goodhelmet Posted July 12, 2015 Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 JULY 12, 1983 NWA PRESIDENCY CONTROVERSY Jim Crockett Jr. is now the new President of the NWA Board of Directors. Over the past week, there was a fierce debate on who should be the NWA President, and in effect, the person who controlled the bookings for the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. The three nominees in contention were Crockett, Paul Jones of Georgia Championship Wrestling and Bob Geigel from Central States. Geigel had been President but a vote was taken to determine a new President as the NWA looks forward to unchartered territory. There were positive and negative traits from all three candidates. For current President, Bob Geigel, the feeling internally was that having the champion booked out of Central States was convenient for the long distance travelling the champion is forced to endure. Kansas City is centrally located and is an easy hub for the champion to fly out of in order to make dates across the country. Geigel’s Central States also has a key cable television slot on USA Network. There was discussion of using the slot to showcase all NWA talent, not just Central States talent. However, talent would have to fly to Kansas City in order to appear on the television. One of the issues raised against Geigel was his age. There is a sense among some NWA members that with the advent of new technology and pop culture that wrestling should be current and mainstream. Many feel that those who want wrestling to move forward would need a younger representative leading the way. Geigel turns 59 this year and is known to favor a more traditional approach to wrestling. It is also known that the current NWA champion, Harley Race, is a mainstay in Central States, and as President, Geigel would attempt to keep the title om Race as long as possible but Race was supposed to be a transitional champion, and Geigel as President would complicate matters. Geigel did receive support from Memphis, Puerto Rico, and New York. The next candidate, Paul Jones, along with his partner Fred Ward, was also questioned on the age issue. Both men are even older than Geigel and there was a feeling that they would be behind the times and not support moving forward to appeal to a changing demographic. Another concern was the abandonment of the Georgia office by Ole Anderson and the Briscoe Brothers. As mentioned in a previous issue, there was concern that Ward and Jones would lose momentum when the Briscoes and Anderson abandoned Georgia. How loyal are the remaining officers in the Georgia camp? Only time will tell. One of the things that may have cost Ward & Jones the Presidency is the idea that their successor could be cable tycoon, Ted Turner. Turner, who rose to power as a media mogul launched the highly successful cable channel WTCG (Watch This Channel Grow) which eventually became WTBS, the Super Station, broadcasting Georgia Championship Wrestling across America. The cable channel is appealing but if Turner, a wrestling outsider, is allowed to control the NWA, there are fears he may take wrestling down a path that could prove disastrous. Finally, Jim Crockett Jr. has been the head of JCP Promotions, running the successful Mid Atlantic Wrestling show since 1973 with his siblings after his father died. He has always been criticized as a member of the NWA for never been in the wrestling ring and only gaining power through his father. In fact, Crockett has always required bodyguards when attending NWA meetings for fear of being attacked by former wrestlers who could “shoot” on Crockett and break every bone in his body. Crockett, who is promoting a super show on closed circuit television on Thanksgiving, was able to gain support from members who liked his forward thinking in trying to get wrestling to adapt to the changing times and trying to generate new sources of revenue for companies. The old guard was vehemently opposed to changing the system and trying to “fix something that isn’t broke”. Crockett was previously elected NWA President in 1980 until 1982 and time will tell if his next Presidency will be a success or failure. Immediately after assuming control, Crockett made allies with the Georgia promotion and Fred Ward will be Vice President of the NWA Board moving forward. Time will tell if this unholy alliance of old and new will be able to co-exist together. