GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 05/23/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

After our story yesterday on the current version of the Southside Trash leaving the Independent Wrestling Network was posted, we were contacted by Randy Harris, who wrestles as Rowdy. He asked to clarify his statement regarding complaints of the IWN being perceived as the “Southside Trash Show.” As we reported, “some guys were complaining,” referred to IWN management. Harris wanted to make it clear he had heard no complaints from the talent being used. (Rich Tate)

The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame will be honoring several people at its annual events in Amsterdam, NY, on Friday and Saturday. Bret Hart, Bob Backlund, Gene Kiniski, Bobo Brazil, Giant Baba, Betty Niccoli, Toots Mondt, Ray Steele, Tom Jenkins, and Ernie and Emil Dusek are being honored by the PWHF. Kiniski and Niccoli are said to be attending to receive their honors in person. Also reportedly confirmed to be in attendance for the festivities are George Steele, Killer Kowalski, Billy Graham, Paul Orndorff, Mae Young, Dick Beyer, Nick Bockwinkel, Billy Two Rivers, Johnny Rodz, Red Bastein, Lou Albano, Tony Atlas, J.J. Dillon, Manny Soto, Cousin Luke, Jay Strongbow, Don Bass, and Dory Funk, Jr., among others. Ray Apollo will be master of ceremonies for the induction dinner. (Rich Tate)

World Wrestling Entertainment’s RAW crew will be at Palacio De Los Deportes in Mexico City, Mexico, tonight. WWE made the following changes effective today to their existing schedule: Boise, ID, moved from June 13 to June 14, while Salt Lake City, UT, moved from June 14 to June 16. All tickets containing the original dates will be honored. (Rich Tate)

Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling results from the VFW Fairgrounds in Carrollton, GA, on May 22: Kyle Matthews over Tyler Smith; Chris Lightning and Pretty Boy Floyd went to a draw; Bambi over Fiona to retain the SECW Women’s Title; Bulldog Raines over Josh Stone; Frankie Valentine over Adrian Hawkins to retain the SECW Cruiserweight Title; and the Super Destroyer over Tommy Rich by disqualification. SECW will be at the Championship Arena in Hokes Bluff, AL, tonight. Bell time is 7:30 PM. Advertised: Tommy Rich versus Bulldog Raines in a lumberjack match; Bambi defends the SECW Women’s Title against Nigel Sherrod, putting up $1,000; Josh Stone versus Chip Day in a match for the SECW Cruiserweight Title; Frankie Valentine versus Seth Cruise; TDC versus the Inferno; and Brian Alexander versus a mystery opponent. (Rich Tate)

Tonight New Generation Wrestling will be in Liberty, SC, at the Liberty Recreation Department. Bell time is 8:00 PM. Advertised: The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane), The Rock & Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson), Greg Valentine, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Manny Fernandez, Bobby Fulton, the Barbarian, Buff Bagwell, "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart, Mr. #1 George South, and a special appearance by NWA & Mid-Atlantic Wrestling legend Ole Anderson. For more info, call 864-508-2986 or e-mail ngwpromoter@yahoo.com. Proceeds to benefit the Liberty Recreation Department. (Larry Goodman)

The debut of Ring of Honor’s Take No Prisoners PPV is May 30, and is available on Dish Network, iN DEMAND, and TVN cable systems, with rates ranging from $9.95 to $14.95 depending on the carrier. There will also be replays throughout the month of June. The lineup, without spoiling the finishes, is as follows: Nigel McGuinness defends the ROH Heavyweight Title against the winner of a four-corners match featuring Tyler Black, Claudio Castagnoli, Delirious, and Go Shiozaki; Bryan Danielson versus Austin Aries; Davey Richards & Rocky Romero defend the ROH World Tag Team Title against Ruckus & Jigsaw; Roderick Strong versus Kevin Steen; and Mark & Jay Briscoe versus Joey Matthews & Necro Butcher, with Lacey. Also part of the package is Adam Pearce, Brent Albright, Erick Stevens, B.J. Whitmer, and the Larry Sweeney Show. (Rich Tate)

