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Saturday, April 5, 2008

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 04/05/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

Peach State Pandemonium featured a special two-hour tribute to the memory of Gary Hart this morning. Bill Watts, Jack Brisco, James Beard and Abdullah the Butcher joined us live, while pre-recorded comments from Michael Hayes, Kevin Sullivan, George Steele, Skandor Akbar, and Jim Ross were also broadcast. Click here for the archive. (Rich Tate)

We reported yesterday that 413 had been defeated yesterday, regarding the tightening of regulations on wrestling in Georgia. The bill would have removed the exemption of World Wrestling Entertainment from having to face the same sanctions of other promotions, as well as making putting new restrictions and limitations on what local promotions can do at a live event. However, while World Wrestling Alliance 4 promoter Frank Aldridge has stated he is pleased that it died before becoming law, other promoters are not looking forward to whatever may come their way next. Aldridge sent an email to all concerned promotions, congratulating everyone who has gone to bat for the business in the state against politicians attempting to add a host of items that are not required under current law. Bill Behrens, head of the Georgia Wrestling Promoters Advisory Committee said, “We are back where we started. We were better off if the final version had passed.” He noted that the portion of the bill relating to ticket brokers derailed it from moving to Governor Perdue for signature, hinting that no congratulations to anyone who fought for limited governmental oversight were in order. NWA Anarchy promoter Jerry Palmer concurred. “As a legal promoter in Georgia, I share no joy – only disgust, frustration, and aggravation that it did not pass.” He continued, “We will see this fight again in the near future and will rue this day.” Atlanta-based attorney for WWE John Taylor said, “We have to beware of rules from the commission now.” When Kelly Farr of the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission contacted us yesterday to inform us of the defeat of 413, he was asked what happens now, and he responded, “I don’t know.” Farr had also contacted us a week ago to say that he hoped the wrestling community was happy with the final text in the bill that went before the House, as he saw it as a happy medium, but could not say the same for the majority of GAEC members. (Rich Tate)

Independent Wrestling Network results from Columbus, GA, on April 4: The Wrestler defeated Adrian Hawkins. Reese Royal defeated Mike Pain by DQ. The Southside Trash w/Mike Money defeated Frankie Valentine and Ron Stalker. Jason Cross and A.J. Steele wrestled to a time limit draw. Vordell Walker w/Melissa Coates defeated Austin Creed. Mr. Hughes defeated Buff Bagwell and Rob Adonis in a 3 way elimination match to become the IWN champion. Attendance was around 400 and Dr. Steve Miller was the referee for all matches. (Brian Slack)

United Wrestling League results from Cleveland, TN, on April 4: Derrick King beat Casey Kage in 4:18; Stan Lee beat Johnny Rokk (with Jack Lord) in 10:46; Don Buchanan beat Cameron Valentine via DQ when Lords of the Ring interfered at 3:27; Casey Kage beat Sky Adams (with Derrick King) in 10:08; Davey Rich beat Derrick King in 5:45; Davey Rich & Don Buchanan beat Lords of the Ring (Johnny Rokk & Cameron Valentine with Jack Lord) 2 out of 3 falls in a total time of 16:33; Stan Lee vs. Orion Bishop (with Wicked Nemesis) ended in a disputed decision where both men scored pinfalls (11 minutes); and Kevin White beat Bill Dundee in 12:13. Click here for a full report. (Larry Goodman)

United States Wrestling Organization results from April 4 in Nashville at the Stadium Inn are as follows: Attendance was reported as 95; Lee Cross (w/The Diva Lisa Fayzon) b Justin Spade; Steven Green b Shane Smalls; Slade b Steve O when Slade hit Stev O with knux after a ref bump; Damien Payne b LT Falk to win the USWO Jr. Championship; Quinton Quarisma & Juicy JC Crowe (w/Gigolo Jay Phoenix) b New York Gangster & TJ Harley when Crowe pinned Harley after Phoenix gave Harley a face full of lotion; Michael Jablonski b Tim Renesto in a first blood match; and Mitch Ryder NC Chris Michaels as special ref New York Gangster got bumped, Michaels superkicks Ryder then lays backwards on top of him. As ref Mark Owen runs out, Michaels has slid back on his shoulders, so Owen counts Michaels' shoulder down for 3 while at the same time Gangster comes to and counts Ryder's shoulders down for 3. Promoter Tony Falk holds up the USWO Championship pending a rematch with 2 refs. (Larry Goodman)

