GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 06/18/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

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)

World Wrestling Entertainment results from the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, on June 17: CM Punk over Jamie Noble and Chavo Guerrero in a three-way match; Kofi Kingston over Shelton Benjamin; Michelle McCool & Kelly Kelly over Natalya Neidhart & Victoria; the Great Khali over Shannon Moore; John Morrison & the Miz over Finlay & Hornswoggle to retain the WWE Tag Team Title; Matt Hardy over Chuck Palumbo to retain the WWE US Heavyweight Title; Kane & the Undertaker over Mark Henry & MVP; Vladimir Kozlov over Funaki; and Batista over WWE World Heavyweight Champion Edge by disqualification in a title match. WWE has announced the following events: August 18 in Chicago, IL, at the Allstate Arena (RAW); and November 5 in Mannheim, Germany, at SAP Arena. (Rich Tate)

Ultimate Championship Wrestling will be at the Armory in Dade City, FL, on June 20. Advertised: a four-way for the UCW Heavyweight Title, featuring Steve Madison, Scott Davis, Buck Quartermaine, and Freedom Ryder; Tony Atlas versus Damballah; Ox Baker versus Jumbo Barretta; the Heartbreak Express versus East Elite, with Fetish; and Travis Funk versus Excalibur. UCW will be at the Outlet Mall in Spring Hill, FL, on June 21. Advertised are the same matches, plus Scott David versus Mandrake. Matches for both events start at 7:00 PM. Also for both events, adult tickets for ringside are $25, and general admission is 20. Children under 12 get in for $10, but ringside for kids is $15. Call (813) 377-2590 for more information. (Rich Tate)

A previously announced Total Nonstop Action event, originally planned for August 9 in Corinth, MS, has been postponed. No reschedule date has been announced at this time. (Rich Tate)

A Memphis/USWA Legends event will take place October 17-19 in Owensboro, KY and Evansville, IN. Advertised: Tommy Rich, Terry Funk, Robert Fuller, Jimmy Valiant, Pat Tanaka, Brickhouse Brown, Jimmy Golden, Pork Chop Cash, Bill Dundee, and Missy Hyatt. VIP Passes will be $120. Event promoter Tim Beal promises more names, and can be contacted via email at timab80@aol.com for more information. (Rich Tate)

Ring of Honor has announced the following event: November 7 in Montreal, Quebec, CA, at the Centre Jean-Claude Malepart. Tickets go on sale on June 24. (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

Gerweck is reporting that Ricky Morton and Bobby Eaton were suspended from wrestling in Kentucky until a hearing before the Athletic Commission. Apparently, they had committed to work for a promoter there on June 7. Instead, they were at the National Wrestling Alliance event in Atlanta, GA, that night. (Rich Tate)

Click here for this week’s Bill Behrens’ NWA Notes update. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Mitsu Misawa (46), Big Vito (39), and Melissa Coates (37).

Today in Memoriam: Rip Collins (1993), Rod Trongard (72, 2005), and Ricky Fowler (52, 2007).

NOSTALGIA

JUNE 18, 1929 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Earl McGrory – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > John Freberg and Joe Rogacki wrestled to a draw at 60:00 > Paul Jones defeated Mike Rembert (2-0) at 16:10 and 1:00 / Notes: This appears to have been the last event promoted by Earl McGrory. Henry Weber picked up the torch in Atlanta five months later.

JUNE 18, 1934 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – FAIR STREET ARENA (Jason Thompson – Promoter) > Frank Remille defeated Jimmy Hope > Ted Sarris defeated Tarzan Jordan > Spike O’Brien defeated Eddie Stecher / Notes: Eddie Stecher substituted for Bill Crussell in the match with Spike O’Brien.

JUNE 18, 1935 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – KEY ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Sammy Miller defeated Whitey Patterson > Tarzan Jordan defeated Honey Boy Hackney > Jack Ross defeated Louis LaChene / Notes: It was reported that 5,000 were in attendance for this card. All fans in attendance were given a free gift. Among the gifts were 500 baskets of groceries, 500 boxes of candy, two radios, and beer and wine.

JUNE 18, 1936 (THURSDAY) – AVONDALE, GA – AVONDALE ARENA (Nat Jones – Promoter) > Bill Collins versus the Satin Kid > Billy Rayburn versus Sammy Miller > Southern Light Heavyweight Title Match: Tarzan Jordan* versus Son Almand / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Tarzan Jordan had been the reigning Southern Light Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Jack Ross on June 15, 1936, in Atlanta.

JUNE 18, 1937 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WEST END ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Joe Ferona versus Baron Von Hoffman > Bill Collins versus Buck Lawson > Petro Rossi defeated John Mauldin by countout / Notes: Aside from the match between Petro Rossi and John Mauldin, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found.

JUNE 18, 1943 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Sammy Friedman – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > John Mauldin defeated Jack McAdams > John Grandovich defeated Roy Graham > Ralph Garibaldi & Dorv Roche defeated Cowboy Luttrall & the Black Panther / Notes: Jack McAdams substituted for Roland Kirchmeyer in the match with John Mauldin. The Black Panther had vowed he would unmask if he and Cowboy Luttrall could not defeat Ralph Garibaldi & Dorv Roche. He unmasked following the match and was identified as Albert Mills.

