GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 06/17/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

World Wrestling Entertainment’s SmackDown/ECW crew will be at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, tonight. WWE results from the RAW tapings at the E-Center of West Valley City in Salt Lake City, UT, on June 16: in dark matches, Brian Kendrick & Paul London over Santino Marella & Snitsky; Ron Killings over Jeff McAllister; for the live broadcast, John Cena over Umaga; Maria won a bikini contest; Jeff Hardy over Carlito; Paul & Katie Lea Burchill over Mr. Kennedy & Mickie James; Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly over Cryme Tyme; and Triple H over Chris Jericho by disqualification when Lance Cade interfered, followed by Cena. Tickets for the following WWE events go on sale tomorrow: November 6 in Milan, Italy, at PalaSharp (RAW/ECW); and November 7 in Rome, Italy, at Palalottomatica (RAW/ECW). (Rich Tate)

Florida Championship Wrestling will be at the Bourbon Street Night Club in New Port Richey, FL, on June 17. Bell time is 8:30 PM, and admission is $7. Advertised: Heath Miller versus Shawn Spears; the Empire defends the FCW Tag Team Title against Jack Gabriel & Sheamus O’Shaunessy; Nicole Bella versus Katie Lea; Greg Jackson versus Nic Nemeth, with Brad Allen and Tiffany; and Evan Bourne versus Afa. (Rich Tate)

Total Nonstop Action results from the Brentwood Center in Essex, England, on June 15: the Motor City Machine Guns over Petey Williams & Sonjay Dutt; Awesome Kong over Gail Kim to retain the TNA Women’s Title; LAX over Robert Roode & James Storm to retain the TNA World Tag Team Title; A.J. Styles over Doug Williams and Jay Lethal in a three-way match; Booker T over Rhino; and Samoa Joe over Abyss to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Title. (Rich Tate)

AWA World-1 South and the Georgia Pro Wrestling Association are bringing a lucha libre show to La Estrella in Tifton, GA, on June 20. Bell time is 8:00 PM. Admission is $10, with kids 12 and under admitted free. Advertised: El Proximo versus El Tirador; John Rodriguez & Fuego versus El Caliente & Son of the Sun; Mike Jackson versus El Mexicano; Kim Dakota versus La Vampira; El Pasilla Americana versus the Ultimate Dragon; A.J. Steele versus El Luchador. Call (229) 382-6520. GPWA results from Club What’s Next??? In Tifton, GA, on June 12: Dallas Riley over Johnny Romano; Big Bank Barfield over Psych; Jack Manley & Dagon Briggs over Ash Christianson & Remy Marcel; a no contest between Jake Slater and Brokishi; Vordell Walker over Jon Davis; and Preston Paradise over A.J. Steele. (Rich Tate)

NWA Anarchy runs their next television on June 21 at the NWA Arena in Cornelia, GA, with the following advertised lineup: Mr. Adonis vs. Mikal Judas, NWA Anarchy Tag Team Title Match: Devil's Rejects (Shaun Tempers & Azrael with the Reverend) (c) vs. New Wave (Derrick Driver & Steven Walters) , Nemesis & Jay Fury vs. Wes Grissom & Chip Day, Jay Clinton vs. T.K. Cross vs. Caleb Conley, Iceberg (with the Rev) vs. Malachi, Brodie Chase (with Melissa Coates) vs. Bo Newsome, Hollywood Brunettes (Andrews Alexander & Kyle Matthews) vs. Talent & Money (J. T. Talent & Andrew Pendleton III), Todd Sexton & The Technicians (Bob E. & Tyler Smith) vs. Ace Rockwell & Wild Bunch (Billy Buck & Chris King), NWA Anarchy TV Title Match: Truitt Fields (c) vs. Brandon Phoenix and Chad Parham vs. Shadow Jackson. Also advertised to appear are: NWA Anarchy owner Jerry Palmer, Sal Rinauro, Adrian Hawkins, Kimo, Shatter, Attorney Jeff G Bailey and more, including an update on the condition of Slim J. (Larry Goodman)