I Believe in Wrestling returns to the Downtown Recreation Center in Orlando, FL, on June 21. Bell time is 7:30pm. Advertised: in the main event, Kirby "Krazy K" Mack defends the AWA Light Heavyweight Championship against Chasyn Rance. Mister Saint Laurente will defend the AWA Florida Heavyweight Championship against Jon Davis. The Heartbreak Express will take on The Dynamic Duo. Also featuring: T.J. Mack, The Lifeguards, Demon Toro, Jaison Moore, Austin Amadeus, Nick Holler, The Vandalz, and "Classy" Chris Nelson. Tickets are $10. For more info call (407) 694-3912. (Rich Tate)

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

Click here for Richard Berger’s updated Perspectives on Wrestling. (Rich Tate)

Today in Memoriam: Ray Candy (43, 1994), Owen Hart (33, 1999), and Bob Yuma (54, 2006)

NOSTALGIA

MAY 23, 1932 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – SUNNYDALE ARENA (C.S. Lippard – Promoter) > Jackie Nichols defeated Grady McCauley > Young Strangler Lewis defeated Johnnie Mount > Southern Lightweight Title Match: Jack Ross* defeated Bearcat Jones / Notes: Jack Ross had been billed as the Southern Lightweight Champion since May 2, 1932.

MAY 23, 1933 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Frank Judson defeated Jack Zarnas at 40:00 > Milo Steinborn defeated George Zaharias (2-1) / Notes: It was reported that 4,000 were in attendance for this card.

MAY 23, 1933 (TUESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – MUNICIPAL STADIUM (W.K. Carswell – Promoter) > Bobby Stewart defeated Cleve Walsh > Dick Lever defeated Jim Achlin

MAY 23, 1934 (WEDNESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – CENTER HILL ARENA (J.E. McKee – Promoter) > Wesley Brownlee versus Young Gotch > John Mauldin versus Glenn Cowan > Frank Remille versus Harry Nixon / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 23, 1934 (WEDNESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – MORELAND ARENA (Promoter – Unknown) > Fred Lassiter versus Gus Pappas > Hugh Winn versus Eddie Elzea / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 23, 1934 (WEDNESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PONCE de LEON BALL PARK (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Blue Sun Jennings defeated Karl Davis by disqualification > Frank Speer defeated Dorv Roche > Pete Sauer defeated Karl Sarpolis at 70:00 (2-1)

MAY 23, 1935 (THURSDAY) – AVONDALE, GA – AVONDALE ARENA (Nat Jones – Promoter) > Bob Anderson versus Foy Rivers > Bill Faulkner versus Young Londos > John Mauldin versus Son Almand / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 23, 1939 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PONCE de LEON BALL PARK (L.C. Warren – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mike Mazurki defeated Alf Johnson > Henry Piers and Babe Zaharias wrestled to a draw > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Lou Thesz* defeated Dorv Roche / Notes: Lou Thesz had been the reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Everett Marshall in St. Louis, MO, on February 23, 1939. This version was the one recognized by the National Boxing Association as the National Wrestling Association.

MAY 23, 1939 (TUESDAY) – AVONDALE, GA – AVONDALE ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Billy Michaels versus Young Londos > Tony Papalino versus Red Dugan > Honey Boy Hackney defeated Jack McAdams / Notes: Aside from the match between Honey Boy Hackney and Jack McAdams, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found.

MAY 23, 1945 (WEDNESDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Lou Masters, Dick Leonard, and Buster White – Promoters) > Al Massey & Cowboy Luttrall defeated Jack Dillon & Babe Zaharias by disqualification > Nick Carter defeated Dobie Osborne by disqualification

MAY 23, 1947 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jim Coffield and Nick Carter wrestled to a draw > Tom Mahoney defeated Leo Savage > Al Galento & Joe Kirkland defeated Johnny Long & Tiny Oxford > Don McIntyre defeated Strangler Lewis

MAY 23, 1953 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tex Riley defeated Danny Dusek > Henry Harrell defeated Carlos Guzman > Art Nelson defeated Nick Carter > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Don McIntyre* defeated Mr. Moto / Notes: Don McIntyre had been billed as Southern Heavyweight Champion since March 16, 1953. Fuji managed Moto.

