WWE Blamed For Bad Ice Conditions For Tonight's Montreal/Philadelphia NHL Playoff Game

Courtesy of Adam Lebow:

I am watching the CBC Hockey Night in Canada pre-game show for tonight's matchup between the Flyers and the Canadians and one thing that was brought up in the pre-game show was that the ice condition at the Bell Center for this evenings game is extremely poor due to the fact that the ice had to be removed for yesterdays "wrestling show." Of course, this was the WWE house show that happened yesterday.

Early Ratings Info For Last Night's Episode Of 'WWE SmackDown'

According to Nielsen Media Research's fast-national data, the show finished with a 2.3/4.0 (3.9 million viewers), falling even below last week's terrible levels.

This time, the program was preempted in Chicago and New Orleans, two of the country's largest markets (third and fifty-third, respectively), which will end up causing significant damage to the final numbers (which are still to come).

PEACH STATE PANDEMONIUM: 05/03/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

Peach State Pandemonium featured the debut of Les Thatcher this morning, who joins our co-host crew. Thatcher will be on about every four weeks. This morning, we discussed a bit of his background in all aspects of the business, touched on the Georgia wars of the 1970s, and looked at the positives and negatives of the independent scene. Special guest Bobby Simmons joined the conversation as well. Click here for the archive.

WWE® Asks Presidential Candidates To Address The Issues

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn., May 2, 2008 – WWE’s Smackdown Your Vote! today released the 2008 18-30 Voter Issues Paper (VIP), a guide to help young adults articulate the issues important to them in this national election, and a platform through which the candidates can provide their responses to issues important to this voting demographic. The 18-30 VIP addresses the economy, Iraq war, education, health care, and the environment as the most important issues on the minds of young voters.

To date, the 18-30 VIP has been provided to candidates Sen. John McCain, Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama to obtain their responses. In 2004, when the 18-30 VIP was first issued by Smackdown Your Vote!, presidential candidates President George W. Bush, Sen. John Kerry, Ralph Nader and Michael Badnarik all responded to the questions posed in the 18-30 VIP. Their answers were provided to college groups, voting organizations, online sources, educators and the general public to encourage young adults to vote in the 2004 election. Turnout of 18-to 24-year-old voters increased by 11 percent to approximately 11.6 million in the 2004 election.

“WWE greatly appreciates Senators McCain, Clinton and Obama for taking the time to speak directly to our audience of young voters on a recent ‘Monday Night RAW®,’ which received a tremendous response,” said Gary Davis, WWE Vice President, Corporate Communications and Executive Director of Smackdown Your Vote! “We now ask these candidates to lay out their positions on issues critical to 18 to 30 year olds in this election by addressing the questions posed by our national 18-30 Voter Issues Paper.”

Through its Smackdown Your Vote! program established in 2000, WWE continues to encourage civic engagement. In addition to WWE, partners in the creation of the 2008 18-30 VIP include: CIRCLE, Harvard University’s Institute of Politics, the League of Women Voters, Mobilize.org, mun2, New Voters Project, PIRG, Rock the Vote, Sacred Heart University, and the University of Virginia’s Youth Leadership Initiative.

The 18-30 VIP is downloadable in English and Spanish language versions through www.smackdownyourvote.com and printed copies are available upon request.

To view the VIP pamphlet in English please click here, http://vote.wwe.com/documents/27270_VIP_pamphlet.pdf.

To view the VIP pamphlet in Spanish, please click here, http://vote.wwe.com/documents/28719_VIP_SpanishBklt_SCREEN.pdf.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, feature films, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

Media Contact:
Gary Davis, 203-353-5066

Investor Contact:
Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 05/02/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

Peach State Pandemonium will feature Bill Watts on May 3 at 11:00 AM ET. Feel free to call in at (347) 324-5735. Les Thatcher also makes his debut as a part of the co-hosting team on this edition. Tim Dix will provide additional commentary. (Rich Tate)

Independent Wrestling Network is celebrating their grand opening at the Fishcrow Arena in Columbus, GA, tonight, featuring Rick Steiner vs. Chris Stevens (with J. P. Money), Vordell Walker vs. Bulldog Raines in a Dog Collar Match and South Side Trash vs. Frankie Valentine & Adrian Hawkins. Jason Cross, Simon Sermon and Thomas Britain will be appearing. There were also be a tag match featuring luchadores. Bell time is 7:30. Doors open at 6:30. For ticket information call 706-507-7464. (Larry Goodman)

The planned Independent Wrestling Network card for May 3 in Columbus, GA, has been cancelled. (Brian Slack)

Ultimate Christian Wrestling results from Villa Rica High School in Dallas, GA, on May 1: Bulldog Raines over Josh Stone & J.T. Talent in a three-way; Evil, Inc. (Frankie Valentine & Colt Derringer) over Garrett Brown & Chris Rippy; Jeremy Vain & Adrian Hawkins over Kyle Matthews & Brian Lawler to win the UCW Tag Team Title; Sal Rinauro over Dustin Powers to retain the UCW Heavyweight Title; and Justin Brown over the Destroyer in a cage match. Reported attendance was 302. (Rich Tate)

The March 1 Great Championship Wrestling results from the Great Skate Plex in Phenix City, AL, were as follows: In the GCW tag title match, Tex Monroe and J-Rod were able to retain the titles by defeating The Bruiser and Orion Bishop. Scotty Beach defeated Randall Johnson. Zero Tolerance defeated Sonny Siaki by DQ. Micah Taylor w/Tracy Taylor defeated Michael Cook. Disco Inferno and Bull Buchanan defeated Hot Like Lava. Johnny Swinger defeated David Young to retain the GCW heavyweight title after Sonny Siaki turned on Young. (Brian Slack)

NAWA Ring Champions results from the National Guard Armory in Rome, GA, on May 1: Simon Sermon over Ced G. Sanford; Josh Vaughn (w/ Jackie Rosedale) over Chris Lightning and Torque in a three-way; Murder One over Waylon Rhodes; Chris Ganz over Chip Day and Kid Ego to retain the NAWA Cruiserweight Title in a three-way; and HCP (John Arden, Billy Love & Josh Hate) over the Exotic Ones (Jay Clinton, Rick Michaels & Simon Sermon) by disqualification. It was reported that 75 were in attendance. (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)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Randy Colley (58) and Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson (36).

Today in Memoriam: Frank Frazier (77, 1992), Jos LeDuc (54, 1999), and Sam Steamboat (71, 2006)

NOSTALGIA

MAY 2, 1932 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – SUNNYDALE ARENA (C.S. Lippard – Promoter) > Headlock Padgett defeated Young Strangler Lewis > Jackie Nichols defeated Swede Hanson > Southern Lightweight Title Match: Jack Ross* defeated Jim Jeffries / Notes: The origin of the Southern Lightweight Title is unclear to us at this time. There was a different version also used elsewhere in Georgia that does not seem to have any lineage to this one.

MAY 2, 1933 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Milo Steinborn defeated Casey Berger at 30:00 > Jim McMillen defeated Frank Brunowicz (2-1) / Notes: Frank Brunowicz substituted for Pete Sauer in the match against Jim McMillen.