After weeks of fiery debate between Independent Wrestling Network promoter Dwayne Bell and Great Championship Wrestling’s Quinton Michaels and Taylor McKnight, the issue involving A.J. Steele continued Friday night. As GWH reporter Brian Slack reported this morning, Steele wrestled for the IWN’s first event in Columbus against Jason Cross. When the IWN first announced its Columbus lineup, Steele was advertised. GCW quickly denied that Steele would be wrestling for IWN, whose event took place just across the state line from where GCW runs in Phenix City, AL. Incidentally, the IWN card was held at the arena where GCW began in 2004. Steele had also claimed he had not accepted the booking, telling GWH reporter Larry Goodman recently in a voice mail that he would not be appearing in Columbus for IWN. Still, Bell continued to stand firm that Steele had accepted the date and would be there. It is doubtful that Steele will be booked by GCW for future events, as the history between the two promotions has never been healthy. Bell said they would soon announce their lineup for a follow up event at the same venue next week. (Rich Tate)

Click here for comments from A.J. Steele on the situation and why he left GCW. (Larry Goodman)

Power Pro Wrestling will be at the Temple Gym in Temple, GA, tonight. Doors open at 6:30 PM and matches start at 7:30. Ringside tickets are $10, with general admission seating priced at $8. Advance tickets can be purchased at Nickell Rental in Temple by calling (770) 562-1222. Advertised: Advertised: A.J. Steele versus the Russian Kodiak for the PPW Heavyweight Title; Frankie Valentine & J-Rod versus K.I. Elite; Hot Like Lava (Shaun Banks & Cru Jones) versus Chris Lightning & Chris Ganz; Josh Storm versus Josh Stone; and Ron Stalker & Jason Lynn versus Randall Johnson & Michael Cook. (Rich Tate)

Southern States Championship Wrestling will be kicking off their "Crazy from the Heat" Countdown tonight at 7:30 pm with advertised special guest, the Nightmare. All seats are $2 and the event will be held at the Enigma Gym in Enigma, GA. Advertised: Brooks Rogers w/Will Rogers versus Tommy Flight. SSCW Southern Heritage Championship, "Rock n Roll" Chris Turner defends the title against Cowboy Mark Bass. In a mixed singles match, The Soviet faces SSCW Ladies champion Jelena. If Soviet wins, Samantha Steel become the Ladies Champion. JT Taylor versus John "The Truth" Johnson. Also advertised are "The Modern Day Enforcer" Scotty Biggs, Mad Dog Miller, SSCW Heavyweight champion Jarrod Michaels, and Samantha Steel. (Brian Slack)

NWA Anarchy returns to Cornelia, GA, tonight for an International Television Taping at the NWA Arena with an 8 pm bell time. Advertised matches include: Jeff Lewis & Hollywood Brunettes (Andrew Alexander & Kyle Matthews) vs. Truitt Fields & New Wave (Derrik Driver & Steven Walters), the new NWA Anarchy Heavyweight Champion Iceberg defends against ?, NWA Anarchy Tag Team Title Match: Devil's Rejects (Azrael & Shaun Tempers with The Reverend) (c) vs. Billy Buck & Chris King, G-Rated (Sal Rinauro & Seth Delay) vs. Talent & Money (J. T. Talent & Andrew Pendleton III), Chad Parham defends his Certificate of Awesomeness, Brodie Ray Chase vs. Hayden Young, Team Technician (Todd Sexton & Tyler Smith & Bob E.) vs. Wes Grissom & Chip Day & Adrian Hawkins, Nemesis & Jay Fury vs. opponents to be named. Plus appearances by Mikal Judas, Austin Creed, a statement from Attorney Jeff G. Bailey and Shatter about their future plans, Jeremy Vain & Mr. Adonis and NWA Anarchy owner Jerry Palmer, and will we hear from Slim J and Shadow Jackson? (Larry Goodman)