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HOLIDAY WRESTLING IN AMERICA AND CANADA This past week, many shows took place celebrating the 4th of July in America and Canada Day (July 1st) in Canada. Many of these cards were loaded and even featured guest wrestlers from across the continent. If you attended one of these shows, please write in and let us know what your thoughts were on the cards. These were the main events that took place on Independence Day in America… Memphis - Jerry Lawler & Rock N Roll Express vs. Sabu & Bruise Brothers ICW – Lanny Poffo & Randy Savage vs. Mike Graham and A Mystery Opponent World Class - Von Erich Brothers vs. Devastation Inc Georgia - Stan Hansen & Tommy Rich vs. Bruiser Brody & Terry Funk AWA – Hulk Hogan vs. Jimmy Garvin JCP – Michael Hayes vs. Iron Sheik (Flag Match) Central States – Ric Flair vs. Harley Race; Nick Bockwinkel vs. David von Erich In Canada, several promotions ran special main events on Canada Day… AWA Winnipeg - Boris Zukhov & Ken Patera vs. Hulk Hogan & Mr. Olympia Stampede - The Moondogs & Terry Funk vs. Jim Neidhart, The Dynamite Kid & Davey Boy Smith in a Bunkhouse Six Man Tag Toronto – Canada Cup Final: Sgt. Slaughter vs. Rick Martel Montreal – DID NOT CELBRATE CANADA DAY It is rumored that promotions such as Southwest, WWF, and the WWA may have a strong Communist faction within their ranks and go out of their way to avoid shows that commemorate American pride and patriotism. WWA is rumored to have a show on December 26th of this year. It is being promoted as a Christmas Spectacular but internally, it is being mentioned as the birthday of Mao Zedong. We will keep you up to date on this possible story. In Canada, there are rumors that the reason Montreal Promotion did not run a Canada Day special is because they are aligned with the Quebecer Separation Movement that wants Montreal to secede from Canada and that they look at Canada Day as an insult to their own unique heritage where French Canadians must act submissive to their English speaking counterparts. There are also reports that Canada, which is a Socialist country by nature, has Communist sympathizers in several promotions including the Montreal office. This may impact the future of that promotion dealing with other Canadian promotions moving forward. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ All JAPAN PRO WRESTLING All Japan wrestling, which was formed in in 1972, after Giant Baba left the JWA group, is at a crossroads in its short history. There are rumblings within the company about which direction they should go in. Shohei “Giant” Baba is listening to advisors after noticing that his product was getting stale and losing the battle for tickets compared to its Japanese counterpart, New Japan Pro Wrestling. On one side of the debate, veterans Shinja “The Great” Kojika and Umanoseke Ueda are pushing for a more edgier, violent style mixed with elements of soap opera and comedy elements. This “Violent Entertainment” style is attractive to regular All Japan wrestlers such as Bruiser Brody and Tiger Jeet Singh who are known to take liberties with their opponents and this style would allow them to have carte blanche in the ring. On the other side of the debate, Mitsuo Momota & Akio Sato who have been with Baba since the beginning of All Japan are pushing for Baba to focus more on the athletic, sports-like elements of wrestling, showing off new moves and athletic feats that are reminiscent of the junior style popularized by wrestlers like Tiger Mask and Dynamite Kid in New Japan. This would affect regular wrestlers who appear in All Japan like Tiger Jeet Singh and Dory Funk Jr. who are known for being neither athletic nor dynamic. It would also affect Mr. Baba himself who is slowing down and is no longer the athlete of his youth. A third group, led by veterans, led by Mighty Inoue & NWA Heavyweight champion, Jumbo Tsuruta, are pushing for a blend of both sides, minimizing the recklessness of wrestlers like Singh & Ueda, while allowing wrestling to maintain its violent appeal. They also believe that a mix of styles would be best for touring, giving different people in the fanbase what they want, similar to a three ring circus. The problem according to opposing factions is that when wrestling tries to appeal to everybody, it ends up appealing to nobody. Either way, All Japan officials are concerned that they do need to freshen up their product to keep up with their rival, New Japan Pro Wrestling which is red hot with champion Tatsumi Fujinami, young high flyers like Tiger Mask, and the heel faction, Ishin-Gundan. All Japan’s GRAND CHAMPION CARNIVAL III tour is set to begin on July 8th and will run until August 4th. Foreign wrestlers appearing on the tour include Alexis Smirnoff, Gypsy Joe, Jerry Oates, Terry Funk, Nick Bockwinkel, Billy Robinson, Gerry Morrow & Tiger Jeet Singh. An interesting story is that Nick Bockwinkel was originally supposed to appear on the entire tour but a scheduling conflict means he will only be appearing at the beginning and the last week. Long-time friend and associate of Bockwinkel and Baba, Billy Robinson, was