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Thursday, January 8, 2009

SOUTHEASTERN WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 01/08/2009

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS and NOTES

Wednesday night’s Peach State Pandemonium, with Rich Tate, Les Thatcher, and Tim Dix, featured legendary manager James ‘J.J.’ Dillon, and there was also a big announcement made regarding PSP for 2009. PSP is a product of Georgia Wrestling History’s GWH Radio Network. Click here to listen to the archive.

The GWHRN’s next broadcast will be a PSP Fix on January 10, with Rich Tate and the Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer previewing Total Nonstop Action’s Genesis PPV, set to take place the following night. The Fix begins at 9:00 PM ET.

The final overall rating for last Friday’s edition of World Wrestling Entertainment’s SmackDown was 2.1, while the Tuesday edition of WWE’s ECW was 1.4.

WWE’s RAW/ECW crew will be at the Albany Civic Center in Albany, GA, on March 6.

Mike Johnson is reporting that WWE let go several employees within the Stamford, CT, headquarters. He noted that the cuts, which equate to 10% of the personnel in Stamford, included some from its television and website departments. Johnson also stated that more cuts are expected this week.

The lineup for tonight’s iMPACT broadcast on Spike TV, from TNA, is as follows: Chris Sabin versus Sonjay Dutt; Christy Hemme versus Angelina Love; Eric Young versus over in a tournament match for the vacant TNA X Division Title; Awesome Kong versus Madison Green; Robert Roode versus Matt Morgan; and Kurt Angle versus B.G. James.

TNA will be in Wilson, NC, at the Bill Ellis Convention Center on January 9. Advertised: Booker T defends the TNA Legends Title against Rhino; Beer Money, Inc., with Jacquline, defends the TNA World Tag Team Title against Jay Lethal & Consequences Creed; Awesome Kong defends the TNA Women’s Title against Taylor Wilde; Kip James versus Abyss; and Eric Young versus Sheik Abdul Bashir. Also on the bill: Sonjay Dutt, Traci Brooks, and the Motor City Machine Guns. Bell time is 7:30 PM.

It was rumored a few weeks ago that TNA would be having an event at the Macon Coliseum in Macon, GA, on February 20. We typically hold out on announcing these events until the promotions make them official by posting it at their websites, even if the venue and/or ticket broker are advertising it. However, with tickets going on sale on Friday, we will add this event to our listings.

Dave Meltzer is reporting that Ring of Honor received an offer on Wednesday from HDNet for a weekly one hour program.

ROH will be at Sports Network and Fitness in Manassas, VA, on January 16. Advertised: Nigel McGuinness versus Tyler Black; Bryan Danielson versus Jimmy Jacobs; Jay Briscoe & Roderick Strong versus the American Wolves (Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards); Jerry Lynn versus Austin Aries; Delirious versus the Necro Butcher in a grudge match; Brent Albright & Erick Stevens versus Damien Wayne & Chris Escobar; and Rhett Titus versus Sean Denny. Bell time is 8:00 PM.

ROH will also be at the Inman Sports Club in Edison, NJ, on January 17. Advertised: Bryan Danielson versus Jerry Lynn; a grudge match featuring Jimmy Jacobs versus Tyler Black; a lumberjack match featuring Erick Stevens & Roderick Strong versus the American Wolves (Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards), with Larry Sweeney; a four-corners match featuring Necro Butcher, Delirious, and two others to be announced; Brent Albright versus Rhett Titus; and Jay Briscoe versus Chris Escobar. Bell time is 7:30 PM.

ROH will then be at the Michigan State Fairgrounds & Expo Center in Detroit, MI, on January 30. Advertised: Kevin Steen & El Generico defend the ROH World Tag Team Title against the American Wolves (Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards), with Larry Sweeney; and Brent Albright versus Claudio Castagnoli. Bell time is 8:00 PM.

ROH will be back at the Frontier Fieldhouse in Chicago Ridge, IL, on January 31. Advertised: Brent Albright, Erick Stevens, Roderick Strong, and another partner to be announced versus Sweet N Sour, Inc., in a caged grudge match; and Alex Payne versus Silas Young. Bell time is 7:30 PM.

Great Championship Wrestling has their first show of 2009 tonight at the GCW Asylum (1027 280 Bypass) in Phenix City, AL. The advertised main event features the 2008 Tag Team of the Year, Hot Like Lava (Cru Jones & Shaun Banks), vs. GCW Champion J-Rod & Frankie Valentine. Also advertised: The Merchants of Death (Orion Bishop, Wicked Nemesis, Murder One, & Slaughter), Rob Adonis, Kareem Abdul Jamar, 80s Guy John Bogie, Princeton Gainey, The Southside Trash, Tex Monroe, and Joey Lightning. For advanced ticket info, call 334-664-1780.