JUNE 18, 1945 (MONDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Lou Masters, Dick Leonard, and Buster White – Promoters) > The Green Hornet defeated Nick Carter > Bill Collins defeated Wally Greb > Pat Kelly and Roland Kirchmeyer wrestled to a draw

JUNE 18, 1948 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Johnny Long defeated Al Getz > Al Galento & Babe Zaharias defeated Al Massey & Bobby Roberts > Pete Managoff defeated Jim Coffield > Joe Savoldi defeated Don Lee / Notes: Max Baer was the special referee for the match between Joe Savoldi and Don Lee.

JUNE 18, 1954 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Graham and Harry Smith wrestled to a draw > Red McIntyre defeated Clyde Steeves > Jack Steele & El Toro defeated Tex Riley & Chief Big Heart > Argentina Rocca defeated Art Nelson by disqualification / Notes: Although not mentioned, Kola Kwariani was likely in attendance, as he was charged with traveling with Argentina Rocca as a troubleshooter for him.

JUNE 18, 1962 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Steve Manderson – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tarzan White versus Bulldog Lawley > Ivor Barrett versus Chief Little Eagle > Pedro Godoy versus Lenny Montana > Women’s World Title Match: the Fabulous Moolah* versus Fran Gravette / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. The Fabulous Moolah had been billed as Women’s World Champion since she defeated Judy Grable on September 18, 1956, in Baltimore, MD. However, she was not considered the undisputed champion until June Byers retired with her title, won in Atlanta on August 20, 1954, in a win over Mildred Burke, until Byers retired in 1964.

JUNE 18, 1963 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Corsica Joe defeated Silento Rodriguez at 14:00 > Tim Geohagen defeated Jack Bence > Bill Dromo defeated Tito Kopa at 11:00 > Tarzan Tyler defeated Dick Steinborn

JUNE 18, 1965 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The Corsicans defeated Greg Peterson & Tony Baillargeon > Bad Boy Hines defeated Harry Smith > Bob Orton defeated Lester Welch > Southern Tag Team Title Match: Mario & Al Galento* defeated Buddy Fuller & Chief Little Eagle / Notes: During the match between Mario & Al Galento and Buddy Fuller & Chief Little Eagle, Fuller injured Al Galento’s foot. The Galentos had been the reigning Southern Tag Team Champions since they defeated Joe Scarpa & Chief Little Eagle on June 11, 1965, in Atlanta. Eddie Graham had been scheduled, but there was no mention in the reports following the card.

JUNE 18, 1966 (SATURDAY) – MARIETTA, GA – LARRY BELL BALLPARK (Elmo Chappell – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bobby Shane versus Evil Eye Valentine > Greg Peterson versus Ken Yates > Enrique & Alberto Torres versus Jack Bence & Wildman Wehba / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JUNE 18, 1968 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Silento Rodriguez defeated Roberto Gonzalez > Johnny Walker & Jim Wilson and Tank Morgan & Guillotine Gordon wrestled to a draw > Louie Tillet defeated El Mongol by disqualification / Notes: Jack Crawford managed El Mongol.

JUNE 18, 1971 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Roberto Soto defeated Krusher Karlson by disqualification > Bill Dromo defeated Cisco Grimaldo > Women’s Match: Kay Noble and Jean Antone wrestled to a draw > Klondike Bill defeated Guillotine Gordon > Elimination Tag Team Match (No TL): Ray Gunkel, Dick Steinborn, Kubla Khan & El Mongol defeated Rocket & Flash Monroe & the Assassins > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Buddy Colt* defeated the Professional / Notes: Jean Antone substituted for Betty Nicoli in the match with Kay Noble. Per the stipulation when Ray Gunkel, Dick Steinborn, Kubla Khan & El Mongol defeated Rocket & Flash Monroe & the Assassins, Gunkel won the reported $1,500 purse for being the last man standing. Homer O’Dell managed Buddy Colt. It is unclear as to how Colt became recognized as Georgia Heavyweight Champion. The last reference we have shows El Mongol defending the title against Guillotine Gordon on May 28, 1970, in Atlanta. Charlie Smith was credited as being a referee for this card. Dick Steinborn participated in an autograph session for fans.

JUNE 18, 1974 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM [P] (Ann Gunkel – Promoter / All-South Wrestling Alliance) > Ted Oates and the Champ wrestled to a draw > Charlie Cook defeated Oki Shikina > Lanny Poffo defeated Wayne Cowan > The Islanders defeated Kim Duk & the Great Fuji > Tarzan Tyler and El Mongol wrestled to a draw > Bob Ellis, Ron Pritchard & Carlos Colon defeated Jerry Graham & the Royal Kangaroos by disqualification > US Heavyweight Title Match: Ray Candy* defeated Ox Baker > Russian Chain Match: the Magnificent Zulu defeated the Missouri Mauler > Ernie Ladd defeated Crusher Verdu by disqualification > Brass Knuckles Cage Match (No DQ / No TL): the Assassins defeated Rock Hunter & the Mighty Yankee / Notes: The match between Ernie Ladd and Crusher Verdu was billed as a “Battle of the Giants”. Rock Hunter managed the Mighty Yankee. Rock Hunter managed Jerry Graham, Crusher Verdu, the Missouri Mauler, and the Mighty Yankee. The program we have for this card features an advertisement urging fans to vote for Robb Pitts for the seat of Fulton County Commissioner for the sixth district.