MAY 23, 1955 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Charro Azteca versus Red McIntyre > Eddie Gossett versus Andre Drapp > Jerry Graham versus Dizzy Davis / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 23, 1955 (MONDAY) – VALDOSTA, GA – VALDOSTA LIVESTOCK ARENA (Gordon Walker – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tarzan White defeated Tokyo Joe > Bob Cummings versus Doran O'Hara / Notes: Bob Cummings and Doran O'Hara were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card.

MAY 23, 1956 (WEDNESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Dick Raines and Rocky Columbo wrestled to a draw > Tim Geohagen defeated Babe Zaharias > Jerry Graham and Jackie Nichols wrestled to a draw at 30:00 > North American Heavyweight Title Match: Danny McShain defeated Don McIntyre / Notes: Danny McShain had been billed as the North American Heavyweight Champion on May 16, 1956, and after a match with Don McIntyre on that Augusta card, the title was held up. As a result of this match, McShain continued his reign.

MAY 23, 1958 (FRIDAY) – MARIETTA, GA – LARRY BELL AUDITORIUM (Elmo Chappell – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ronnie Etchison and the Jungle Boy wrestled to a draw > Women’s Match: Judy Glover defeated Nell Stewart > The Mighty Yankee & the Jungle Boy defeated Ronnie Etchison & Rocky Columbo at 40:00

MAY 23, 1961 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Derrell Cochran and Red Dugan wrestled to a draw > Derrell Cochran & Prince Kalani defeated Jim Burke & Red Dugan > Ten-Round Boxing Match: Bob Rasmussen versus Gypsy Joe ruled a no contest

MAY 23, 1962 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mark Stone and Bulldog Lawley wrestled to a draw > Lenny Montana defeated Dick Steinborn > US Tag Team Title Match: the Assassins* defeated Andre Drapp & Chief Little Eagle / Notes: The Assassins had been billed as US Tag Team Champions since May 15, 1962.

MAY 23, 1964 (SATURDAY) – MARIETTA, GA – LARRY BELL AUDITORIUM (Elmo Chappell – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ron Reed versus Charlie Carr > Greg Peterson versus Don Carson > Ray Gunkel & Tex Riley versus Saul Weingeroff & Kurt Von Brauner / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 23, 1967 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bad Boy Hines defeated Bozo Brown > Bobby Graham defeated Nick Kozak > Women’s Match: Barbara Galento defeated Cora Combs > Louie Tillet defeated Dick Steinborn

MAY 23, 1969 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PAUL JONES SPORTS ARENA (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Armstrong defeated Joe Turco > Bill Dromo defeated Tony Nero > Paul DeMarco defeated the Red Raider > El Mongol defeated Tom Bradley > The Assassins defeated the Kentuckians > The Professional defeated Professional #2 by disqualification / Notes: The bout between El Mongol and referee Tom Bradley was a special challenge match initiated by Bradley, but we are unclear as to what led to the challenge, and if any special circumstances were on the line as part of the challenge. Leo Garibaldi was credited as being a referee for this card. Garibaldi disqualified Professional #2 in his match with the Professional when he believed Pro #2 had a weapon in his mask.

MAY 23, 1970 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Miller defeated Pedro Valdez > Paul DeMarco & Nick Bockwinkel defeated Alberto Torres & Doug Gilbert > Professor Kimura defeated Jack Vansky / Notes: This was taped for the “Atlanta TV Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. It was announced on this episode that Homer O’Dell and Professor Kimura had parted ways. Paul Jones joined Capral to announce that since the Assassins had been suspended, and Assassin #2 was the reigning Georgia Television Champion, he was declaring the title vacant and had set a match for May 29, 1970, between Nick Bockwinkel and Joe Scarpa to determine a new champion.