willing to step in for the entire tour and fill in for dates that Bockwinkel would not be available for. Terry Funk has been telling friends and different booking offices that this is the end of the road for his wrestling career and he does not anticipate ever wrestling again. Ever since appearing in the film, Paradise Alley, in 1978, Funk has had the acting bug and may be looking to make appearances in more movies or television shows. This would adversely affect All Japan because Terry Funk is one of the few wrestlers who could adapt to all of the different styles being pushed as the new direction as mentioned above. The other wrestler who would be able to adapt the most would be Stan Hansen, a fellow Texan who also can work a variety of styles. Like its New Japan counterpart, All Japan has also opened up a new farm system for wrestlers to work overseas between tours. On special occasions, wrestlers are being allowed to work big shows and specials across North American even during Japanese tours. All Japan’s farm system has not been as popular as New Japan. The big success is that young lions, Mitsuharu Misawa and Toshiaki Kawada, two very young wrestlers who have shown a tremendous upside are in high demand in North American promotions. Misawa and Kawada both attended the same high school but are not known to be particularly close. Kawada has been training and tagging with fellow young lion, Hiromichi Fuyuki, who Kawada has a close relationship with. All Japan is allowing Kawada to team with both Fuyuki and Misawa but there are internal feelings that Misawa will be a breakout singles star long before Kawada. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING New Japan Pro Wrestling has been on fire this year with several programs heading the way. First and foremost, the Ishin-Gundan stable has breathed life into the promotion that it was previously lacking. Led by Riki Choshu, the stable has dominated the top of the cards as they feud with owner Antonio Inoki and his ace, Tatsumi Fujinami. Choshu has worn the WWF International Heavyweight Title throughout the year and has had Match of the Year contenders with Fujinami. It’s strange because Choshu worked as the lead of a heel group but also receives a large amount of cheers. His charisma has really helped the group thrive. Other members include Higo “Animal” Hamaguchi, Isamu Teranishi, and Kenta Kobayashi. The one member who is not touring New Japan regularly but joins the group on tours is Killer Khan, who is currently wrestling in the Toronto area. New Japan has done business with Toronto in the past and more to come that we will talk about. Hamaguchi is currently feuding with Rusher Kimura, his former tag team partner. Hamaguchi left Kimura to join Ishin Gundan and also teams with Teranishi who also joined rather than stay on good terms with Kimura. Another member, when in Japan is Tiger Toguchi. Toguchi, who wrestles as Tiger Chung Lee in Mid-South, is an odd member as his only job seems to be the guy who takes falls in multi-man tag matches. The last member, Kenta Kobayashi, is an excellent athlete with plenty of skills to create exciting matches. He has been primarily feuding with Tiger Mask, ever since Dynamite Kid left New Japan to return to Stampede Wrestling. With feuds up and down the card, Ishin Gundan has the ability to bring energy to the main event (Choshu-Fujinami), the mid card (Hamaguchi-Kimura) and the junior division (Tiger Mask-Kobayashi). Another big program for New Japan is the Tiger Mask Challenge that has been running strong since last year when he broke out as a phenomenon. Tiger Mask, real name Satoru Sayama, had a breakout year in 1982, feuding with Dynamite Kid and redefining what it means to be a pro wrestler wrestling at a speed never seen before and that we will likely never see again in our lifetime. His matches with Dynamite are considered some of the best matches ever recorded on film and will likely lead the way to Wrestler of the Year consideration for both men. With a mixture of martial arts, high flying acrobatics and immeasurable charisma, Tiger Mask could be the greatest single wrestler of this generation. On the upcoming tour, he will face competition for the title from Kenta Kobayashi, veteran junior wrestler Kintaro Hoshino, and young lion Nobuhiko Takada. Takada is getting special attention from the New Japan office as a wrestling sensation that may be able to compete at a higher level in a couple of years. He has gathered enough attention that promotions in the United States are taking an interest in him. There are rumors that Antonio Inoki will not take part of the upcoming New Japan tour. The internal struggle was documented in our last issue but the issue is strong enough that he is not being