GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 05/27/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

World Wrestling Entertainment was in Denver, CO, at the Pepsi Center on May 26 for the RAW broadcast: in a dark match, Ron Killings over Mike Matson; in matches for Heat, Snitsky over Super Crazy; Santino Marella over Jim Duggan; Lance Cade over Jeff McAllister; and Charlie Haas over Highlander Robbie; on the live portion, Melina over Jillian; Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly over Paul Lonon & Brian Kendrick to retain the WWE World Tag Team Title; JBL & Umaga over John Cena & Jeff Hardy; Mr. Kennedy over Carlito; and Chris Jericho versus Shawn Michaels with a confusing finish that had Jericho walking away but no result announced – perhaps either a countout win for Michaels or a no contest. The SmackDown/ECW crew will be at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, CO, tonight. The SmackDown/ECW crew will be at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, CO, tonight. (Rich Tate)

Total Nonstop Action will be taping for iMPACT! at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, tonight. Admission for tapings is free. Call (407) 224-6000 for more info. Spoiler results from last night’s taping can be found here. (Rich Tate)

Florida Championship Wrestling will be at the Bourbon Street Nightclub in New Port Richey, FL, tonight. Admission is $7, and bell time is 8:30 PM. Advertised: the Empire defends the FCW Tag Team Title against Charles Evans & Vic Adams; Jake Hager defends the FCW Heavyweight Title against Brad Allen; Tyrone Jones versus Afa; Nicole Bella versus Roucka, with Taryn Terrell as special referee; Shawn Spears versus T.J. Wilson; Jay Bradley & Mondo versus the Puerto Rican Nightmares, with Miss Angela; Matt Sydal versus Sinn Bowdee; Heath Miller & Jack Gabriel versus Greg Jackson & Lupe Martinez; Kevin Kiley versus Black Pain, with Bryan Kelly; Andrew Vein & Kafu versus Colt Cabana & Atlas DaBone; and Mike Kruell versus Mr. Yamamoto. (Rich Tate)

Results from the May 26 free show in Kennesaw, GA, at Bill Heard Chevrolet: J-Rod defeated Frankie Valentine, Rob Adonis over The Russian, David Young & Elix Skipper beat Frankie Valentine & Lamar Phillips, and Buff Bagwell & Rick Steiner beat Raven & The Barbarian when Bagwell pinned The Barbarian. (Larry Goodman)

New Frontier Wrestling Association results from Franklin, NC, on May 24: Nigel Sherrod, Matt Sells & Ryan Michaels over Anthony Henry, Danny Diesel & Drew McElrath; Sci-Fi over Simon Sermon; Eddie Golden & K.C. Thunder over Jamar Acid & Cornbread to win the NFWA Tag Team Title; Billy Starr over Backdraft; K.T. Hamill & Korrupt over Mike McCloud & B.J. Hancock; Dirty over Talon Williams by disqualification; Stoney Hooker over Randy Wayne; and Brokishi over Tommy Too Much. Cornbread substituted for Dark Angel to team with Jamar Acid. (Rich Tate)

Bert Prentice officially returned to pro wrestling last Thursday at the United Wrestling Association show in Seymour, TN, at Seymour Hardware & Building Supply announcing that he was taking over the UWA from Danny Ray. Prentice promised to improve the quality of the shows at the “Hardwarium” by making major upgrades in the talent. Prentice announced plans to bring in Nashville's best talent; people close to Jerry Lawler, and Total Nonstop Action stars like Traci Brooks. The Naturals had already been appearing on a weekly basis for UWA. Prentice had been out of wrestling since a short-lived run of weekly shows at the Nashville Fairgrounds earlier this year. The Fairgrounds shows drew poorly and were taken over by Mike Porter's NWA Main Event. The UWA has fallen on hard times since Ray left the Green Acres Flea Market in Louisville, a nearby suburb of Knoxville, when management indicated they no longer wanted wrestling. Much of the key talent deserted the promotion after Tennessee Mountain Wrestling promoter "K-Town Daddy" Terry Landell was present at a UWA show. Crowds have dropped precipitously. During his address to the crowd, Prentice reportedly referenced the crowd being down to 30. Ericules Wrestling Promotions, run by local wrestler Ericules, struck a deal to bring wrestling back to Green Acres on Thursday nights. The EWP roster includes many of the top Knoxville wrestlers like Jeff Anderson, Travis Sawyer, Robbie Race and Shane Williams. Last month, they brought in Davey Richards. The UWA has also been running on Thursdays. Prentice will be moving the shows to Tuesday nights starting on June 3. (Larry Goodman)