MAY 2, 1933 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – CENTER HILL ARENA (J.E. McKee – Promoter) > Oscar Williamson versus Jack Saunders > Eddie Wagner versus Wesley Brownlee / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. It was reported the Armless Wonder of the World was to wrestle an opponent “of his own weight, and there was also another wrestling match, but no details were provided following the card.

MAY 2, 1933 (TUESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – NEW COLISEUM (W.K. Carswell – Promoter) > Grady McCauley versus Kid Henderson > Southern Lightweight Title Match: Jim Hesslyn* versus Jack Ross / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Jim Hesslyn had been billed as the Southern Lightweight Champion since April 4, 1933.

MAY 2, 1934 (WEDNESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PONCE de LEON BALL PARK (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Orville Brown and Matros Kirilenko wrestled to a draw at 60:00 > Pete Sauer defeated George Zaharias at 41:00 by disqualification (2-1) / Notes: It was reported that 3,500 were in attendance for this card.

MAY 2, 1935 (THURSDAY) – AVONDALE, GA – AVONDALE ARENA (Paul Robinson – Promoter) > Bob Anderson versus Whitey Patterson > Lou Bartell versus John Ellis > Tony Marconi versus King Kong Kashey / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 2, 1939 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WARREN ARENA (L.C. Warren – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Joe Corbett defeated Abe Yourist > Mike Mazurki defeated Bob Jensen > Henry Piers defeated Alf Johnson by disqualification / Notes: Abe Yourist substituted for Otto Kuss in the match with Joe Corbett.

MAY 2, 1945 (WEDNESDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Lou Masters, Dick Leonard, and Buster White – Promoters) > Tarzan White defeated Mr. X (2) > Cowboy Luttrall defeated Otto Schnabel > Jack Dillon defeated George Romanoff

MAY 2, 1947 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Joe Corbett and Rudy Strongberg wrestled to a draw > Johnny Long & Don McIntyre versus Tom Mahoney & Al Galento > Leo Savage defeated Wally Greb > Jim Coffield versus Dick Lever / Notes: Johnny Long & Don McIntyre and Tom Mahoney & Al Galento were scheduled to wrestle each other, as were Jim Coffield and Dick Lever, but no results were reported after the card.

MAY 2, 1949 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – AUGUSTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Women’s Match: Elvira Snodgrass defeated Therese Theis > Rex Mobley and Al Massey wrestled to a draw at 30:00 > Don McIntyre defeated Lozano Martinez (2-1) / Notes: There seems to be a resurrection of the cooperative between Augusta and the Atlanta office beginning with this card. This time it was permanent, as it lasted through July 1984. Elmer Snodgrass managed Elvira Snodgrass.

MAY 2, 1952 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Doran O’Hara versus Babe Zaharias > Danny Dusek versus Angelo Martinelli > Wally Dusek versus Tarzan White > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Al Massey defeated Jack McDonald* to win title / Notes: Aside from the match between Al Massey and Jack McDonald, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found. McDonald had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Lou Newman on April 5, 1952, in Atlanta.

MAY 2, 1955 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Cummings and Ace Freeman wrestled to a draw at 15:00 > Dizzy Davis defeated Ivan Petroff > Tokyo Joe defeated Jerry Graham (2-1) > Bob Cummings & Dizzy Davis defeated Ivan Petroff & Ace Freeman

MAY 2, 1955 (MONDAY) – VALDOSTA, GA – VALDOSTA LIVESTOCK ARENA (Gordon Walker – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Steve Novak versus Red Dugan > Charro Azteca versus Red McIntyre / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 2, 1958 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Dillon & the Mighty Yankee defeated Angelo Martinelli & Rocky Columbo > Ronnie Etchison defeated Don Lee > Ray Gunkel defeated Kurt Von Brawner > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Don McIntyre* defeated Karl Heinkler at 13:00 / Notes: Don McIntyre had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated the Mighty Yankee on April 25, 1958, in Atlanta. Chris Averoff was credited as being a referee on this card. The program we have for this card continues to reference Bill Hartman (Ticket Sales) and Simon Davis (Timekeeper) as part of the office staff in Atlanta. In the program there is a photo of Ray Gunkel and Jack Dempsey together, stating that Dempsey had managed Gunkel in Chicago at one time. It went on to say that Dempsey still offered Gunkel advice from time to time. It was announced that Verne Gagne would be wrestling in Atlanta soon.

MAY 2, 1961 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Derrell Cochran and Jim Burke wrestled to a draw > Derrell Cochran & Farmer Powell defeated Jim Burke & Tiny Evans > Chief Little Eagle defeated Jerry Graham

MAY 2, 1962 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tony Barbetta versus Andre Drapp > Dick Steinborn defeated Jim Wright by disqualification > Ray Villmer defeated Lenny Montana > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Eddie Graham* defeated the Canadian Angel / Notes: Tony Barbetta and Andre Drapp were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card. Eddie Graham had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion as recognized by the Tampa, FL, office since he won a tournament on March 17, 1962, in Tampa.

MAY 2, 1964 (SATURDAY) – MARIETTA, GA – LARRY BELL AUDITORIUM (Elmo Chappell – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > George Harris, Red Roberts & Sailor Moran versus Joe Scarpa, Buddy Fuller & the Mighty Jumbo > Stan Stasiak versus Tex Riley / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 2, 1967 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bad Boy Hines & Choo-Choo Lynn defeated Dale Jones & Oki Shikina > Nick Kozak and El Mongol wrestled to a draw > Bad Boy Hines defeated Dale Jones > Nick Kozak & Dennis Hall defeated Jack Crawford & El Mongol by disqualification / Notes: Jack Crawford managed El Mongol.

MAY 2, 1969 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Armstrong and Bill Dromo wrestled to a draw > Los Toros defeated Dennis Hall & Tim Geohagen at 12:00 > Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller defeated Dale Lewis & Skandor Akbar at 11:00 > El Mongol defeated Paul DeMarco at 15:00 > The Kentuckians defeated the Assassins

MAY 2, 1970 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Doug Gilbert & the Challenger defeated Chati Yokuchi & Fuji > Nick Bockwinkel defeated Jim Wilson > Assassin #2 defeated El Medico / Notes: This was taped for the “Atlanta TV Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral.

MAY 2, 1972 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Oates and Mr. X wrestled to a draw > Bob Armstrong, Bill Dromo & El Mongol defeated Ox Baker, Oki Shikina & Assassin #1 > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Koa Tiki defeated Buddy Colt* by disqualification > Texas Death Match: Billy Spears defeated Roberto Soto / Notes: Buddy Colt had been the reigning Georgia Heavyweight Champion since he defeated El Mongol on April 8, 1972, in Griffin.