promoted on any of the literature documenting the tour. Early line-ups advertised locally also do not have Inoki wrestling. The tour looks strong dominated by the Fujinami & Friends vs. Ishin Gundan feud. Most co-mains will have Tiger Mask featured in some form or fashion. The tour runs from the first of July until the fourth of August. New Japan is really pushing this tour having an international flavor. Long time Japanese regular, Abdullah the Butcher, will be on the entire tour. Form the United Kingdom, they are promoting England’s Pete Roberts and a young Irishmen, Dave Finlay. Finlay is a 2nd generation star who has had moderate success so far in Europe. From Mexico, they are bringing in masked man Halcon 78 who also wrestles as El Mexicano. Returning to Japan, Tiger Toguchi will appear to be a part of the Ishin Gundan group. The Americans appearing will be Adrian Adonis, Brian Blair, Dick Murdoch (Japan is like Murdoch’s second home), and Paul Orndorff. Orndorff will only appear for the 2nd leg of the tour appearing from July 22nd until August 4th. New Japan has recently opened up a farm system that will allow its wrestlers to work outside dates in America and Canada. The interest in the program has been phenomenal on the strength of interest for the Ishin Gundan group. As of press time, New Japan will be sending talent to Calgary to work for Stu Hart’s Stampede, Maple Leaf Wrestling in Toronto and All Star in Vancouver. Canadians will definitely get to experience the Ishin Gundan phenomenon firsthand this year. In an interesting development, they will also be appearing for the AWA later on in the year. Traditionally, the AWA has a working agreement with All Japan for talent trade-offs but it would be convenient since the AWA market is close to Canada and the IG trend feels stronger in the North. Internally, New Japan is calling their farm system a success, being able to collect more dates and promotions for their talent than rival All Japan. We will have to wait until both systems are fully operating before determining if they are a success or not. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ STAMPEDE WRESTLING (CALGARY) The past few weeks have been interesting to say the least, with Stu Hart giving the book to his son, Bruce, who is off to a shaky start at least on the business end of things. The decision to run larger houses in Vancouver may have inadvertently created a turf war with All-Star Wrestling, the company which has ran the territory successfully for a number of years. Some close to the Harts feel strongly this is the reason Bruce and Keith were drafted to All-Star, as it is likely the team will be jobbed endlessly around the loop. Other sources have mentioned the incredible misfortune and bad luck for Bruce Hart. First, he is drafted to a different company just as he is given control of Stampede. Then, in an effort to create a better television show, Bruce outsourced his audio and video production to a company in Vancouver, only to discover the production company was a fraud. A $15,000 advance was cashed by the bogus company and the Harts are now badly in the hole. There is talk of running an angle with Jimmy Hart to play off the real life financial folly, though some feel this hits too close to home. The thought within the Hart clan is that the onscreen program with All-Star is good for business but both sides are extremely bitter behind the scenes. Dynamite Kid (Thomas Billington) was a bit miffed and dishonored to find the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship shipped in the overnight crate to the Hart mansion. Kid was under the impression he would have a chance to win the title from Tiger Mask, and apparently has been mouthing off about all sorts of workers lately. One guy he particularly mentions a lot that he doesn't like is Rick Martel, who recently won the Canadian title and is poised for even bigger things in the eyes of many. Jim Neidhart & Mr. Hito adapted a new gimmick a few weeks ago, calling themselves "The Dungeon Masters", which is of course a play on the fact that they both train in Stu's basement. A lot of jokes have been tossed around about the moniker and Hito has been having difficulty adjusting to the new entrance attire since the medieval torture mask obstructs his view on the way to the ring. Harley Race defends the NWA World Championship on 7/21 in Vancouver, on a card featuring Wahoo McDaniel (Toronto) vs. Stomper Gouldie, Stan Hansen, Bruiser Brody, and Curt Hennig (Florida). +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ IWA (MONTREAL) On July 2nd, the Canadian International Tag Team Titles were decided in a tournament in Montreal. As noted, the IWA did not participate in Canada Day. Even though they have been linked to the