All-State Wrestling will be at the Statum Cab Company Building in Shelbyville, TN, tonight.

Ericules Wrestling Promotions will be at the Green Acres Flea Market in Louisville, TN, tonight.

Florida Championship Wrestling will be at the FCW Arena in Tampa, FL, tonight.

The following information in regard to birthdays and memoriams has been compiled from various sources. In the event you can let us know of any omissions or corrections, please email to contributions@georgiawrestlinghistory.com.

Today’s Birthdays: Luke Williams (1947), Bobby Jaggers (1948), Rey Mysterio, Sr. (1958), Bull Nakano (1968), Chris Masters (1983), and Peggy Lee Leather.

Today In Memoriam: Mike Kilonis (86, 1999).

Click here for this week’s update of Wrestler’s Eye View with Les Thatcher.

Ashley Fliehr plead guilty to resisting an officer in connection with the fight at her apartment last September. Click here to read the story posted on the WRAL-TV (Raleigh/Durham) website.

Click here for Larry Goodman’s review of the January 3 broadcast of Showtime All-Star Wrestling.

Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling have announced that “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Buff Bagwell, the Midnight Express, and the Rock & Roll Express will appear at Easley High School in Easley, SC, on January 9. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Bell time is 8:00 PM. General admission tickets are $12. Ringside $20 (excludes front row). $75 Flair Super Ticket includes front row ringside seat, and meet-and-greet with Flair to include 8x10 autographed photo. Tickets are available at Upstate Carolina Mortgage on E. Main St. in Easley, Family Auto on Calhoun Memorial Hwy., the High School Office, and at the door.

Gimmicks Only Underground Grappling Entertainment will present “Winter Wars” at Vintage 21 in Raleigh, NC, on January 9. Doors open at 7:00 PM. Bell time 8:00 PM. Advertised: Leroye Greene (GOUGE Champ) takes on Seymour Snott. Fabulous Frankie & Trailer Park Model battle Krazy Killer Klowns. Lee Valiant & Nicky Richards square off against Tennessee Ernie Nord & Wallabee Joe. Damien Wayne & Charlie Dreamer take on Cowboy Willie Watts & Billy Watts. The Taker goes head to head against Shawn Alexander. B.J. Miracle battles Sean Cruise.

GOUGE and Alternative Championship Wrestling team up to present the “7th Annual Seagrove Supershow – A Night with the King” at Seagrove Elementary School in Seagrove, NC, on January 31. Bell time 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15 Gold circle VIP (Rows 1&2), $12 Ringside, and $10 General Admission. Advertised: WWE Hall of Famer & RAW Commentator, Jerry "the King" Lawler in action versus the German Beef Otto Schwanz. Malia Hosaka takes on Brandy Wine. Rink Link battles the Scrapyard Dog in a Dog Collar Match for the Brass Knuckles title. The Lumbee Warrior goes head to head against Ric Converse in an Ironman Match. Rob Killjoy, Leroy Green, **** Foley, and Seymour Snott compete in a Gauntlet Match. Ernie Nord & Corey Edsel, Less & Jimmy Parker, The Watts Brothers, and Jimmy Jack Funk, Jr. & Bo Bo Brazil, Jr. square off in a Four-Way Tag Match. Plus the Jerry McNeill Memorial Battle Royal featuring ACW originals.

Champions With Attitudes will be at the National Guard Armory in Orangeburg, SC, on January 10. The doors will open at 6:30 PM, with matches getting underway at 7:30. Tickets are $18 (door) $15 (advance) for ringside, $10 for bleacher seating. Children 3 and under get in free of charge.

CWA will also be at the Blackville Community Center in Blackville, SC, on January 17. The doors will open at 6:30 PM, with matches getting underway at 7:30. Tickets are $15 for ringside, $10 for general admission seating. Children 3 and under get in free of charge.

CWA will then be at the National Guard Armory in Manning, SC, on January 24. The doors will open at 6:30 PM, with matches getting underway at 7:30. Tickets are $15 for ringside, $10 for general admission seating. Children 3 and under get in free of charge.

The Universal Wrestling Council will be at Wilson County Fairgrounds in Wilson, NC, on January 16. The doors will open at 6:30 PM, with matches getting underway at 7:00. Tickets are $7.

Old School Championship Wrestling will be at Weekend’s Pub in Goose Creek, SC, on January 18. Bell time 6:00 PM. Tickets are $8, kids 12 and under $5. Advertised: Chris Mordetzky, formerly "The Masterpiece" Chris Masters, will be facing off against "The American Nightmare" Sixx. All current OSCW title holders, Lodi (Universal), Hans Baumgartner (Intercontinental), John Malus (Hardcore), Malachi and Rufio Rush (Tag), The Fabulous Playboy Bob Keller (Heavyweight), as well as Wildcard spot holder Big Hoss, will compete in “The Match of Champions” for the MOC ring.