MAY 2, 1975 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Billy Spears versus Ricky Gibson > Jerry Brisco versus Jerry Lawler > Handicap Match: Chris Taylor versus Lorenzo Parente & Billy Raven > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Toru Tanaka & Assassin #2* versus Bob Armstrong & Robert Fuller > Bobo Brazil versus Abdullah the Butcher > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Rock Hunter / Notes: Aside from the match between Mr. Wrestling #2 and Rock Hunter, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found. Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2, Toru Tanaka, and Abdullah the Butcher.

MAY 2, 1977 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don Kernodle defeated Charlie Fulton > Randy Savage and Roberto Soto wrestled to a draw > Georgia Television Title Match: Thunderbolt Patterson* defeated the Great Malenko > Ole & Gene Anderson defeated Johnny Weaver & Tiger Conway, Jr. > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Paul Jones* defeated the Masked Superstar by disqualification

MAY 2, 1978 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Doug Gilbert & the Invader defeated Wolfgang & Helmut Schmidt > Tommy Rich defeated El Lobo > 1,000 Silver Dollar Match (No DQ): Lars Anderson and Mr. Wrestling #2 wrestled to a draw at 20:00 > Macon Heavyweight Title Match: Abdullah the Butcher* versus Adrian Adonis ruled a no contest > Georgia Television Title Match: Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Ole Anderson* to win title / Notes: Doug Gilbert was scheduled to wrestle Jacques Goulet in the opener, Wolfgang & Helmut Schmidt were advertised to wrestle Paul Ellering & Pez Whatley, and the Invader was not advertised at all. No explanation was provided following this card as to why Goulet, Ellering, and Whatley did not appear. Rock Hunter managed Abdullah the Butcher, Wolfgang & Helmut Schmidt.

MAY 2, 1979 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ron Bass & John Wolfe versus Mike Stallings & Genichiro Tenryu > Kurt Von Hess versus Norvel Austin > Tommy Rich versus Ivan Koloff > Georgia Television Title Match: Bob Armstrong* versus Blackjack Lanza > Wahoo McDaniel versus King Kong Mosca / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Bobby Heenan managed Ron Bass, Blackjack Lanza and King Kong Mosca.

MAY 2, 1981 (SATURDAY) – CHATTANOOGA, TN – CHATTANOOGA MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > National Tag Team Title Match: Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts* versus Ted DiBiase & Mr. Wrestling #2 > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Harley Race* versus Nikolai Volkoff / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Michael Hayes joined Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts at the ring during their match with Ted DiBiase & Mr. Wrestling #2.

MAY 2, 1982 (SUNDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Buzz Sawyer defeated Brad Armstrong > John Studd & the Super Destroyer defeated Michael Hayes & Kevin Sullivan > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Ron Bass > Tommy Rich defeated the Masked Superstar by disqualification > Roddy Piper defeated Bob Armstrong

MAY 2, 1982 (SUNDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Brad Armstrong & Tom Prichard defeated Ricky Harris & Chick Donovan > Michael Hayes defeated Ron Bass > Kevin Sullivan & Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated John Studd & the Super Destroyer > Leroy Brown defeated the Masked Superstar by disqualification > National Heavyweight Title Match: Buzz Sawyer defeated Tommy Rich* to win title > Bob Armstrong defeated the Great Kabuki > Bob Armstrong versus Gary Hart ruled a no contest > Dusty Rhodes & George Steele versus Ole Anderson & Roddy Piper ruled a no contest / Notes: Chick Donovan substituted for Eddy Mansfield to team with Ricky Harris in the match with Brad Armstrong & Tom Prichard. Gary Hart, who managed the Great Kabuki, was locked in a cage at ringside during the match with Bob Armstrong and Kabuki.

MAY 2, 1984 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Oates defeated Greg Brown > Tommy Rogers defeated Dale Veasey > Bob Roop and Tim Horner wrestled to a draw > Brad Armstrong defeated Ted DiBiase > The Spoiler defeated the Masked Superstar by disqualification > Jake Roberts defeated Ron Garvin / Notes: Dale Veasey substituted for Les Thornton in the match with Tommy Rogers. All wrestlers and managers were escorted from the building prior to the match between Jake Roberts and Ron Garvin. Paul Ellering managed Jake Roberts, Ted DiBiase, and the Spoiler.

Fatal Four Way Elimination Match For TNA World Title And Jerry "The King" Lawler Appearance Headline UWF Event Tonight In Harrisonburg, VA

Courtesy of the United Wrestling Federation:

Immediate Release
May 2, 2008

TNA World Champion Samoa Joe puts the title on the line tonight in a Fatal Four Way Elimination match at the UWF event tonight at Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg, VA. Jerry "The King" Lawler, Terri Runnels, Shark Boy, TNA Knockout ODB, Daffney, James Storm, The Motor City Machine Guns, Matt Hyson, Jerry Lynn, Joey Matthews, Scotty 2 Hotty and many more are also on the card. Tickets are available online at www.uwfusa.com, and tickets will also be available at the door.

Big Vito Available For Bookings

Courtesy of K Glubis:

Big Vito is interested in working with your company and would like the opportunity to discuss this with you.

He can be reached at your earliest convenience at (917) 887-6062.

Vito LoGrasso, known to fans as Big Vito, is well known for his work at WWE as “The Toughest Man to Ever Wear a Dress.” However, throughout his career, he has worked for Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW); World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and TNA. Fans have been clamoring for his return to television. However, in the interim, he can be seen at UXW in Orlando, as well as scheduled events in New Jersey in the US as well as internationally in Spain, Portugal, England and Ireland.

Big Vito is a well-known crowd pleaser. He isn’t just good with his fists, but he is a true entertainer inside the ring and out. He has an impressive, natural persona whether in front of a crowd, on TV or even through the radio airwaves.

» Personas
Big Vito
Skull Von Krush
Vito “The Skull” LoGrasso
Vito

» Title History
WCW Tag Team titles w/Johnny The Bull defeating David Flair & Crowbar (January 19, 2000)
WCW Hardcore title defeating Terry Funk (June 5, 2000)
DSW (Deep South Wrestling) Heavyweight title defeating Bradley Jay and Ryan O'Reilly (January 25, 2007)
EWP (European Wrestling Promotion – Germany) Iron Man Championship (September, 2002)
IWA Puerto Rico InterContinental title defeating El Bacano (August 21, 2007 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico)
BTW (Big Time Wrestling - California) Heavyweight title defeating Jason Styles (October 5, 2007)

» Finishing and Signature Moves
Dress Code (Kimura with opponent's head buried under his dress)
Code of Silence / Luca Brasi DDT
Fuh-geta-bout-it / Big Vito Special / Paisan Plant / Skull Krusher
Mafia Kick
Corner slingshot splash
Diving elbow drop

» Nicknames
The Toughest Man to Ever Wear a Dress
The Skull
The Sicilian Silencer

Website: www.vitolograsso.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bigvitofansiteno1
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vito_LoGrasso
Email: bigv@vitolograsso.com

Showtime Allstar Wrestling - Episode 40

Courtesy of Larry Goodman:

Showtime Allstar Wrestling
Airing April 12, 2008 in Nashville on WNPX 28 (the ION Network affiliate)

SAW dedicated this show to Sara Lee.