Quebecer Movement, there is a possibility that this was also a celebration of Communist events. July 2nd is the ay of a famous speech by Vladimir Lenin where he proclaimed that imperialism is caused by capitalism. In 1962, Fidel Castro also made a visit to Moscow to solidify the Cuban-Russian relationship. While it was thought only American promotions were supporting the Communists, it appears it could also be in the Canadian promotion. The tournament took place in front of over 14,000 fans and saw the Rougeau Brothers face off with the Original Midnight Express in the main event final. The Rougeaus won the match after double teaming Dennis Condrey. In the co-main event, Rick Martel successfully defended his Canadian Heavyweight Championship against Dino Bravo. One of the newer IWA workers has heard gossip about there being real heat between Creatchman and the Rougeau Family, and that it has been there for some time. A lot of the established talent is also upset at the push Lou Albano and the Tongans are getting. They aren't sure about Tonga John being the real deal and wonder if they aren't losing their heat to an act that will be gone in six months. On the first, the gist of the rumors is that Creatchman has always made a lot of money as the foil for the main event guys. The Rougeaus have tried several times to convince their father, who is part owner of the promotion that Creatchman is getting paid more than he is worth The first TV is another major setup show that puts the Tongans on their path the same way the Rougeaus, Midnights and Can Ams were set up on the 2nd. A lot of the longer tenured Montreal guys don't like the idea of putting the Tongans and Albano over at the expense of everyone but the tip top guys. They wonder if an unproven talent like Tonga John is going to be able to perform up to his push. Gino Brito, a very influential wrestler and part of the booking committee, was heard refusing to do any kind of a clean job for either of the two wrestlers until there were good signs that they could make it work. Several of the others are more optimistic, with Rene Goulet promising to work with all of the young talent including Tonga John and do whatever he could to help the next generation of stars. It's unknown whether Albano or either wrestler has heard about this and it seems likely to cause trouble once King Tonga finds out. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ALL STAR WRESTLING (VANCOUVER) There are rumors that All Star Wrestling is making a power play to take over the Portland Wrestling Territory. Portland has recently encountered some legal and financial difficulties (Covered below) and All Star feels like it can make inroads in the Portland and Seattle markets. What makes the situation interesting is that Portland was a member of the NWA and All Star’s Owner AL Tomko is considered an outlaw promoter. Right now, with wrestling popularity at its height, everyone is playing nice and exchanging talent ut there could come a time when promoters start flexing their muscle and if Tomko decides to take over the territory, it would be considered an aggressive invasion maneuver and a hostile takeover. Sources within the Vancouver office indicate that Tomko feels that since he is so isolated, it would cost any promotion that tries to run against him tons of money to mount an offensive and that he would have enough resources and allies (Tomko is making friends with both Japan offices) to fight off any invasions All Star introduced a new Television Championship and Skip Young defeated Carl Fergie at the July 2 TV Taping. Instead of a championship belt, they are using a trophy. There is a zero percent chance that the trophy lasts in one piece before the end of the year. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MAPLE LEAF WRESTLING (TORONTO) On july 1st, Maple Leaf Wrestling held their 1st annual Canada Cup Tournament. Particiapnats came from different promotions and included guys like Bret Hart and Sgt. Slaughter who do not work for the promotion. Three matches were reported to have been really good to great. First, Greg Valentine and Wahoo McDaniel had a slugfest that continued their feud where Valentine broke Wahoo’s leg. They didn’t really play off the history but did beat the hell out of each other. The second standout match was Greg Valentine vs. Rick Martel. This was reported to be a bloody affair where Valentine really focused on Martel’s leg and appeared to be in control before Martel shocked him with a pin. This was reported to be in the **** range. The final of the event was Sgt. Slaughter vs. Rick Martel. Martel won the tournament and the Canadian Heavyweight Title when Martel forced Slaughter to submit to the Boston Crab. Reports say it was a good match but that