JUNE 18, 1974 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Orton, Jr., defeated Doug Somers > Big John defeated Steve Keirn > Art Nelson defeated Gene Yates > The Great Mephisto defeated Dennis Stamp > Macon Tag Team Title Match: Ron & Terry Garvin* and Jack Welch & Mr. Wrestling #1 wrestled to a draw > Southeastern Tag Team Title Match: Ole & Gene Anderson* versus Bill Dromo & Jerry Oates ruled a no contest / Notes: Jimmy Garvin managed Ron & Terry Garvin.

JUNE 18, 1976 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tony Charles and Skip Young wrestled to a draw > Jan Nelson defeated Les Thornton > The Red Devils defeated Rick Martel & Ken Mantell > Pak Song defeated Dean Ho > Abdullah the Butcher defeated Ernie Ladd > Dick Slater versus Thunderbolt Patterson / Notes: Dick Slater and Thunderbolt Patterson were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card. Rock Hunter managed Abdullah the Butcher.

JUNE 18, 1977 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WTCG STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Dick Slater defeated Jerry Stubbs > Tape: Ole & Gene Anderson versus Bill Watts & Thunderbolt Patterson > Ole & Gene Anderson defeated Richard Blood & Terry Gibbs > Paul Jones defeated Charlie Fulton > Waldo Von Erich defeated Larry Cheatham > Pak Song defeated Mike Pappas / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Gordon Solie. Rock Hunter managed Pak Song.

JUNE 18, 1978 (SUNDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Pez Whatley and Hartford Love wrestled to a draw > Rick Martel & Tommy Rich defeated Mad Dog Martin & the French Angel > Georgia Television Title Match: Thunderbolt Patterson* defeated the Assassin by countout > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Bob Armstrong defeated King Kong Mosca* by disqualification > 1,000 Silver Dollar Taped Fist Match: Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Ole Anderson > Columbus Heavyweight Title Match: Stan Hansen defeated Abdullah the Butcher* to win title / Notes: Rock Hunter managed Abdullah the Butcher.

JUNE 18, 1978 (SUNDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH CIVIC CENTER (Aaron Newman – Promoter / Jim Crockett Promotions) > Bill Howard and Mr. Saito wrestled to a draw > Don Kernodle defeated Frank Monte > Ted Oates & Swede Hanson defeated Gene Anderson & Jerry Blackwell > Paul Jones defeated Baron Von Raschke > Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title Match: Ken Patera* defeated Ricky Steamboat by disqualification

JUNE 18, 1979 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Stubbs defeated Ben Alexander > Mike Stallings defeated John Wolfe > Ray Candy defeated the Masked Superstar > Georgia Television Title Match: Blackjack Lanza* defeated Bob Armstrong > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff* defeated Stan Hansen & Wahoo McDaniel / Notes: Bobby Heenan managed Blackjack Lanza and the Masked Superstar.

JUNE 18, 1980 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Eddie Gilbert defeated Charlie Fulton > Kevin Sullivan defeated Genichiro Tenryu > Mark Lewin defeated Don Diamond > Tommy Rich defeated Bob Sweetan > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Assassin #1 > Tony Atlas defeated Baron Von Raschke > Russian Chain Match: Alexis Smirnoff defeated Lars Anderson / Notes: Rock Hunter managed Ivan Koloff and Alexis Smirnoff. The Great Mephisto managed Mark Lewin.

JUNE 18, 1983 (SATURDAY) – CHATTANOOGA, TN – CHATTANOOGA MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM (Bill Dundee – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Steve O defeated Bill Rose > The French Angel & the Bounty Hunter defeated Ray Candy & Joe Lightfoot > The Stray Cat defeated Larry Hare > Carl Fergie & Norman Frederick Charles III defeated the Fantastic Ones > Bill Dundee defeated Dutch Mantell / Notes: Joe Lightfoot substituted for Gerald Finley to team Ray Candy with in the match with the French Angel & the Bounty Hunter. Jim Cornette managed Carl Fergie, Norman Frederick Charles III, the French Angel, and the Bounty Hunter.

JUNE 18, 1983 (SATURDAY) – KNOXVILLE, TN – CIVIC COLISEUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Roop versus Rick Rood > Stan Hansen & Pez Whatley versus the Road Warriors > Ron Garvin versus the Iron Sheik > Dick Murdoch versus Buzz Sawyer > Tommy Rich & Ernie Shavers versus Larry Zbyszko & Killer Brooks / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Paul Ellering managed Buzz Sawyer, the Iron Sheik, and the Road Warriors.