Prime Time Pro Wrestling returns to the Community Center in Manchester, GA, on June 21. Talent advertised to appear includes Mr. Hughes, Chris Stevens, Big Rod Simmons, El Loco, Jr., JJ Flash, Chick Donovan, Thomas Britain & Simon Sermon, Southside Trash, and a ladies match featuring Brandy Scotch Baker. Bell time is 8 p.m. Kids Fun Fest starts at 6 p.m. Pics and autographs with the wrestlers at 7 p.m. The advertised card for the PTPW show on June 28 at the Community Center in Manchester, GA, is as follows: Colt Derringer vs. Rob Adonis, Truitt Fields vs. Hayden Young, Sal Rinauro vs. Ace Rockwell, Southside Trash vs. Ron Stalker & Dustin Powers, Frankie Valentine vs. Adrian Hawkins and Thomas Britain & Simon Sermon vs. El Loco, Jr., & JJ Flash. Bell time is 8 p.m., with a Kids Fest at 6 p.m., and pics and autographs with the wrestlers at 7 p.m. (Larry Goodman)

Global Championship Wrestling returns to the Community Center in Palmerdale, AL at 7:30 on June 21. Advertised: In tag team action, "The Natural" Chase Stevens & "Picture Perfect" Adam Armor take on The Memory Maker & "Wild Thing" Will Owens. In a mixed tag grudge match, Genni Right & Maddog Dan Sawyer will face Veronica Fairchild & David Young. Soul Crusher faces The Nasty Kritter. "So Fine" Frankie Valentine takes on The INHuman Fly. Kodiak takes on Orion Bishop. Joey Lightning goes up against The Russian Assassin. Jesse Pain will be defending the GCW heavyweight championship against Theodore Tutwiler III w/Howard C Cross. Also, the midgets will be in Palmerdale as "The Enigma" Chris Cross takes on Little Poppa Pump. (Brian Slack)

Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling will be at the Activity Center in Bremen, GA, on June 22. Bell time is 7:00 PM and doors open at 6:00. Advertised: Bull Buchanan versus a mystery opponent; David Young versus Chase Stevens; Josh Stone versus Bulldog Raines, with the loser serving hot dogs; Frankie Valentine versus Rob Adonis; Kyle Matthews versus the Nightmare; and Sal Rinauro versus Chip Day. Call (770) 355-5742 for more information. SECW and Power Pro Wrestling partnered to run a show at the Activity Center in Bremen, GA, on June 14. The results are as follows: Jay Clinton & Lamar Phillips over Chris Lightning & Chris Ganzer; Billy Knight over the New Generation Assassin; Josh Storm over Sal Rinauro; the Nightmare over Chip Day and Frankie Valentine & Bulldog Raines over Rob Adonis & Josh Stone. Jeff McGowan, Ricky Spears, and John Smith were referees. The reported attendance was 150. (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

Jimmy Rave, who just returned to the states following his participation in the New Japan Pro Wrestling Super Juniors Tournament, joins Peach State Pandemonium on June 18. The program will also feature Cru Jones, recently named Wrestler of the Month in Georgia, and Matthew Randazzo, author of Ring of Hell: the Story of Chris Benoit and the Fall of the Pro Wrestling Industry. Dan Masters and I host the show, and Tim Dix will provide additional commentary. Listen live at 9:00 PM ET, and feel free to call in at (347) 324-5735 with questions or comments. (Rich Tate)

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution published a story today on Lex Luger. Click here for the article. (Rich Tate)

NOSTALGIA

JUNE 17, 1921 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – BUSINESS MEN’S ATHLETIC CLUB (Walk Miller – Promoter) > Jim Londos defeated Paul Martinson (2-0) at 27:00 and 12:00 / Notes: Walk Miller was a boxing promoter, who offered wrestling matches as preliminary events on his cards.