The New Frontier Wrestling Association returns to Franklin, NC, tonight to celebrate their second anniversary at the National Guard Armory, located at 192 Industrial Park Loop. Bell time is 8:00 PM. Advertised: a four-way match, whereas if a champion in pinned, they lose their title, featuring NFWA Heavyweight Champion Brokishi, NFWA US Heavyweight Champion Dirty, Simon Sermon, and Stoney Hooker; a fan participation strap match featuring Billy Starr versus Carter Maine; the A-Team (Jamar Acid & Dark Angel) defend the NFWA Tag Team Title against the Saturday Night Sensation (Matt Sells & Ryan Michaels); Tommy Too Much versus Cornbread; and a twenty-man rumble featuring NFWA wrestlers from the past, present, and future. (Rich Tate)

The Great American Wrestling Federation will be at the Hosford, FL, Game Room tonight at 8pm. Advertised to appear are Jamie Hall, Maxwell Chicago, T Bolt, GAWF Heavy weight Champion Steve Goins, GAWF Tag Team Champions The Hott Bodies, and the return of the Tatums, plus Brian Rivers, and Jeff Bowman Jr. Buff Bagwell is advertised for an April 26 show. (Brian Slack)

Georgia Wrestling Promotions has a second show at Marietta Truck Beds and Trailer on April 6 with a 2 pm bell time. Advertised matches include Notorious D.O.G. & Murder One vs. Terry Lawler & Jess Wade in a Lights Out Parking Lot Brawl, Buff Bagwell & Eric Stanton vs. Hot Like Lave (Cru Jones & Shawn Banks with Lexi Pilman), Sonny Siaki vs. Jamar Acid in an No DQ match, Leatherface & ? vs. Russian Kodiak & Flatline (with Ace Hefner), Brian Alexander the Great vs. Dustin Powers, David Raines (with Matthew St. Clair) vs. Captain Chaos. Special meet and greet with Buff Bagwell and Manny Fernandez at 1pm. (Larry Goodman)

High Octane Wrestling will be at the Funtime Skate Center in Centre, AL, on April 6. Tickets are $6 and kids under 5 get in free. The doors open at 2:00 PM and bell time is 2:30. Advertised: Air Paris & a mystery partner versus David Young & Bulldog Raines; and Jamie Richards versus Stupid in a falls-count-anywhere match with no time limit. Also scheduled to appear are Damon Taz, Khaoz, Lamar Phillips, and the Weapons of Mass Destruction. (Rich Tate)

I Believe in Wrestling (the actual name of the promotion, seriously!) makes their promotional debut on May 10 at the Downtown Recreation Center on 649 West Livingston Street in Orlando, FL. Matches advertised: "Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko & Chasyn Rance vs. The Vandalz, Jon Davis vs. Austin Amadeus, The Lifeguards vs. Nooie Lee & Demon Toro, Fantastic Dantastic vs. "Superstar" Sean Davis, Jaison Moore & Nick Holler vs. "The Marquee" Bruce Santee & Keith Blonde, "The Most Important Man Alive" Mister Saint Laurent vs. Andrew Wolf for the AWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, and Chris Jones vs. "Fabulous" Phil Davis. On May 17, IBW will host their second event at Punch Fitness at 4020 West Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach, FL, with a 7:30 bell time. Matches advertised: The Lifeguards vs. The Vandalz, Chasyn Rance vs. Nooie Lee for the World-1 Light Heavyweight Championship, The Heartbreak Express vs. The Dynamic Duo for the AWA World Tag Team Championship, Jon Davis vs. Demon Toro, Jaison Moore vs. Austin Amadeus, Logan Fernandez & Nick Holler vs. Mister Saint Laurent & Keith Blonde, and Andrew Wolf vs. "The Marquee" Bruce Santee. Tickets for both events are $10. For more information on the Orlando event, call (407)694-3912. For more info on the Deerfield Beach event, call (561) 414-4059. (Thomas Bugg)

DISCLAIMER: GWH is not liable for any card changes, cancellations, etc. We can only report what is reported to us. As always, we suggest you check with the promotion within 24 hours to verify information posted here.