On May 29, Great Championship Wrestling returns to the Great Skate Center in Phenix City, AL at 7:30. The main event will be a fatal four-way Johnny Swinger vs. David Young vs. Sonny Siaki vs. Bull Buchanan. Tickets are $15 ringside and $12 general admission. (Brian Slack)

On May 30, Independent Wrestling Network returns to the IWN Arena in Columbus, GA. (Brian Slack)

On May 31 at 7:30 in the Pell City Civic Center in Pell City, AL, Global Championship Wrestling will be in action. Advertised to appear are David Young, Maddog, Samoan Soldiers, Johnny Swinger, Inhuman Fly, Bull Buchanan, Mudbone, Veronica Fairchild, Genni Right, Thunder Horse, TT3, Nasty Kritter, Orion Bishop, Soul Crusher, Joey Lightning, Jesse Pain, and the Russian Assassin. For ticket information call (205) 338-9713. (Brian Slack)

Dory Funk's !BANG! presents Support the Troops, "International Fight" on June 1 at 7:00 PM at the Funking Conservatory in Ocala, FL. Advertised: In a 6 man tag team championship match, Osamu Nishimura, Ryan Mitchell and Johnny Magnum w/Pistol Peyton Gunn takes on Shane Chung, Blain Rage and Antonio Thomas. For the Hardcore title, Damien faces off against Johnny Romano. In a loser leaves town match, David Sands against Elvis Sharp. For the Funking Conservatory Florida Title, Flying Ryan "Air" Mitchell defends against Shane Chung. In a Double Crown Championship Tournament it will be Will Power vs Chris James vs. Italy's ll Marchese and in a woman's title match, Claudia "Claw" Reiff will take on Lexie Fyfe. The special guest referee will be Pistol Peyton Gunn. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. (Brian Slack)

NAWA Ring Champions will be at the Purks Building in Cedartown, GA, on June 6. Bell time is 7:30 PM. Advertised: Chris Lightning & Chris Ganz versus the Exotic Ones for the NAWA Tag Team Title; Bambi & Tommy Rich versus Peggy Lee Leather & Nigel Sherrod; Jay Clinton versus Josh Hate; Bulldog Raines versus the Beast; Lamar Phillips versus Jamie Hall; and Terry Lawler versus Antonio Garza. (Rich Tate)

The National Wrestling Alliance will converge at Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA, on June 7. Initially intended to be simply a taping for the NWA Wrestling Showcase, the event has escalated in scale, including formal inductions of previously named NWA Hall of Fame members, as well as honoring this year’s members as well. Tommy Rich and the Iron Sheik will be among the 2008 class, and it was announced on Monday that the Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton) will join them. Already in the Hall of Fame and expected to be honored at the event are Lou Thesz, Sam Muchnick, Harley Race, Eddie Graham, Dory Funk, Jr., Jim Barnett, Lelani Kai, the Rock & Roll Express, Saul Weingeroff, Gordon Solie, Lance Russell, and Jim Cornette, who will be master of ceremonies. Also advertised up to this point in regard to matches and/or appearances are as follows: Rich versus Abdullah the Butcher; Phil Shatter, Mikal Judas, and Iceberg in a three-way for the NWA Anarchy Heavyweight Title; Sid Vicious; and Rob Conway. (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 this week’s Bill Behrens’ NWA Notes update. (Rich Tate)

Trash Talking Radio, hosted by Mike Trash, will feature Doug Somers on its show tonight at 7:00 PM ET. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Eric Bischoff (53) and Nattie Neidhart (26).

Today in Memoriam: Kara Ahmed (1912), ‘Irish’ Jack Donovan (1940), and Vincent James McMahon (69, 1984)

NOSTALGIA

MAY 27, 1927 (FRIDAY) Notes: It was reported that the Athletic Commission instructed John Contos to release the wrestlers pay from the card on May 26, 1927. It was mentioned that Wladek Zbyszko was paid $169, but Joe Stecher’s pay was not disclosed. In the release, Contos was referred to as the matchmaker, whereas Fuzzy Woodruff was credited as being the promoter of the event. It is unclear exactly what role Woodruff actually played, if any, within the promotion.

MAY 27, 1930 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > John Paxos defeated Farmer Nelson > Pete Sauer defeated Milo Steinborn

MAY 27, 1931 (WEDNESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – SPILLER FIELD (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Louis LaChene defeated Tony Catalino at 43:00 > Tiny Roebuck defeated Ivan Vakturoff (2-0)

MAY 27, 1935 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – KEY ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Lou Bartell defeated Joe Willard > Sammy Miller defeated John Dameron (2-1) > Totem Pole Anderson defeated Tarzan Jordan > Louis LaChene defeated Tiny Ruff by disqualification / Notes: Jay Jarvis was credited as being a referee for this card.