LAST WEEK ON SAW…Rob Roy McCoy “threw down the shillelagh” with a challenge to the SAW Television Champion, Damian Adams. Then, with McCoy watching from the ramp, Adams pinned fellow babyface T. J. Harley with a jackknife. McCoy said phooey to their postmatch show of respect…Paul Adams gave his beleaguered A Team a pep talk…The A Team attacked the Boogie Woogie Boy. Arrick Andrews tried to make the save, but A Team beat down the both of them until Indian Nation hit the ring. A Team ran. Doing his God awful Jimmy Valiant imitation, Boogie challenged the A Team. “Don’t sing it. Bring it.”

The SAW broadcast team of Michael St. John and Jack Johnson previewed the upcoming hour.

(1) The Tennessee Violence Authority (Hammerjack & Matt Dillinger with Paul Adams) defeated Indian Nation (Lennox Lightfoot & Indian Outlaw) to win the SAW tag titles in 7:27. Fans were whopping it up as the Indians chopped and pounded TVA early on. Johnson found the sledgehammer and pool cue in TVA’s corner a bit worrisome. Dillinger appeared to get the best of Outlaw in an exchange of forearms. They cut away from the spot where Dillinger took over. MSJ said Adams was more intense than usual because his job with TVA might be on the line. Brief heat on Outlaw. Flying tomahawk chop and the tag to Lighfoot, who hit the ring with a pair of dropsaults. TVA tried to isolate him but he managed to make the tag. Ricky Bell got bumped. Outlaw went one on two and took the TVA down with a bulldog/lariat combo. Cover on Dilllinger but no ref to count. Nation decked Hammerjack with the Rock ‘n Roll double dropkick. The Indians cornered Dillinger. Lightfoot then hit a Blockbuster on Dillinger, who was mounted on Outlaw’s shoulders. Outlaw covered again. 1…2…and Adams pulled the ref out. While Outlaw posted Dillinger on the outside, Lightfoot was on the inside working over Hammerjack. Adams clubbed Outlaw from behind. When Outlaw turned his attention towards Adams, Dillinger slid the sledgehammer to Hammerjack. Lightfoot tried for the Four Wind Tomahawk Chop and Hammerjack caught him in the throat with the sledge. 1..2..3…new champions.

Adams did a victory lap around the ring waving his towel. As the TVA continued to celebrate, Lightfoot was laying in the ring gagging.

(2) Damian Adams beat “Playboy” Scott Hayes to retain the SAW Television Title in 5:07. St. John excused himself to check on Lightfoot. Johnson brought up Hayes striking resemblance to Jerry Lawler and his athletic credentials (minor league baseball catcher). Damian was using side headlock takeovers to control the action. Damian went for one where he climbed the ropes for some extra juice and Hayes dropped him with a back suplex. Hayes worked on Damian’s back. MSJ returned. He said Lightfoot had suffered neck bruises and was responding to medical treatment. With the kids in the crowd chanting his name, Damian stared his comeback by rolling out from under a pair of elbow drops– a double axe handle off the ropes set up the bicycle kick. Hayes ducked and went for a piledriver. Damian fought it off, and it was lights out with the bicycle kick (called a snap superkick by St. John).

(3) Chris Eckos beat Big Rig Bully in 3:39. MSJ immediately mentioned Bully’s losing streak. Johnson said Bully was wearing his favorite Blackie Fargo ring jacket. Big Rig took Jim Cornette style flying bumps for Eckos’ chops and capped it off with a backward bump over the top. Back inside, Bully took over with crisp athletic offense. He also did that stupid stuff where he refuses to make the pin. Eckos made a comeback that left Bully on the deck. Eckos started to climb to the top. Big Rig cut Eckos off and put him in a variation of the airplane spin. Bully spun himself silly. Eckos sunset flipped out of it for the three count.

A video flashed the names of Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy…and now…Frank Malone…coming soon to SAW. This was obviously the same guy who did a job as J-5 a few weeks back.

T. J. Harley was being interviewed by MSJ. Harley was the happy-go-lucky all around nice guy here, giving props to Adams and saying it was an honor to lose to him last week. Out came McCoy, who said Harley was representative of what was wrong with America. “You need to get more serious about what you’re trying to achieve here, sunshine. You need to look at the real McCoy and get a killer instinct.” McCoy’s accent is THICK. Harley asked MSJ to translate. Commissioner Freddie Morton said enough jawjacking. Let’s settle it in the ring.

(4) Rob Roy McCoy beat T. J. Harley via submission with the crossface chickenwing in 6:54. St. John had done some research and learned that McCoy was trained by John Riley in the UK, where he a very successful run before coming to the US. Johnson said he didn’t get that Scottish channel on his cable package. Meanwhile, Harley’s loosey goosey slacker style was working wonders and McCoy was pissed. Johnson questioned Harley’s ability to focus. Harley left himself wide open in the break and McCoy took advantage. McCoy was really aggressive here. Gave Harley no surcease as Gordon Solie used to say. Harley rallied with the pillar to post treatment on McCoy. It took three lariats to put him down. Harley hit a Yakuza kick but McCoy got a foot over the ropes. McCoy answered with a hangman neckbreaker and locked in his finisher. Harley fought his way up to his feet before going down and out for good.

McCoy reapplied the hold on Harley, who was already out cold. The refs couldn’t pry him off. McCoy didn’t let loose until matchmaker Reno Riggins got in his face. While the officials were tending to Harley, McCoy made his way to the desk.

That is what all you fat, toothless cretins stand for. Look at him. Lying there. LIFELESS. If his career is permanently over because of my actions, so be it. Damian Adams, take heed because you are next, sunshine.

Back from commercial, “the baddest deal on 18 wheels” and the self-proclaimed biggest star in SAW, Big Rig Bully approached Johnson and MSJ, referring to them as useless and unnecessary. “You haven’t won a match,” said MSJ. Bully said he was tired of getting ripped off and changes were on the way for 2008. He blamed his troubles on the promoters, the referees and the horse face inbred hillbilles. Bully showed off his feature article in Pilot Challenge (a trucker mag). Bully said he hoped Harley was crippled and Johnson had a car wreck. MSJ was appalled.

(5) Arrick Andrews beat Rick Santel (with Paul Adams) via DQ in 4:03.MSJ said he wanted to see Andrews beat the daylights out of Santel, and he got his wish. Santel bumped and sold for Andrews bigtime. Andrews hit a nice huracanrana at two minutes in and almost got the pin with a small package. A knee to the breadbasket caught Andrews off guard. MSJ said Adams blood pressure must be 225 over 150. Adams choked Andrews with the towel. A spin-around bulldog by Andrews was the cue for the TVA to saunter into the ring. Ricky Bell called for the bell.

The Boogie Woogie Boy joined forces with Andrews, but it was 2 against 3, so the Dream Team were taking a beating. The TVA were about to give Boogie a stuff piledriver when Outlaw ran down the ramp. He was in handcuffs with black tape over his mouth to where he looked like a Native American version Hannibal Lecter. St. John thought it was Mason Raige but Johnson corrected him. Outlaw used handcuff thrusts to the throats of the A Team to clear the ring.