Championship Wrestling Overload will present “A New Horizon” at the Barn in Tennille, GA, on January 23. Bell time is 7:30 PM. Tickets are $5, kids 6-12, $3, and children 5 and under free with paid adult. Advertised: The Ringlord defends the CWO National Heavyweight Title against Derrick Andrew Reynolds. Crazy Cooter, Jr. challenges T.W. James for the Southern States Championship. The Wildcat & The VIP will defend the tag team titles against Jerry "Damien Dread" Nelms & a mystery partner. Paul Warfield meets Conner Cruze to determine the #1 contender to the Southern States title. Big Bank Barfield battles The Midnight Rider. Bob will defend the No Limits title in a battle royal.

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.

NOSTALGIA

JANUARY 8, 1934 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – FAIR STREET ARENA (Jason Thompson – Promoter) > Fifteen-Round Boxer versus Wrestler Match: Young Londos defeated K.O. Ketchel > The Masked Marvel defeated Tarzan Jordan > Hugh Winn defeated Ripper Reeves / Notes: Ripper Reeves substituted for Bill Crussell in the match with Hugh Winn. It was reported that the Masked Marvel had a standing challenge, whereas he had vowed if he could be defeated at anytime, he would unmask.

JANUARY 8, 1935 (TUESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – NEW COLISEUM (Jack Browning – Promoter) > Ed Nolan versus Billy Dusek > Leo Alexander versus Honey Boy Hackney / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JANUARY 8, 1936 (WEDNESDAY) – ALBANY, GA – SUPREME CIRCLE HALL (Frank Bettis – Promoter) > Lee Folsom versus Pedro Torres > Joe Wolfe versus Young Hercules / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JANUARY 8, 1936 (WEDNESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – NEW COLISEUM (Bill Metzger – Promoter) > Bill Middlekauff defeated Dick Powell (2-1) > Southern Lightweight Title Match: Jack Ross* defeated Jim Hesslyn / Notes: It is unclear as to how Jack Ross came to be recognized as the Southern Lightweight Champion. The last reference we have found shows Don McIntyre defending the title against Jim Hesslyn on June 24, 1935.

JANUARY 8, 1937 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA THEATRE (Frank Speer – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > George Harben and Bill Bartush wrestled to a draw at 30:00 > Milo Steinborn defeated Roland Kirchmeyer > Karl Davis defeated George Hagen (2-1)

JANUARY 8, 1937 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – NORTHSIDE ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Mike London defeated John Mauldin by disqualification > Doc Poole versus Farmer Mack > John Dameron versus Glenn Cowan / Notes: Aside from the match between Mike London and John Mauldin, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found.

JANUARY 8, 1953 (THURSDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS SPORTS ARENA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don McIntyre defeated Red Dugan > Herb Welch defeated Jack Steele by disqualification > Aldo Bogni defeated Jerry Graham

JANUARY 8, 1954 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Red McIntyre defeated Karl Kowalski > Mike Clancy and Frank Taylor wrestled to a draw > Midget Tag Team Match: Tito Infante & Tuffy McRae defeated Fritz Krueger & Fuzzy Cupid > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Ray Villmer* defeated Leo Numa / Notes: Ray Villmer had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Don McIntyre on October 16, 1953, in Atlanta.

JANUARY 8, 1960 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mike Paidousis versus Vince Bryant > Johnny Weaver & Chief Little Eagle versus Tokyo Joe & Mr. X (1) > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Ray Gunkel* defeated Freddie Blassie / Notes: Aside from the match between Ray Gunkel and Freddie Blassie, 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 December 25, 1959, in Atlanta.

JANUARY 8, 1963 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Choo-Choo Lynn defeated Jose Quintero > Lenny Montana defeated Mike Paidousis > Bronko Lubich defeated Bob Eisenburg > The Bat defeated Chief Little Eagle / Notes: Homer O’Dell managed Bronko Lubich.

JANUARY 8, 1965 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Sputnik Monroe defeated Silento Rodriguez > Midget Match: Lord Littlebrook defeated Pee Wee James > Bill Dromo and Joe Scarpa wrestled to a draw > Buddy Fuller & Eddie Graham defeated Jack & Bob Dalton > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Mario Galento* defeated Greg Peterson / Notes: Mario Galento had been the reigning Georgia Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Sputnik Monroe on November 13, 1964, in Atlanta.