JUNE 17, 1935 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – NEW COLISEUM (Jack Browning – Promoter) > Jack Ross defeated Pat Newman > Southern Lightweight Title Match: Don McIntyre* and Alex Anderson wrestled to a draw / Notes: Don McIntyre had been the reigning Southern Lightweight Champion since he defeated Pat Newman on June 10, 1935, in Augusta.

JUNE 17, 1936 (WEDNESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PONCE de LEON BALL PARK (Frank Speer – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > George Hagen and Rudy LaDitzi wrestled to a draw > Dick Raines defeated Eddie Newman > Strangler Lewis defeated Orville Brown

JUNE 17, 1936 (WEDNESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – NEW COLISEUM (Bill Metzger – Promoter) > Charlie Layden defeated Otto Von Ludwig > Southern Lightweight Title Match: Johnny Marrs* defeated Jimmy Morris (2-1) / Notes: It is unclear as to how Johnny Marrs came to be recognized as the holder of the Southern Lightweight Title. However, he did face former champion Jack Ross on June 11, 1936, in Augusta, and that may have been where he won it, although without documented results from that card, it is simply speculation.

JUNE 17, 1937 (THURSDAY) – AVONDALE, GA – AVONDALE ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Eddie Elzea versus Paddy Nolan > Don Rainey and Buck Lawson wrestled to a draw at 60:00 > Joe Ferona versus John Mauldin / Notes: Aside from the match between Don Rainey and Buck Lawson, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found.

JUNE 17, 1940 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – RED ROCK ARENA (Nat Jones and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > John Dameron versus Bill Jeffries > Jack Bloomfield versus Tony Papalino > Jack McAdams versus Red Callahan / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JUNE 17, 1946 (MONDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Lou Masters, Dick Leonard, and Buster White – Promoters) > George Romanoff & Tarzan White defeated Mike St. Francis & the Green Hornet by disqualification > John Cretoria defeated Jack Singer by disqualification

JUNE 17, 1949 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don Keene and Al Massey wrestled to a draw > Rex Mobley defeated Lozano Martinez by disqualification > Jack Dillon & Al Galento defeated Don & Red McIntyre > Nick Carter defeated Tom Mahoney

JUNE 17, 1954 (THURSDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS SPORTS ARENA [P] (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Dillon versus Tex Riley > Jerry Graham versus Chief Big Heart > Red McIntyre versus El Toro > Jerry Graham, Jack Dillon & El Toro versus Chief Big Heart, Tex Riley & Red McIntyre / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Frank Thompson was credited as being a referee on this card. We have a program for this card, which mentions the “Live Atlanta Wrestling” program from Atlanta’s WLWA TV Channel 11. This makes it appear as though the Columbus area either was able to receive the signal and watch, or Fred Ward was simply providing assistance in helping get the message out that the show existed and admission to the studio was free. It would be several more years before Ward was able to secure a deal to air matches locally from his venues. The program, much like the ones we have for Atlanta, lists office staff credits as well: Ticket Sellers include Mrs. Ward (presumably Rose Ward) and Horace Coulter (also acknowledged as being a Ticket Taker), Mrs. Anne Jameson (Advertising Manager), Walter Graham (Ring Announcer), Bill Kelly (Timekeeper), Dr. Jim Ward (Physician), and Lewis Powell Charleston (Concessions). It also credits Boyce Dial, Millard Fingerhut, and John Strange as Ushers, as well as noting that Fred Grady and C.P. Hasty are Police on Duty. It was announced that Don McIntyre and Freddie Blassie would be wrestling in Columbus on June 24, 1954.

JUNE 17, 1955 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Dick Brown defeated Larry Hamilton by disqualification > Roy Shire and Steve Novak wrestled to a draw > Andre Drapp & Dick Brown defeated Eddie Gossett & Larry Hamilton > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Freddie Blassie* defeated Jerry Graham / Notes: Freddie Blassie had been billed as Southern Heavyweight Champion since he allegedly defeated Mr. Moto on February 8, 1954, in Birmingham, AL. In the match between Blassie and Jerry Graham, Graham was initially declared the winner, but Paul Jones reversed the decision for reasons that are unclear. Bobby Wallace managed Roy Shire.