MAY 23, 1972 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM [P] (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Oates and Karl Von Stroheim wrestled to a draw > Women’s Match: the Fabulous Moolah defeated Tippi Wells > Bob Armstrong, Derrell Cochran & Dick Steinborn defeated Ox Baker, Oki Shikina & Assassin #1 > Koa Tiki versus Assassin #2 ruled a no contest / Notes: The match between Koa Tiki and Assassin #2 ended when Tiki tried to unmask the Assassin, but the masked man retreated to the dressing room in order to maintain his identity.

MAY 23, 1973 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tony Romano versus Bob Orton, Jr. > Bill White versus Tiger Conway, Jr. > Billy Spears versus Jerry Oates > Bobby Shane versus Norvel Austin > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: the Super Infernos* versus Bill Dromo & Mr. Wrestling #2 > Jack Brisco versus Bill Dromo > Bill Watts versus Bob Armstrong / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. J.C. Dykes managed the Super Infernos. There were two referees for the match between Bill Watts and Bob Armstrong.

MAY 23, 1975 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mike Stallings defeated Don Greene > Bob Orton, Jr., defeated Dennis Hall > Jerry Brisco and Jerry Lawler wrestled to a draw > Bob Armstrong, Robert Fuller & Rocky Johnson defeated Rock Hunter, Toru Tanaka & Assassin #2 > Mr. Wrestling #1 defeated Harley Race > Mr. Wrestling #2 & Andre the Giant defeated Abdullah the Butcher & the Sheik > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Jack Brisco* defeated Dory Funk, Jr. / Notes: Eddie Creatchman managed the Sheik. Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2, Toru Tanaka, and Abdullah the Butcher.

MAY 23, 1977 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Richard Blood defeated Charlie Fulton > Roberto Soto defeated Randy Savage > Waldo Von Erich defeated Randy Alls > Handicap Match: Abe Jacobs & Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Dick Slater > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Paul Jones* defeated Gene Anderson > Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Ole Anderson

MAY 23, 1978 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Hartford Love defeated Bill Irwin > Adrian Adonis & Paul Ellering defeated Eddie Mansfield & Helmut Schmidt > Tommy Rich defeated Rock Hunter > 1,000 Silver Dollar Match: Ole Anderson defeated Rocky Johnson > Macon Heavyweight Title Match: Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Abdullah the Butcher* to win title

MAY 23, 1979 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Carl Fergie versus Genichiro Tenryu > Charlie Fulton versus Doug Somers > Tommy Rich versus Frank Monte > Georgia Television Title Match: Blackjack Lanza* versus Mr. Wrestling #2 > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Wahoo McDaniel* versus the Masked Superstar > Texas Tornado Tag Team Match: Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff versus Dusty Rhodes & Mad Dog Vachon / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Bobby Heenan managed Blackjack Lanza

MAY 23, 1980 (FRIDAY) – JASPER, GA – PICKENS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jay Strongbow versus the French Angel > Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff versus Tommy Rich & Mr. Wrestling #2 / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Rock Hunter managed Ivan Koloff and Alexis Smirnoff.

MAY 23, 1981 (SATURDAY) – CHATTANOOGA, TN – CHATTANOOGA MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ted Oates and Jim Duggan wrestled to a draw > Jerry Oates defeated the French Angel > Ted Oates defeated Bobby Eaton > The Freebirds defeated Ted DiBiase, Ricky Gibson & Tommy Rich / Notes: Ted Oates substituted for Roberto Soto in the match with Bobby Eaton.

MAY 23, 1984 (WEDNESDAY) – CHARLESTON, WV (Les Thatcher – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tim Horner defeated Sweet Brown Sugar > Ron Garvin defeated Jake Roberts by countout > Nikolai Volkoff defeated King Konga > Ole Anderson & Brad Armstrong defeated Ted DiBiase & the Spoiler > Les Thornton defeated Tommy Rogers > Tim Horner defeated Jake Roberts > Paul Ellering & the Road Warriors defeated Ole Anderson, Brad Armstrong & King Kong Bundy / Notes: Paul Ellering managed Jake Roberts, Ted DiBiase, the Spoiler, and the Road Warriors.