There’s no telling who they tied up there in the back. Sick people tie people up, Michael St. John. These people, they’ve got chains. No doubt they’ve got whips too.

THE GOOD: Overall, a much better show than the first episode to air on ION. TVA/Indian Nation was the best tag match since I started watching SAW in December, mainly because Nation are now more than holding up their end of the deal. The Doomsday Blockbuster was no doubt the most spectacular aerial move in SAW over that time span. Nation came out of a losing effort stronger than they usually have by winning. It was booked so they had the match won twice before getting screwed out of the titles. They appear to be moving in the direction of a weapons stip match. The pull the ref out spot has been way overdone in the major league promotions, but not here and Adams’ timing was perfect. Lightfoot sold the sledge huge, and they made it a serious deal with St. John going to check on him…I really like McCoy’s character. SAW needed a top heel apart from Adams’ stable. Good finish. The cold-blooded manner in which he dealt with Harley made for an effective segment…Big Rig’s promo was fun. I didn’t much care for it the first time I saw it, and then really liked it on a repeat viewing…Santel’s selling for Andrews was top notch.

THE BAD: Big Rig’s losing streak is beyond old. He’s already lost to all the top guys, so now he’s losing to the jobbers. After losing for 6 months, any sane person would be taking a win anyway they could get it rather than pulling their opponent up at two…Somebody went way overboard with the fog machine with all that smoke on the hard camera shots…The Malone character would be a lot more credible if he hadn’t been on TV as a nondescript job guy.

A LITTLE OF EACH: Damian Adams. I’m a big fan of his ringwork, but having a babyface champ that doesn’t talk is rough. He did one promo in Spanish a while back and hasn’t spoken a word since winning the title….St. John’s announcing. His energy level was something else, but I still have this crazy idea that the play-by-play guy should be able to call the major moves correctly. Then, there was the gaffe of mistaking Raige for Outlaw. Whatever happened to Raige anyway?...I like the idea of the alignment of the Indians and Andrews with Boogie to get the edge on A Team, but there's a tiresome sameness to all the beatdowns on Boogie.

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 05/01/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

NAWA Ring Champions returns to Rome, GA, tonight at the National Guard Armory at 7:30 PM. Doors open at 6:30. Advertised: HCP (Billy Love, Josh Arden & Josh Hate) versus the Exotic Ones (Jay Clinton, Rick Michaels & Simon Sermon); Bulldog Raines versus Murder One; and Chris Lightning versus Michael Cross. Also advertised to appear are Chris Ganzer, Torque, Josh Vaughn, and Air Paris. Call (706) 314-9802 for more info. (Rich Tate)

Ultimate Championship Wrestling will be at the Villa Rica, GA, High School, tonight. Matches start at 7:00 PM. Jeremy Vain, Rob Adonis, Colt Derringer, Kyle Matthews, Sal Rinauro, Brian Lawler, Billy Jack, Dustin Powers, Chris Rippy, Adrian Hawkins, Frankie Valentine, the Destroyer, and Garrett and Justin Brown are advertised. (Rich Tate)

The Future Wrestling Federation will be in Monroe, GA, on May 3, at Paintball Works, located at 320 Madison Avenue. Bell time is 8:00 PM. Adults admitted for $10, kids 6-12 for $5, and all other children admitted free. Call (678) 851-6856 for more info. Advertised: Rob Russo, Leatherface, Flatline, and the American Nightmare in a four-way; Psycho Man versus Loco Motive; Prince Rhumma versus High Impact; Brian Titus versus Jamie Dean; Jamie Holmes versus T.A. Stanton; and Drive-By versus the Russian Assassin. (Rich Tate)

NWA Anarchy returns to the NWA Arena in Cornelia, GA, on May 3 for another International Television Taping with a tag team grudge match: Nemesis & Jay Fury vs. Slim J & Shadow Jackson, NWA Anarchy TV Title match: Truitt Fields (c) vs. Hayden Young, NWA Anarchy Tag Title Match Devil's Rejects (Azrael & Shaun Tempers with The Reverend) (c) vs. Wild Bunch (Billy Buck & Chris King) with No DQ and No Count Out, Shatter and the Mystery Man (with Jeff G. Bailey) take on four opponents in a handicap match, Chad Parham AGAIN defends his Certificate of Awesomeness, Todd Sexton vs. Ace Rockwell, Brodie Ray Chase & Melissa Coates in mixed tag action, plus the NWA Anarchy Heavyweight Champion Iceberg, Mikal Judas, Seth Delay, Jeremy Vain & Mr. Adonis, Team Technician, Talent & Money, Chip Day, Wes Grissom, NWA Anarchy owner Jerry Palmer and much more. Bell time is 8 pm. For ticket info call 706-476-2017. (Larry Goodman)

Florida Championship Wrestling will be at the JCC Arena in Port Richey, FL, on May 3. Bell time is 8:00 PM. Advertised: the Puerto Rican Nightmares defend the Florida Tag Team Title against the Empire; Jake Hager defends the Florida Heavyweight Title against Stevie Richards; Kevin Thorn versus Afa in a street fight; a diva battle royal; Tyrone Jones versus Atlas DaBone; Bryan Kelly, Johnny Curtis & Gabe Tuft versus Andrew Vein, Sinn Bowdee & Kafu; Heath Miller versus Rycklon; Shawn Spears & Sheamus O’Shaunessy versus T.J. Wilson & Mr. Yamamoto; Matt Sydal, Greg Jackson, and Colt Cabana in a three-way; Charles Evans & Vic Adams versus Jay Bradley & Mondo; and Brad Allen versus Big Rob. (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

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Dave Taylor (51) and Jack Bull (38).

Today in Memoriam: Kurt Von Poppenheim (89, 2003), Miss Elizabeth (42, 2003), and Jose Barreto Martinez (21, 2004)

NOSTALGIA

MAY 1, 1933 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – HOWELL MILL ARENA (F.P. Owens – Promoter) > John Mauldin versus Tarzan Jordan > Eddie Wagner defeated Dave Terrell / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 1, 1933 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – LAKEWOOD PARK FIGHT ARENA (Bill Corley – Promoter) > Pete Rogers defeated Gene Miller > Johnny Cox defeated A.D. Ford > Hugh Winn defeated Curley Baker > Ted Radcliffe defeated Gene Fox

MAY 1, 1934 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – SUNSET ATHLETIC CLUB (Promoter – Unknown) > Ed Terrell versus Black Jack / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. There were also boxing matches, but no details were provided following the card. A special section of the arena was reserved for white patrons.