JUNE 17, 1957 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack O’Brien versus Al Massey > Freddie Blassie versus George Drake > Southern Heavyweight Title Match (No TL): Kurt Von Brawner* versus Oni Wiki Wiki / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Although Kurt Von Brawner was no longer recognized as Southern Heavyweight Champion in Atlanta, he had been billed as such in Augusta since April 10, 1957, and in Marietta since May 31, 1957.

JUNE 17, 1960 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Leo Garibaldi versus Lou Whitson > Dickie Gunkel & Chief Little Eagle versus the Corsicans > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: the Mighty Yankee defeated Ray Gunkel* to win title / Notes: Aside from the match between Ray Gunkel and the Mighty Yankee, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found. Ray Gunkel had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Freddie Blassie on June 10, 1960, in Atlanta.

JUNE 17, 1966 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Greg Peterson defeated Jack Vansky > Bobby Shane & Dick Steinborn defeated Ken Yates & Pancho Rosario > Bob Armstrong defeated Evil Eye Valentine > Chief Little Eagle defeated Wildman Wehba > Ray Gunkel defeated Jack Bence > World Tag Team Title Match: Enrique & Alberto Torres defeated the Infernos* to win title > Southern Heavyweight Title Texas Death Match: Buddy Fuller defeated Louie Tillet* to win title / Notes: J.C. Dykes managed the Infernos. Leo Garibaldi was credited as being a referee on this card. The Infernos had been the reigning World Tag Team Champions since they defeated the Mysterious Medics on June 10, 1966, in Atlanta. Louie Tillet had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Buddy Fuller on May 27, 1966, in Atlanta. The program for this card featured a photo of Buddy Fuller’s horse named Heist. It was announced that Gene Kiniski would be wrestling on the card on June 24, 1966, and that Butcher Vachon would be wrestling in Atlanta soon.

JUNE 17, 1967 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WAII STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Armstrong defeated Alex Perez by disqualification > Derrell Cochran defeated Jerry Graham by disqualification > Stan & Butcher Vachon defeated Tim Geohagen & Mr. Wrestling / Notes: This was for the “Live Atlanta Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral.

JUNE 17, 1969 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Los Toros defeated Tim Geohagen & Dennis Hall > Bob Armstrong defeated Skandor Akbar > Little John defeated the Professional > Women’s World Title Match: the Fabulous Moolah* defeated Donna Christianello / Notes: The Fabulous Moolah had been billed as Women’s World Champion since she defeated Judy Grable on September 18, 1956, in Baltimore, MD.

JUNE 17, 1972 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WTCG STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Roberto Soto defeated Dick Shannon > Ox Baker and El Mongol wrestled to a draw > Karl Von Stroheim versus the Avenger / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. Karl Von Stroheim and the Avenger were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card.

JUNE 17, 1974 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Doug Somers versus Dennis Stamp > Ron Garvin versus Jerry Brisco > Art Nelson versus Mr. Wrestling #1 > Steve Keirn versus the Great Mephisto > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Ole & Gene Anderson* versus Bill Dromo & Robert Fuller > Big John versus Mr. Wrestling #2 / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. A battle royal for a reported purse of $7,400 was scheduled, but no details were reported following the card. Jimmy Garvin managed Ron Garvin. Louie Tillet was the special referee for the match between Big John and Mr. Wrestling #2.

JUNE 17, 1977 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The French Angel defeated Abe Jacobs > Pak Song defeated Mike Stallings > Tony Atlas defeated Waldo Von Erich > Dusty Rhodes defeated Lars Anderson > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Ole & Gene Anderson* defeated Paul Jones & Rocky Johnson > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Dick Slater / Notes: Bearcat Wright managed Dick Slater. Rock Hunter managed Pak Song.