NOTES

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Dallas Page, who turns 52 today.

NOSTALGIA

APRIL 5, 1934 (THURSDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – LAKEWOOD HEIGHTS ARENA (Frank Bettis – Promoter) > Bull Schmidt versus Young Londos > Pancho Villa defeated Fred Lassiter by disqualification > Bill Crussell versus Son Almand / Notes: Aside from the match between Pancho Villa and Fred Lassiter, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found.

APRIL 5, 1937 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – SPRING STREET ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Tony Papalino versus Teddy Betts > Chin Lee versus Young Londos > Mike Cassidy versus Tarzan Jordan / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

APRIL 5, 1946 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Abe Zvonkin defeated Jack Hader by disqualification > Nick Carter defeated Mike Kilonis > Ralph Garibaldi and Vic Emanuel wrestled to a draw > Women’s Match: Dolly West defeated Wilma Gordon > Al Massey defeated Ben Morgan

APRIL 5, 1946 (FRIDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – AUGUSTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (George Romanoff – Promoter) > Jack Wentworth defeated Jack Singer > Joe Bennicasa defeated Jack Dillon by disqualification > Tommy Londos defeated Mr. X by disqualification

APRIL 5, 1952 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Sonny Kurgis defeated Jack Dillon by disqualification > Jack Claybourne defeated Buddy Jackson > Don McIntyre defeated Nick Carter > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Jack McDonald defeated Lou Newman* to win title / Notes: Lou Newman had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Don McIntyre on March 28, 1952, in Atlanta.

APRIL 5, 1954 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Clyde Steeves defeated Al Szosz > Woman versus Animal Match: Ada Ash versus Ali Gator > Dick & Don Big Kettle versus Lee Grable & Red McIntyre > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Freddie Blassie* versus the Swedish Angel / Notes: Aside from the match between Clyde Steeves and Al Szosz, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found. Freddie Blassie had been billed as Southern Heavyweight Champion since he allegedly defeated Mr. Moto on February 8, 1954, in Birmingham, AL.

APRIL 5, 1957 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Babe Zaharias and Guy LaRose wrestled to a draw > The Great Mitsu defeated Harry Lewis > Red McIntyre versus Kurt Von Brawner > Argentina Rocca defeated Tokyo Joe / Notes: Red McIntyre and Kurt Von Brawner were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card. Although not mentioned, Kola Kwariani was likely in attendance, as he was charged with traveling with Argentina Rocca as a troubleshooter for him.

APRIL 5, 1960 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Eric Pederson defeated Pepper Rodriguez > Big Humphrey defeated Bad Boy Hines > Paul Anderson defeated the Brute

APRIL 5, 1961 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS SPORTS ARENA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Chief Little Eagle defeated Jim Burke > Bill Dromo defeated Killer Campbell > Jim Burke, Gypsy Joe & Killer Campbell defeated Bill Dromo, Tiny Evans & Chief Little Eagle > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Skull Murphy defeated Guy Mitchell* to win title / Notes: Guy Mitchell had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Skull Murphy on March 29, 1961, in Columbus. It is believed Mitchell’s claim was only recognized in Columbus.

APRIL 5, 1963 (FRIDAY) – MARIETTA, GA – LARRY BELL AUDITORIUM (Elmo Chappell – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Charlie Keene versus Jack Armstrong > George Bell versus Ted Evans > Lenny Montana & Tarzan Tyler versus Derrell Cochran & Chief Little Eagle ruled a no contest / Notes: Aside from the match between Lenny Montana & Tarzan Tyler and Derrell Cochran & Chief Little Eagle, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found.

APRIL 5, 1966 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mario Galento defeated Pancho Villa > Billy & Bad Boy Hines defeated the Infernos > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Gene Kiniski* defeated Choo-Choo Lynn / Notes: J.C. Dykes managed the Infernos. Gene Kiniski had been the reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Lou Thesz on January 7, 1966, in St. Louis, MO.