MAY 1, 1936 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – RIVERSIDE ARENA (Frank Bettis – Promoter) > Joe Woods versus Mex McClain > Don Rainey versus Young Londos > Tarzan Jordan versus King Kong Kashey / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 1, 1950 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – AUGUSTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Johnny Long versus the Red Terror > No TL Match: Tom Mahoney & Babe Zaharias versus Nick Carter & Buddy Knox / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 1, 1951 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Midget Match: Pee Wee James defeated Tiny Roe > Charley Laye defeated Dan O'Connor > Don McIntyre defeated Lozano Martinez

MAY 1, 1957 (WEDNESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Women’s Match: Caroline Bennett versus Baby Doe > Guy LaRose versus Dick the Bruiser / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 1, 1959 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Roy Acosta versus Gino Angelo > Don McClarty versus Gypsy Joe > Ray & Dickie Gunkel versus Freddie Blassie & Skull Murphy / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 1, 1962 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Andre Drapp defeated the Canadian Angel > Dick Steinborn & Ray Villmer defeated Jim Wright & Ivan Zukoff > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Lenny Montana defeated Eddie Graham* by disqualification / Notes: Eddie Graham had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion as recognized by the Tampa, FL, office since he won a tournament on March 17, 1962, in Tampa.

MAY 1, 1963 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tito Kopa versus Silento Rodriguez > George Cannon versus Buck Jones > Dick Steinborn & Chief Little Eagle defeated Lenny Montana & Tarzan Tyler by disqualification / Notes: Aside from the match between Dick Steinborn & Chief Little Eagle and Lenny Montana & Tarzan Tyler, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found.

MAY 1, 1964 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Don McIntyre – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Greg Peterson defeated Johnny Heidman > The Bavarian Boys defeated Red Roberts & Sailor Moran > Sputnik Monroe defeated Tinker Todd > Kurt & Karl Von Brauner defeated Ron Reed & Tex Riley > Texas Death Loser Leaves Match: Joe Scarpa defeated Stan Stasiak / Notes: Saul Weingeroff managed Kurt & Karl Von Brauner. The Mighty Jumbo was the special referee for the match between Joe Scarpa and Stan Stasiak.

MAY 1, 1965 (SATURDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS SPORTS ARENA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Alex Perez & Pedro Zapata versus Jesse James & Chief Little Eagle > Mario Galento versus Tom Bradley / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. This was for the locally televised “Columbus Championship Wrestling,” though it is not known who was hosting the program, whether it was taped or broadcast live, nor is it clear as to which station the program was aired at the time.

MAY 1, 1965 (SATURDAY) – MARIETTA, GA – LARRY BELL BALLPARK (Elmo Chappell – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Midget Match: Chico Santana versus Pee Wee Lopez > Frankie Cain versus Tarzan Tyler > Jesse James versus Pedro Zapata > Mario Galento versus Ray Gunkel / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 1, 1969 (THURSDAY) – AMERICUS, GA – SUMTER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Dromo defeated Dale Lewis > Dennis Hall & Grizzly Smith defeated Los Toros

MAY 1, 1970 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The Challenger defeated Bob Armstrong > Ramon Torres defeated El Medico > Alberto Torres and Rocket Monroe wrestled to a draw > Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller defeated Karl Von Stroheim & Professor Kimura > El Mongol defeated Buddy Colt by disqualification > Nick Bockwinkel & Doug Gilbert defeated the Assassins by disqualification / Notes: Homer O’Dell managed Buddy Colt, Professor Kimura & Karl Von Stroheim. Following the match between Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller and Karl Von Stroheim & Professor Kimura, the latter team almost came to blows as Von Stroheim felt Kimura lost the match, but O’Dell calmed the situation. They remained in the ring as Buddy Colt made his way to the ring for his match with El Mongol. Mongol managed to win by disqualification when the other three interfered and began attacking him in a four-on-one battle, yet Mongol still managed to clear the ring and send his enemies running. Leo Garibaldi and Charlie Smith were credited as being referees for this card. It was announced that Paul DeMarco and Joe Scarpa would wrestle each other in an Amateur Rules Match on May 8, 1970, and that Dory Funk, Jr., and Bill Miller would be wrestling in Atlanta soon.

MAY 1, 1971 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Dick Steinborn defeated Nikita Mulkovitch > Bob Griffin & Roberto Soto defeated Guillotine Gordon & Kubla Khan > Buddy Colt versus El Mongol ended in a double disqualification / Notes: This was taped for the “Atlanta TV Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. Homer O’Dell managed Buddy Colt. Jack Crawford managed Kubla Khan & Guillotine Gordon. Khan turned on Crawford and Gordon during the match with Bob Griffin & Roberto Soto.

MAY 1, 1973 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Ann Gunkel – Promoter / All-South Wrestling Alliance) > John Black versus Koa Tiki > Randy Curtis defeated Wayne Cowan > Women’s Tag Team Match: Ann Smothers & Barbara Owens versus Valerie Griffith & Natasha > Tommy Seigler versus Oki Shikina > Ron Pritchard versus Ox Baker > Dick Steinborn, Ray Candy & Argentina Apollo defeated Bill Bowman, Joe Turner & Assassin #2 > Texas Death Cage Match: Jack Armstrong versus Rock Hunter / Notes: No documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found. Mr. X managed Bill Bowman and Joe Turner. Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2. Listed as a new sponsor in the program we have for this card is Music Mart at 575 Cherokee Road in Smyrna.

MAY 1, 1973 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tiger Conway, Jr., defeated Jack Evans > Bobby Duncum defeated Bob Orton, Jr. > Midget Women’s Match: Darling Dagmar defeated Diamond Lil > Leon Ogle & Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Rocket Monroe & Tank Morgan > Bob Armstrong, Bill Dromo & Bill Watts defeated J.C. Dykes & the Super Infernos / Notes: J.C. Dykes managed the Super Infernos.

MAY 1, 1975 (THURSDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (International Wrestling Association - Promoter) > Jim Wilson versus Joe Turco > Luis Martinez versus Eric the Red > Bob Ellis & Tex McKenzie versus Rip Hawk & Beautiful Bruce > Ivan Koloff versus Argentina Apollo > Reginald & Hartford Love versus Dino Bravo & Gino Brito > Ernie Ladd & Thunderbolt Patterson versus the Mongols > Bulldog Brower versus the Mighty Igor / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Al Costello managed Reginald & Hartford Love. George Cannon managed the Mongols.

MAY 1, 1978 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Paul Ellering defeated Bill White > Doug Gilbert defeated Jacques Goulet > Adrian Adonis defeated Ken Dillinger > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Rocky Johnson defeated Stan Hansen* by disqualification > Ernie Ladd & Ole Anderson defeated Tommy Rich & Thunderbolt Patterson / Notes: Ken Dillinger substituted for Lars Anderson in the match with Adrian Adonis.

MAY 1, 1980 (THURSDAY) – ROME, GA – ROME MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Eddie Gilbert versus Jim Nelson > Mike Sharpe versus Genichiro Tenryu > Ernie Ladd versus Jay Strongbow > Kevin Sullivan & Tony Atlas versus Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Rock Hunter managed Ivan Koloff and Alexis Smirnoff.