JUNE 17, 1978 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WTCG STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Stan Hansen defeated Jose Vasquez > Mad Dog Martin defeated Ted Allen > Ric Flair & Abdullah the Butcher defeated Roger Howell & Jose Medina > Tony Atlas defeated Joe Turco > Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff defeated Rick McGraw & Bill Irwin > The Assassin defeated Ted Allen > Tape: Ernie Ladd & Dusty Rhodes versus Ivan Koloff & the Sheik > Ric Flair defeated Bill Irwin > Tape: the Sheik > King Kong Mosca defeated Jose Medina / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Freddy Miller, filling in for Gordon Solie. The tape of the Sheik was actually a montage of various clips. Rock Hunter managed Ric Flair and Abdullah the Butcher. Rick Martel and Pez Whatley also appeared on this episode.

JUNE 17, 1979 (SUNDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Roberts versus Carl Fergie > Norvel Austin versus Kurt Von Hess > Georgia Television Title Match: Blackjack Lanza* versus Tony Atlas > Mr. Wrestling #1 versus the Masked Superstar > Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff versus Stan Hansen & Tommy Rich > Ernie Ladd versus Wahoo McDaniel / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JUNE 17, 1979 (SUNDAY) – MARIETTA, GA – COBB COUNTY CIVIC CENTER (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Genichiro Tenryu defeated Bill Howard > Doug Somers defeated Mike Stallings > Blackjack Lanza defeated Mr. Wrestling #2 > Wahoo McDaniel defeated Ernie Ladd > Stan Hansen & Tommy Rich versus Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff ruled a no contest / Notes: Bobby Heenan managed Blackjack Lanza.

JUNE 17, 1980 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mike Sharpe defeated the French Angel > Eddie Gilbert defeated Genichiro Tenryu > Mark Lewin defeated Don Diamond > Tommy Rich & Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated the Assassins > Kevin Sullivan defeated Bob Sweetan > Boxing Match: Tony Atlas defeated Alexis Smirnoff > Jay Strongbow defeated Baron Von Raschke / Notes: Rock Hunter managed Alexis Smirnoff. The Great Mephisto managed Mark Lewin.

JUNE 17, 1981 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ted Oates and the French Angel wrestled to a draw > Jimmy Snuka defeated Tommy Wright > Bruce Reed defeated Jim Duggan > Ted DiBiase & Steve O defeated Terry Gordy & Bryan St. John > No DQ Match: Ken Patera defeated Mike Sharpe

JUNE 17, 1983 (FRIDAY) – CINCINNATI, OH – RIVERFRONT COLISEUM (Les Thatcher – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Roop and Joe Lightfoot wrestled to a draw > Ron Garvin defeated Paul Ellering by countout > The Road Warriors defeated Stan Hansen & Pez Whatley > Lumberjack Match: Buzz Sawyer defeated Dick Murdoch > Boxing Match: Tommy Rich & Ernie Shavers defeated Larry Zbyszko & Killer Brooks / Notes: Paul Ellering managed Buzz Sawyer and the Road Warriors.

JUNE 17, 1984 (SUNDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Oates defeated Tommy Rogers > Nikolai Volkoff defeated Greg Brown > Tim Horner defeated Jake Roberts > Ron Garvin & Jerry Oates defeated the Road Warriors > The Spoiler defeated the Junkyard Dog / Notes: Paul Ellering managed Jake Roberts, the Spoiler, and the Road Warriors.

JUNE 17, 1984 (SUNDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Kamala defeated King Konga > Tim Horner defeated Tommy Rogers > The Junkyard Dog defeated Nikolai Volkoff > Ole Anderson defeated Assassin #1 > The Masked Superstar defeated the Spoiler > The Road Warriors versus the Zambuie Express ruled a no contest > NWA World Television Title Match: Jake Roberts defeated Ron Garvin* to win title / Notes: Paul Ellering managed Jake Roberts, the Spoiler, and the Road Warriors. Paul Jones managed Kamala and Assassin #1.