MAY 27, 1935 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – NEW COLISEUM (Jack Browning – Promoter) > Pat Newman and Don McIntyre wrestled to a draw > Honey Boy Hackney defeated Jack O’Dell

MAY 27, 1936 (WEDNESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PONCE de LEON BALL PARK (Frank Speer – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Frank Brown and Laverne Baxter wrestled to a draw > Dorv Roche defeated Pat Fraley by disqualification > Bill Lee defeated Eddie Newman

MAY 27, 1936 (WEDNESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – NEW COLISEUM (Bill Metzger – Promoter) > Prince Lulani Manai defeated Otto Von Ludwig > Yusef Hussane defeated Johnny Marrs

MAY 27, 1937 (THURSDAY) – AVONDALE, GA – AVONDALE ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Chippewa Charlie versus Young Gotch > Red Smith versus Bulldog Mallory > Joe Ferona versus Eddie Elzea / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 27, 1941 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Abe Simon – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Herb Freeman versus Marvin Jones > Lee Wyckoff versus Jack Kennedy > Pat Newman & Ray Eckert versus Babe Zaharias & Cowboy Luttrall / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 27, 1946 (MONDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Lou Masters, Dick Leonard, and Buster White – Promoters) > The Green Hornet defeated Tarzan White by disqualification > Tommy Todd defeated Red Dugan > John Cretoria defeated Mike St. Francis / Notes: This card was dedicated to the memory of John Grandovich, who had recently passed away in Baltimore. The Savannah newspaper mentioned that he had wrestled in Savannah in 1945 as the Black Monster.

MAY 27, 1960 (FRIDAY) – MARIETTA, GA – LARRY BELL AUDITORIUM (Elmo Chappell – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Dromo versus Mickey Blassie > Women’s Match: Rita Cortez versus the Lady Angel > Mixed Tag Team Match: Ray Gunkel, Bill Dromo & Rita Cortez versus Freddie Blassie, Mickey Blassie & the Lady Angel / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 27, 1961 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PONCE de LEON BALL PARK [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Negro Men’s Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Bobo Brazil* defeated Tiny Jackson > Midget Women’s Match: Darling Dagmar defeated Baby Cheryl > Southern Tag Team Title Match: Bob Rasmussen & Guy Mitchell* defeated Angelo Savoldi & Gypsy Joe > Jerry Graham defeated Argentina Rocca > AWA World Heavyweight Title Lumberjack Match (No DQ): Dick the Bruiser * defeated Yukon Eric / Notes: Although not mentioned, Kola Kwariani was likely in attendance, as he was charged with traveling with Argentina Rocca as a troubleshooter for him. There was no referee for the match between Dick the Bruiser and Yukon Eric. The Bruiser had been the reigning US Heavyweight Champion as recognized by the Detroit, MI, office, since he defeated Bobo Brazil on February 28, 1961, in Detroit. For some reason it was being called the AWA World Heavyweight Title here, and the Bruiser was being billed as such. It is unclear as to how Brazil came to be recognized as Negro Men’s Southern Heavyweight Champion. The last reference we have shows Willie Love defending the title against Joe Harrison on December 16, 1959, in Atlanta. Bob Rasmussen & Guy Mitchell had been the reigning Southern Tag Team Champions since they defeated Gypsy Joe & Skull Murphy on May 5, 1961, in Atlanta. Baby Cheryl participated in an autograph session for fans.

MAY 27, 1966 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PAUL JONES SPORTS ARENA [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The Mysterious Medics defeated Danny Little Bear & Chief Crazy Horse > Dick Steinborn defeated Tony Nero > Enrique & Alberto Torres defeated Terry Garvin & Ken Yates > Mario Galento defeated Inferno #1 by disqualification > Bobby Shane and Inferno #2 wrestled to a draw > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Louie Tillet defeated Buddy Fuller* to win title / Notes: J.C. Dykes managed the Infernos. Louie Tillet had vowed if he could not defeat Buddy Fuller, he would throw five $100 bills to the crowd at ringside. Fuller had been billed as Southern Heavyweight Champion since March 25, 1966. It was announced that Greg Peterson and Pancho Rosario would be wrestling on the card on June 3, 1966, and that Gene Kiniski and Jack Bence would be wrestling in Atlanta soon.

MAY 27, 1967 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WAII STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tim Geohagen defeated El Mongol by disqualification > Mr. Wrestling defeated Bobby Graham > Louie Tillet defeated Bozo Brown > Jack Daniels and Enrique Torres wrestled to a draw / Notes: This was for the “Live Atlanta Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. Jack Crawford managed El Mongol.