MAY 1, 1981 (FRIDAY) – GAINESVILLE, GA – GEORGIA MOUNTAIN CENTER (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Harley Race defeated Tommy Rich* to win title

MAY 1, 1982 – AUGUSTA, GA – RICHMOND COUNTY CIVIC CENTER (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Brad Armstrong versus Tom Prichard > Michael Hayes versus the Super Destroyer > Ron Bass versus Bob Armstrong > Ray Stevens versus the Masked Superstar > John Studd versus Leroy Brown > Kevin Sullivan versus Buzz Sawyer > Roddy Piper versus Tommy Rich > Ole Anderson & Stan Hansen versus Dusty Rhodes & Mr. Wrestling #2 / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 1, 1983 (SUNDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Roop defeated Joe Lightfoot > Ray Candy defeated Chick Donovan > Destruction, Inc., defeated Brian Blair & Tito Santana > Ron Garvin defeated the Iron Sheik > Dick Murdoch defeated Buzz Sawyer by countout > Tommy Rich & Paul Orndorff defeated Larry Zbyszko & Killer Brooks > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Tony Atlas defeated Ric Flair* by disqualification / Notes: Paul Ellering managed the Iron Sheik and Destruction, Inc.

MAY 1, 1987 – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM (Jim Crockett – Promoter / Jim Crockett Promotions) > The New Breed defeated Jeff Sampson & Jeff Belk > Baron Von Raschke defeated Thunderfoot #1 > Vladimir Petrov defeated Jimmy Valiant > The Midnight Express defeated Bob & Brad Armstrong > Barry Windham defeated Lex Luger by disqualification > Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard defeated Ole Anderson & Tim Horner > Chain Match: Nikita Koloff defeated Ivan Koloff > Ric Flair defeated Jimmy Garvin / Notes: It was reported that 3,200 were in attendance for this card.

New Law Extends Protection To Amateur Mixed Martial Arts

Courtesy of Kentucky's Office of Communications and Public Outreach:

House Bill 684, sponsored by Rep. Steve Riggs (D-Louisville), extends regulations enforced by the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority to amateur MMA bouts. Previously, only professional MMA matches were covered. The bill also establishes a medical review panel for the authority.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 29, 2008) – A bill passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Steve Beshear will make the growing sport of amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) safer in Kentucky.

House Bill 684, sponsored by Rep. Steve Riggs (D-Louisville), extends regulations enforced by the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority to amateur MMA bouts. Previously, only professional MMA matches were covered. The bill also establishes a medical review panel for the authority.

The authority’s rules help ensure the safety of participants by requiring a medical exam for each competitor, requiring a ringside physician for each match and mandating prompt access to an ambulance, among other measures.

“This was needed legislation, and we are glad it has become law,” said Larry Bond, commissioner of the Department of Public Protection, which includes the boxing and wrestling authority. “The legislation will allow some regulation in a contact sport where amateur MMA competitors were exposed to risk and injury by competing in unregulated matches.”

The medical review panel, which will consist of three to five physicians, will consider medical issues that come to the attention of the boxing and wrestling authority. Among their tasks will be examining the medical records of competitors and making recommendations to improve health and safety.

Office of Communications and Public Outreach
500 Mero Street 5th Floor,CPT
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-5525
Fax: 502-564-3354
E-mail: Cynthia.Schafer@ky.gov

MR. KENNEDY AND Y2J CHRIS JERICHO STEP IN THE MAIN EVENT THIS SUNDAY!

Courtesy of Steve Rockamaniac:

WWE superstars Mr Kennedy and Y2J Chris Jericho will join Ryan Rider and Steve Rockamaniac in The Main Event this Sunday Morning (10:30am-Noon on MainEventRadio.com) to speak on a wide variety of topics. Mr Kennedy will join us to take a look at his career thus far and how it came about, where announcing his name twice came from, his relationship with Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the recent film project he has been working on. Meanwhile Y2J Chris Jericho is no stranger to The Main Event as he makes his third appearance on the show, we speak to Y2J about his return, the money in the bank, the sequel to A Lion’s Tale, and more! So make sure to join us for these two huge interviews as well as your weekly dose of wrestling news and discussion this Sunday on The Main Event. As always we’re looking for your input, make sure to visit http://www.maineventradio.com to vote on our two Backlash PPV polls, or you could email us your thoughts on anything going on in the world of pro wrestling this week. During the show our phone lines are open to you at 514-848-7471, but keep in mind that with the busy schedule we have this coming Sunday that we’ll have to limit the amount of calls.

Funk's Corner - Two New Champions In Japan - Great Muta And Suwama

Courtesy of Dory Funk Jr.:

Funk's Corner - With Keiji Muto's recent victory over Shinsuke Nakamura (4/27 in Osaka) and Suwama's recent victory over Kensuke Sasaki (4/29 at the Aichi Perfectural Gymnasium), All Japan Pro Wrestling now has the two most important Japanese wrestling championship belts under their banner, the Triple Crown Championship (Suwama) and New Japan Pro Wrestling's IWGP Championship (Keiji Mutoh).

The credibility of these two championships and the popularity of Muto (Known in America as Great Muta) and Suwama's wrestling background (Chuo University Amateur Wrestler) - Same University as Jumbo Tsuruta) will have a big influence in the popularity of All Japan Pro Wrestling.

Great Muta teams with Dory Funk Jr. and Osamu Nishimura in a Six Man Tag Team Match against the Voodoo Murders on !BANG! TV at http://www.dory-funk.com.

The Funking Conservatory is the Official American Developmental Training Center for All Japan Pro Wrestling.

For training schedules, tryouts for All Japan Pro Wrestling and !BANG! TV Ticket Information, Call 352-895-4658.

Tickets to our next !BANG! TV Taping this Sunday at 7:00pm, Support the Troops 26, "Summer Sizzler can be purchased online from our website at http://www.dory-funk.com. Advance tickets can also be purchased at Devon Self Storage in Ocala, Florida.

Dory Funk Jr. - Coach of the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School

Three IFL Championship Bouts Featured On FSN's "IFL Fight Night" Saturday

Courtesy of the International Fight League:

First Title Bouts Between Fabiano/Davis, Hieron/Heleno, Radach/Horwich

NEW YORK, May 1, 2008 – Three International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) individual title bouts from the IFL World Grand Prix finals will be featured in the next edition of “IFL Fight Night” on Fox Sports Net (FSN). The episode, which debuts on Saturday, May 3, at midnight local time in most markets, includes bouts on the historic night which saw a total of five IFL champions crowned.

Viewers can confirm the time and replays during the week on their respective regional FSN networks at http://www.ifl.tv/TV-Schedule-FSN.html.

Bouts on the one-hour telecast include:

Jay Hieron, a Long Island, N.Y., native and current Las Vegas resident, battling Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Capoeira master Delson Heleno in a highly-anticipated matchup between two well-rounded veteran welterweights (170 lbs.).

Wagnney Fabiano (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), putting his unbeaten record on the line for the first-ever IFL featherweight (145 lbs.) belt against L.C. Davis (Kansas City, Mo.), also unbeaten in IFL competition

Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.), one of the league’s most popular figures and best middleweights (185 lbs.), challenging unbeaten Benji Radach (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) in a battle of proven knockout artists.