JANUARY 8, 1970 (THURSDAY) – AMERICUS, GA – SUMTER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Kane & Vincent Lopez defeated Roberto & Cyclone Soto > Women’s Match: Donna Christianello defeated Rita Boucher > Joe Scarpa defeated Assassin #1

JANUARY 8, 1971 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Griffin defeated Skandor Akbar > Michel Dubois & Fidel Castillo defeated Doug Gilbert & Silento Rodriguez > Luke Graham versus El Mongol ruled a no contest > Kubla Khan defeated Bobby Shane > Buddy Colt and Paul DeMarco wrestled to a draw > Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller defeated the Assassins / Notes: Michel Dubois & Fidel Castillo were being billed as European Tag Team Champions. Jack Crawford managed Kubla Khan. Homer O’Dell managed Buddy Colt. Charlie Smith and Leo Garibaldi were credited as being referees for this card. It was announced that Bobo Brazil would be wrestling in Atlanta soon. Doug Gilbert participated in an autograph session for fans.

JANUARY 8, 1974 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Ann Gunkel – Promoter / All-South Wrestling Alliance) > Tommy Seigler versus the Viking > Ted Oates versus the Cougar > Lanny Poffo versus the Great Fuji > Gorilla Watts versus Bolo Mongol > Argentina Apollo versus Geto Mongol > Ray Candy & Charlie Cook versus Assassin #2 & the Super Gladiator > Ernie Ladd & Thunderbolt Patterson versus Ox Baker & the Missouri Mauler / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2 and the Missouri Mauler. George Cannon managed the Mongols. The program we have for this card shows that Tom Renesto, Jr., is now the Timekeeper.

JANUARY 8, 1974 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Midget Match: Little Louie defeated Billy the Kid > Rufus R. Jones defeated the Zebra Kid > Ten-Round Boxing Match: Leon Ogle defeated Frank Cochran by knockout > Jerry Lawler defeated Bobby Cash > Tim Woods & Roberto Soto defeated Ron & Terry Garvin by disqualification > Robert Fuller, Lou Thesz & Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Rasputin & the Samoans > Southeastern Heavyweight Title Match: Bob Armstrong* defeated Bobby Shane / Notes: Gary Hart managed Rasputin, Bobby Shane & the Samoans. Jimmy Garvin managed Ron & Terry Garvin.

JANUARY 8, 1978 (SUNDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH CIVIC CENTER (Aaron Newman – Promoter / Jim Crockett Promotions) > Jimmy Garvin defeated Tony Russo > Jerry Blackwell & Hartford Love defeated Ted Oates & Dino Bravo > Mr. Saito defeated Boris Malenko > The Masked Superstar defeated Mr. Wrestling #1 by disqualification > US Heavyweight Title Match: Blackjack Mulligan* defeated the Mighty Igor / Notes: Boris Malenko managed the Masked Superstar.

JANUARY 8, 1979 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Raymond Rougeau defeated Larry Latham > The Grappler defeated Pierre Lefebvre > Rufus R. Jones & Wahoo McDaniel defeated Luke Graham & King Kong Mosca > Tommy Rich and Stan Hansen wrestled to a draw > Georgia Television Title Match: Thunderbolt Patterson* defeated Gene Anderson > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: the Masked Superstar* defeated Mr. Wrestling #2

JANUARY 8, 1983 (SATURDAY) – CHATTANOOGA, TN – CHATTANOOGA MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Joe Lightfoot defeated the Super Destroyer > Brad Armstrong & Tito Santana defeated the Moondogs > Tommy Rich defeated the Iron Sheik > Stan Hansen & Paul Orndorff defeated Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff by disqualification > Butch Reed defeated Buzz Sawyer / Notes: It was reported that the purse for the battle royal was $2,000. J.J. Dillon managed the Moondogs.

JANUARY 8, 1983 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Joe Lightfoot defeated Chick Donovan > Women’s Match: Candy Malloy defeated Judy Martin > Tito Santana defeated the Iron Sheik by countout > Paul Orndorff defeated the Super Destroyer > Stan Hansen & Tommy Rich defeated the Moondogs > Women’s Battle Royal: Judy Martin (Winner) > Battle Royal: Butch Reed (Winner) / Notes: It is unclear as to the reason for the battle royals. J.J. Dillon managed the Moondogs.

The information compiled within our daily reports are through the efforts of various contributors, including, but not limited to, Rich Tate, Larry Goodman, Chuck Thornton, Brian Waits, Don Luce, Brian Slack, Fred Hornby, Thomas Bugg, J Michael Kenyon, Steve Yohe, David Williamson, Becky Taylor, John Cannon, Mike Norris, Bobby Simmons, Les Thatcher, Crimson Mask, Dan Masters, Tim Dix, Tim Dills, Jimmie Daniel, Gene Restaino, Shannon Rose, Alan Wojcik, Devin Cutting, and Richard O’Sullivan.