APRIL 5, 1968 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bobby Hart defeated Silento Rodriguez > Matt Jewell versus the Sundown Kid > Tank Morgan defeated Corsica Jean > Dr. M (2) & El Mongol defeated Johnny Walker & Jim Wilson > Enrique & Alberto Torres defeated the Rising Suns by disqualification > Mr. Wrestling (1) defeated Hans Schmidt / Notes: Matt Jewell and the Sundown Kid were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card. Gentleman X (1) managed Dr. M & El Mongol.

APRIL 5, 1969 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Grizzly Smith defeated the Spoiler by disqualification > Paul DeMarco defeated Bob Armstrong > Little John defeated Assassin #2 / Notes: This was taped for the “Atlanta TV Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral.

APRIL 5, 1973 (THURSDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – ARMORY (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Butcher Brannigan versus Pantera Negra > Bill Dromo versus Rocket Monroe > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Mr. Wrestling #2* versus Super Inferno #2 > Bobby Shane, Jack Crawford & Tarzan Tyler versus Bobby Cash, Norvel Austin & Sweet Daddy Siki / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Jack Crawford managed Tarzan Tyler.

APRIL 5, 1974 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Robert Fuller defeated Sputnik Monroe > Bob Armstrong defeated Ron Michaels > Georgia Tag Team Title Match (No TL / No DQ): Ron & Terry Garvin* defeated Art Nelson & Jerry Lawler > Earl Maynard defeated Bobby Duncum by disqualification > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Mr. Wrestling #2* defeated Jerry Brisco / Notes: Sputnik Monroe substituted for Ricky Gibson in the match with Robert Fuller. Jimmy Garvin managed Ron & Terry Garvin.

APRIL 5, 1976 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Greg Valentine versus Ervin Smith > Bob Armstrong & Skip Young versus the Red Devils > Mark Lewin versus Karl Von Steiger > Thunderbolt Patterson versus the Spoiler > I Quit Match: Stan Stasiak versus Dick Slater / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Gary Hart managed the Spoiler.

APRIL 5, 1977 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don Kernodle and Charlie Fulton wrestled to a draw at 15:00 > Roberto Soto defeated Bill Howard at 12:00 > Mr. Wrestling #1 defeated Lars Anderson by disqualification at 11:00 > Paul Jones, Thunderbolt Patterson & Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Dick Slater, Ole & Gene Anderson (2-0)

APRIL 5, 1978 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Pez Whatley versus Wolfgang Schmidt > Adrian Adonis versus Jacques Goulet > Raymond Rougeau versus Helmut Schmidt > Tommy Rich & Rocky Johnson versus Lars Anderson & John Studd > Georgia Television Title Match: Ole Anderson* versus Tony Atlas > Columbus Heavyweight Title Match: Mr. Wrestling #2* versus Ric Flair / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Rock Hunter managed Wolfgang & Helmut Schmidt.

APRIL 5, 1979 (THURSDAY) – ROME, GA – ROME MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ole Anderson versus Stan Hansen > Bob Armstrong versus the Masked Superstar / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Tommy Rich, Rufus R. Jones, Ron Bass, and Luke Graham were also advertised.

APRIL 5, 1981 (SUNDAY) – COLUMBUS, OH – OHIO CENTER (Les Thatcher – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Greg Valentine defeated Ted Oates > National Tag Team Title Match: Tommy Rich & the Junkyard Dog defeated Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts* by disqualification > The Mongolian Stomper defeated Robert Fuller > Dusty Rhodes & Andre the Giant defeated Ole & Gene Anderson / Notes: Michael Hayes joined Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts at the ring during their match with Tommy Rich & the Junkyard Dog. Don Carson managed the Mongolian Stomper.

APRIL 5, 1982 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ricky Harris and Tom Prichard wrestled to a draw > Bob Armstrong defeated Chick Donovan > Brad Armstrong & Leroy Brown defeated the Assassin & the Super Destroyer by disqualification > Kevin Sullivan versus Buzz Sawyer ruled a no contest > Tommy Rich defeated Ron Bass