Veteran IFL play-by-play man Kenny Rice is joined by MMA legend Bas Rutten at the microphone ringside, with Ron Kruck providing additional commentary. The bouts were contested at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in December.

In addition to the weekly “IFL Fight Night,” seen domestically on FSN as well as in over 70 other countries and five continents around the world, ranging from HBO Latin America to Star TV in Asia and Middle Eastern Broadcasting and the Armed Forces Network, the first three IFL events of the year are being shown live on HDNet. IFL programming is already among the most viewed MMA programming worldwide, despite being in existence only two years.

The next live IFL event is set for May 16, also at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., where three Championship belts will be on the line. HDNet will again provide live coverage.

About the IFL

International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.

5-3-08—JCC—PORT RICHEY FLORIDA, PRESENTS FCW

Courtesy of Florida Championship Wrestling:

*MAIN EVENT*
* FLORIDA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP*
11. Stu Sanders & Drew McIntyre, The ‘Empire’ (Challengers) VS. The ‘Puerto Rican Nightmares’ Eric Perez & Eddie Colon w/ Miss Angela (Champions)

* FLORIDA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP*
10. WWE Superstar Stevie Richards (Challenger) VS. Jake Hager (Champion)

*STREET FIGHT! ANYTHING GOES! NO DISQUALIFICATIONS! WIN BY PIN FALL, SUBMISSION OR K.O.!*
9. Afa VS. ECW Superstar Kevin Thorn

8. *DIVA BATTLE ROYAL!*

*GRUDGE CHALLENGE MATCH!*
7. Tyrone Jones VS. Atlas DaBone

*6 MAN TAG ACTION!*
6. Sinn Bowdee & Kafu & Andrew Vein VS. Bryan Kelly & Johnny Curtis & Gabe Tuft

5. ‘Handsome’ Heath Miller VS. Rycklon

4. Shawn Spears & Sheamus O’Shannessy VS. TJ Wilson & Mr. Yamamoto

*3 WAY DANCE!*
3. Matt Sydal VS. Greg Jackson VS. Colt Cabana

2. Jay Bradley & Mondo VS. Charles Evans & Vic Adams

1. Brad Allen w/ Taryn Terrell VS. Big Rob

*CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

Shannon Rose And National Talk Show Host On Net TV Show Tonight Live

Courtesy of Shannon Rose:

For Immediate Release:
May 1st, 2008

Shannon Rose
Publicist
813-960-8412
813-389-0801

Tampa, Florida… National Radio Host “Watchdog on Wallstreet” Chris Markowski (heard Saturday’s on the Talk Radio Network) will be appearing along with his publicist Shannon Rose (owner of Eclectic Media Productions) on http://www.tampabaymediatalk.com , Thursday, May 1st, LIVE from 6 – 7 pm. They will be talking about radio and the PR business.

Media Talk is a global entertainment and educational webcast dedicated to serving the needs of the creative, cultural and media communities. The show is presented by Tampa Digital Studios and sponsored by Creative Loafing.

Media Talk is hosted by Janet Sherer and Rob Tiisler

The segment will also be posted at Google, You Tube, and AOL for future viewings.

ABOUT CHRIS MARKOWSKI

Christopher Markowski has carried the titles of Nationally Syndicated Talk Show Host, author, investment banker, equity analyst, muckraker, all around trouble-maker, and most importantly consumer advocate. He is the founder of the financial planning firm Markowski Investments, an institution that provides the highest level of financial planning to all people regardless of their net-worth.

Christopher is the antithesis of what Wall Street has become; he believes that financial planning is a profession, not a vehicle for selling as many ridiculous financial products as possible. His clear-cut, honest approach is in complete contrast with the fabrication and deception that individual investors are exposed to every day.

Also be sure to check out http://watchdogonwallstreet.com

ABOUT ECLECTIC MEDIA PRODUCTIONS

Eclectic Media Productions was formed in 2007. Its purpose is to provide its clients with the best in PR, and website administration.

Their motto is “We do everything: Your One Stop to go to the Top!”

Eclectic Media Productions currently represents Chris Markowski, Image Depot Tampa, Pro Wrestling and MMA Announcer Shannon Rose and Pro Wrestling Fusion.

Casey’s Old Country Corner Presents: Old Country History For May 1, 2008-05-01

Courtesy of ... Well, if you don't know by now, you've obviously not been paying enough attention:

Yes, the return that nobody has asked for, at least not in quite a long time, is upon you.

You might be wondering why it took so long for the old country corner to make its return. Well, the vast old country news and historical archives were stored in a house I had rented down in Georgia. I thought I took them with me when I left the place but apparently I forgot them. Sadly, I think I might have left another box or 2 behind in that house but I wouldn’t worry about it too much.

Anyway, if you’re new to the corner this is where I look at actual historical wrestling moments that took place in the very same old country that brought you humbling.

All of the following are true accounts, only the names, places, times, dates and actual events have been changed but rest assured every occurance of words like: of, the, it, is, or, and but and doorbell are 100% accurate.

Anyway, on with the news…

In May 2938 (some history just hasn’t happened yet) the wrestling company Total Nonstop Gimmicks hosted the first ever Ironman cage match. The object was most escapes from the cage in an hour won the match. Unfortunately, the first escapes from the cage were in the opening 30 seconds of the match and neither man re-entered the cage resulting in 59:30 of standing around before the match was called a draw.

In a non-wrestling historical note, 2938 is the Chinese year of the Ipod.

On May 1 for the year 1.2*3/4 = 5X+8 solve for X, Old Country Wrestling Icon Bruiser the Dick made his return to action after serving 6 months in jail. In his last match prior to going to prison, Bruiser the Dick had violated several old country animal laws when he took the animal in the corner of his opponent Zoomaster D. Bader and gave him a vicious thrashing. I don’t think I need to tell you what kind of animal was in Zoomaster’s cornerthat but yes, Bruiser the Dick got 6 months hard time for spanking the monkey. Little is known about his return to the ring, we don’t know the opponent or the time of the match. However, live accounts said that Bruiser the Dick worked stiff and considering it was his first match in 6 months, he rose to the challenge.

In May of 1634 Part II: The first ever masked match took place. Ugly Bob Ugla took on Hairy Harry Hare in a bout where the loser was bound by law to wear a mask both in and out of the ring. The crowd at ringside took it upon themselves to gang rush both men, tie them up and declare them both to be the losers requiring both to be masked.

In May 1775 Mike Adam Lee a new broadcaster for the Extreme Commentary Wrestling Promotion uttered this famous quote when someone accused him of not knowing the difference between a wristlock and a wrist watch. “I know the difference, a wristlock is something you’ll never see in ECW.”

Lastly, in the year 2510 the Stanford Sports and Entertainment Federation suspended 10 wrestlers for not violating the company Wellness policy.

Well there you have it, some definitely true falsehoods from the historical archives of the Old Country. I’ve got page upon single page of document to search through for more Old Country Wrestling Historical nuggets, so there is no telling when this feature will return but just like the Ultimate Warrior this will be back whether you want it to be or not.