Martel failed to sell his leg from the earlier damage from Valentine. It was also reported that one wrestler who had a disappointing night was Stampede’s Bret Hart. He had a bad match with Jesse Ventura especially since Ventura is one of the worst wrestlers in the world. Then he got squashed by Sgt. Slaughter in the next round. Stu Hart was reportedly pissed about the outcome and is reconsidering working with Tunney in the future. Andre the Giant and Killer Khan also appeared continuing their feud from the WWF. It got over with the crowd but these two could never have a good match unless a stretcher is involved because of the limitations of both men. Right before the press deadline, it was announced that Ivan Koloff and The Super Russian won the NWA Canadian Tag Team Titles on July 10th. Outlaw Joel Deaton, a preliminary wrestler in the promotion was arrested in downtown Toronto on July 4th at 2 a.m. in the morning. He was reported to have picked up a male prostitute who was actually an undercover police officer. Deaton is fighting the charges and as released the day after. However, the promotion took a hit since the story appeared on all of the major news channels. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM FLORIDA After the successful space flight on June 18th of Sally K. Ride, 32, first US woman astronaut in space as a crew member aboard space shuttle Challenger, Florida is trying to brainstorm on ways to capitalize on the space craze because of this historical moment. One of the die as is to hold an outdoor show at Cape Canaveral where space flights take off. Another idea is to create an Astronauts tag team where they promote a high flying tag team that can “float in air” like being in out of space. Another possibility is the idea of a “Man that Gravity Forgot” but they have yet to find a high flyer spectacular enough to give that moniker to. Eddie Graham, who many consider a genius, wants to be on the front lines of this space sensation and has told all of his babyfaces to capitalize on the moment. Some stars are even considering wrestling in NASA jumpsuits. Florida, along with Houston, has been at the heart of the U.S. space program and Graham is convinced that the space craze will increase ticket sales. One idea that was floating around but didn’t get very far is having a female wrestler, Sally Ride, with the idea that the astronaut is now wrestling. She would then wrestle men and be the first woman wrestler to win the Florida title. A scheduling conflict with the NWA champion almost resulted in fisticuffs between Jeff Jarrett and Eddie Graham. Both men wanted to use the champ during the Christmas wrestling rush and booked him on the same day. A compromise was reached where the champ would work Memphis TV in the morning and a Florida house show at night. However, this was considered to be the fault of current NWA President, Bob Geigel, who failed to get things under control before things got heated. The son of Larry “the Axe” Hennig is getting praise for getting over in the territory. There are rumors that Dusty Rhodes may attach himself to Henning so that he can be the recipient of the cheers that Hennig is currently getting. The Florida championships were vacated on July 1st after the NWA restructuring that was covered in last month’s issue. Tournaments will be held for both the Florida title and the Tag Titles. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SOUTHEASTERN CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING (ALABAMA) They are running an angle on television where Ken Lucas has broken ribs. On the same episode, he lost his tag team titles to the Assassins. This has even carried on to house shows where all of Lucas’s bookings have been cancelled until he is healed. Behind the scenes, Lucas is pissed because he will not be paid for his leave which was forced on him by the office. The Armstrong’s, who run Southeastern are notorious for their poor payoffs, a tactic they learned from Jerry Jarret t in Memphis. Lucas is in a tough spot because the Armstrongs have the numbers and he can’t confront Bullet Bob without his sons interfering as bodyguards. The Armstrongs have a great standing in the Alabama territory and are presented as good Christian citizens of the community. However, the treatment of the wrestlers has been questioned as of late and they basically froze Lucas out to send a message that they can change your livelihood at the drop of a pencil. Internally, the company is being criticized for pushing Eddie Hogan as a champion in the area. Hogan, real name Edward Leslie, is considered one of the worst wrestlers receiving a paycheck today. He got introduced to the business through his friend Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan) and has made