MAY 27, 1969 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Corsica Jean defeated Joe Turco > Women’s Match: Bette Boucher defeated Vivian Vance > Dennis Hall & Little John defeated Los Toros > The Professional defeated Grizzly Smith

MAY 27, 1972 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WTCG STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Roberto Soto defeated Oki Shikina > Bob Armstrong defeated Buddy Colt by disqualification > Mr. X defeated Mike George / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. Billy Spears joined Capral to announce that he was now managing Buddy Colt. Tim Geohagen faced two men accepting the challenge he had issued weeks back, saying that no one could break his sleeper hold. The first, no name noted, apparently put up no serious fight to escape the hold. The second, however, managed to break free from the hold. Capral interviewed him, and he announced his name as Jim McKinney. It has been said that McKinney had no prior wrestling experience, but when he legitimately broke the hold, he was duped into using the money he won as a fee for training that resulted in a brief career afterwards.

MAY 27, 1974 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Sweetan versus Steve Keirn > Dennis Stamp versus Big John > Pat O’Connor versus the Great Malenko > US Junior Heavyweight Title Match: Louie Tillet* versus Pat Patterson > Ole & Gene Anderson versus Bob Armstrong & Andre the Giant / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 27, 1975 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mike Stallings defeated Lorenzo Parente by disqualification > Jerry Bryant defeated Ricky Gibson by disqualification > Rocky Johnson defeated Don Kent > Jerry Lawler defeated Bill Dromo > Bob Armstrong defeated Toru Tanaka > Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated the Outlaws / Notes: Dudley Clements was handcuffed to Rocky Johnson during the match between Bob Armstrong and Toru Tanaka. Rock Hunter managed Tanaka.

MAY 27, 1977 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Richard Blood defeated Bill Howard > Mixed Midget Tag Team Match: Cowboy Lang & Princess Little Dove defeated Little Tokyo & Diamond Lil > Mike Graham defeated Randy Savage > Paul Jones defeated Toru Tanaka > Dick Slater defeated Mr. Wrestling #1 > Indian Strap Match: Wahoo McDaniel defeated Lars Anderson > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Ox Baker > Waldo Von Erich defeated Black Atlas > World Tag Team Title Match: Bill Watts & Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Ole & Gene Anderson* by disqualification > Georgia Television Title Lights Out Match: Thunderbolt Patterson defeated the French Angel* to win title / Notes: During the match between Thunderbolt Patterson and the French Angel, police surrounded the ring to avoid any outside interference. Bearcat Wright managed Dick Slater. Charlie Smith was credited as being a referee on this card.

MAY 27, 1978 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WTCG STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The French Angel defeated Pago Pago > Abdullah the Butcher defeated Ted Allen > 1,000 Silver Dollar Match: Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Ole Anderson by disqualification > Tape: Ole Anderson & Stan Hansen versus Bill Irwin & Adrian Adonis > Tape: King Kong Mosca versus John Mentahoe > Ivan Koloff defeated Roger Howell / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Freddy Miller, filling in for Gordon Solie.

MAY 27, 1978 (SATURDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS SPORTS ARENA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tommy Rich & Steve Regal defeated Roger Howell & the French Angel > Ivan Koloff defeated Ted Allen > Paul Ellering defeated Abdullah the Butcher by disqualification / Notes: This was for the locally televised “Columbus Championship Wrestling”, hosted by Jim Carlisle and broadcast live on WRBL Channel 3. Rock Hunter managed Abdullah the Butcher. On this episode, while Bill Irwin & Adrian Adonis were waiting in the ring to wrestle Ole Anderson & Stan Hansen, the latter turned on each other and the match never began.

MAY 27, 1982 (THURSDAY) – GADSDEN, AL (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Kevin Sullivan and Tom Prichard wrestled to a draw > Michael Hayes defeated Ray Stevens > The Masked Superstar & the Super Destroyer defeated Brad Armstrong & Leroy Brown > Tommy Rich defeated Buzz Sawyer by disqualification

MAY 27, 1984 (SUNDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Dale Veasey defeated Greg Brown > Women’s Match: Joyce Grable defeated Cindy Wells > Tim Horner defeated Les Thornton > Jake Roberts defeated Sweet Brown Sugar > The Spoiler defeated Ron Garvin > King Kong Bundy & King Konga defeated the Road Warriors by disqualification / Notes: Paul Ellering managed Jake Roberts, the Spoiler, and the Road Warriors.

MAY 27, 1987 (WEDNESDAY) – MARIETTA, GA (Jody Hamilton – Promoter / Deep South Wrestling) > Deep South Heavyweight Title Match: Tommy Rich defeated the Botswana Beast* to win title