the-curtains", the fans are the ones who win. The AWA currently sanctions over one dozen organizations and provides support to a
territorial system. For information where and when you can see the AWA on ESPN CLASSIC, click here!
REVERSAL OF FORTUNE!
AWA Reverses Tag-Team Title Decision in Wisconsin
After hearing petitions from both participating tag-teams in a match for the AWA World Tag-Team Championship on February 8, 2008 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the AWA has ruled a rare disqualification "after-the-fact". In eye witness reports, Frankie "The Thumper" DeFalco, teaming with Jake "The Milkman" Miliman, threw Fabulous Phil of the Heart Break Express over-the-top rope prior to a pin being counted on his partner, Superstar Sean. "The AWA has a long standing rule dating back to the 60's that states deliberately tossing an opponent over-the-top rope is an automatic disqualification," stated AWA representative and legal adviser Jody Peterman. "We will not accept a "home town" official ruling in a case where the official was not sanctioned by the AWA, didn't call for the bell upon disqualification and clearly was prejudice against the team of Fabulous Phil and Superstar Sean - the Heartbreak Express". In continuing, "the AWA recognizes and respects the rules, something that all sports should strictly adhere to." Accordingly, the AWA has officially returned the Tag-Team Championship to the rightful title
holders, the Heartbreak Express.
Upon hearing the announcement, a very upset and livid Frankie DeFalco stated, "I would expect more from Peterman but everyone knows that the Heartbreak Express are "his boys". "Nothing will change with the politics in the AWA as long as a Gagne is still around. Looks like me and Jake are going to have to take matters in our own hands". Sounds like a clear warning from two very upset veterans of the ring. With the Heartbreak Express once again on top, they go back to being the "hunted" by numerous tag-teams in the AWA, all wanting a shot at being recognized as the very best the sport has to offer.
LARRYLAND REVISITED!
AWA World Title Returned to "Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko
Minneapolis, MN - February, 5, 2008 - While the nation is turning out in record numbers for what's been called "Super Tuesday", the management team of the AWA has announced that the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, stripped from Zero-1's Masato Tanaka in late 2007 due to irresponsible leadership by the fledging Zero-1 MAX's Yoshi Nakamura, has been rightfully returned to "The Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko.
Zbyszko started rallying for what he claimed was rightfully his since mid-2007. The situation heated up immediately after the then AWA Board of Directors stripped Masato Tanaka of the World's title. Zbyszko, through his newly named "representative" Mister Saint Laurent and legal representation, started filing documentation, to the new AWA Management Team, proving he had never lost the title in 1991 when Verne Gagne's AWA entered into bankruptcy. After considerable deliberation and review of the bankruptcy file from the early 90's, the AWA agreed with Zbyszko that he did indeed never actually lose the title. Accordingly, Larry Zbyszko is once again the recognized and current AWA World Heavyweight Champion.
As the celebration started with Zbyszko and "Team Vision" (Zbyszko's running pals' "Not Cocky" Chasyn Rance and Mister Saint Laurent), the AWA also announced that Zbyszko's first title defense would be April 18th in Fayetteville, West Virginia against two of the top 10 contenders in a 3-way dance.
Log-on to AWASTARS.COM for this history making announcement as it further develops.
THE AWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Who Will Lead the AWA in 2008 and Beyond?
It is one of the oldest and most prestigious titles in professional wrestling today. Men have come from far and wide, just to get a chance to hold it. There have been battles from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Tokyo, Japan for it. Still, not everyone who has held the AWA World Title belt has the right to refer to themselves as a true champion. Only a true champion knows that the AWA not only stands for victory, but for class and integrity well. Throughout the years, names such as Verne Gagne, Nick Bockwinkel, Curt Henning, and Steve Corino have come to personify
the spirit of the promotion and the image that the belt represents. It has only happened a few times... and according to one “insider,” it's about to happen again. And the star in question? None other than the
current United States champion, Ricky Landell.
“I know Landell pretty well,” former AWA Tag Team Champion GQ Gallo said in a recent interview. “He is a star waiting to happen. I have a lot of respect for his ability in the ring. If all the upcoming stars are anything like him, then the AWA has a bright future. Gallo is not alone in his feelings. Even controversial superstar TNT has taken the time to praise the “New Generation Ace.” In a recent interview, the Australian, known for his combative and outspoken nature, said that Landell has “all the tools to be AWA World Champion.” High praise, indeed.
But not everyone agrees with their sentiments. “I've heard a lot of people talking about how Ricky Landell is the future of the AWA, but you know, the future is a funny thing,” says Mister Saint Laurent, manager and press agent for World Heavyweight Champion Larry Zybysko. “When you think about the future you need to think about the fact that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Larry Zbyszko is, was, and will always be the AWA World Heavyweight Champion and Team Vision will go to any length or expense to prove our position to the world. We will plead our case directly to the fans if we have to and if the fans disagree, maybe we will sue them.”
Even more troublesome are Team Vision's accusations that Landell is merely a “carbon copy” of the legends that came before him. “I have been compared to a lot of wrestlers,” says Landell. “I am always told that I look or act like one person or another. I am told that my 'style' is old-school or traditional. I prefer to think of my style as just that - my style. I don't set out to be anyone other than myself. Performers like Nick Bockwinkel, Ric Flair, Terry Taylor, Curt Hennig, and Steve Corino are all more than worthy of being held in high regard. Naturally,
I am going to be influenced by them. However, at no time have I sacrificed my own instinct and creativity to fit any type of mold.”
With the new year right around the corner, and visions of Larry Zybysko and TNT waiting for him there, Landell has no plans of “cashing in” on his success. “I think I have accomplished many of the goals I have set for myself. So with that in mind, I guess you could say I have been successful up to this point. It really all depends on how one measures success.” And is his “ultimate goal” obtaining the AWA World Heavyweight title? “I have given an answer to this question in previous interviews. Simply put, yes.”
Who will lead the AWA in 2008 and beyond, at a pivotal time when it appears, the very business the AWA helped create is attempting to destroy a turbulent company?
2007 ARCHIVES | 2006 & 2005 ARCHIVES
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