a living through his association. Promoters fear if they don’t book Leslie that Hogan will not do business with them down the line. A few wrestlers in the back have already threatened to break Eddie’s legs because he knows he is protected by the bookers and is getting better card placement. Leslie definitely has the physical look to be successful but his wrestling skills have not improved despite having 6 years in the business +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GEORGIA CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING On July 3rd, GCW held its National Heavyweight Title Tournament in two locations on two events. The first part of the tournament was held in the afternoon in Gainesville. One shocking result was a draw between Paul Orndorff and Tommy Rich where they went to a 30 minute draw, resulting in a double elimination when both men were heavily favored to win. This reinforces the rumblings that Tommy Rich is done with the company for good and was only honoring commitments to finish up in the area and he is said to be moving on to Alabama for the foreseeable future. Greg Valentine appeared only two days after appearing in the Canada Cup and is showing himself to be a traveling Iron Man along with Sgt. Slaughter who also appeared. The tournament in both venues reported there was little in the way of scientific wrestling and that both mats were covered in dirt and blood by the end of both shows. Some of the best brawlers in the world were on these shows including the best brawler of all-time, Bruiser Brody, Buzz Sawyer, Stan Hansen and Terry Funk. Butch Reed won the tournament over Sawyer and is going to be pushed as the main babyface moving forward. Georgia is hoping that Reed can be to Georgia what Junkyard Dog was to Mid South, a black babyface who draws from both white and black audiences. The other big news is that they plan on pushing Jake the Snake Roberts, who signaled at the end of the show that he would challenge Reed for the title. Speaking of Roberts, there are rumors that Fred Ward and Vince McMahon Sr. are at odds because of McMahon’s developmental system. McMahon wanted to use Roberts in his developmental system for up and coming stars but Ward opposed sending Roberts because, in his view, Roberts is already a star and sending him to New York would weaken Roberts drawing power, not enhance it. McMahon’s system also came under fire from Antonio Inoki and New Japan who wanted to send up and coming wrestler Yang Seung-Hi to the program but McMahon refused. This upset Inoki greatly because Inoki has pushed the WWF heavyweight Title heavily in New Japan. He does not normally book NWA or AWA title matches like Giant Baba and even has his own belts under the WWF banner. We will monitor this situation closely. Greg Gagne is getting heat in the locker room because he is rubbing wrestlers the wrong way as the son of a promoter. Gagne is continuously putting down the Southern style of wrestling and reminding the wrestlers that wrestling in Minneapolis is superior. One of the Armstrong brothers has been reported to have already warned Gagne to kep his mouth shut or he would get a good old fashioned Southern beating and it might be hard for daddy to find his body in the woods. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WORLD WRESTLING COUNCIL (PUERTO RICO) There have been several setbacks for the WWC promotion that have nothing to do with wrestling but are affecting the product in major ways. First, there is a neew type of cocaine that is being introduced called “crack” that developed in the Bahamas and is spreading across the Caribbean. Some wrestlers such as Tim Tall Tree and Victor Jovica and others have been reported as unable to perform because of their addiction to the drug. They have also been telling other wrestlers that if they give them money, they would perform favors for them so they can get their fix. Drugs and wrestling has always been a lethal mix but the 1980s has seen a rise in the use of cocaine and a new type of cocaine could spell doom for the business. Another problem for the territory is the El Nino weather patterns. Puerto Rico is no stranger to hurricanes but the El Nino patterns are concerning as the storms become more vicious. This shouldn’t be too much of a worry because it is probably an anomaly. Some are concerned that the patterns are showing the world heating up and causing the storms but this is considered fictional science or quack science and has no merit. Still, some Puerto Rican venues ar ein states of disrepair. NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Harley Race has been touring Puerto Rico and selling out venues across the island. His matches with Carlos Colon and El Gran Apollo are not considered technical masterpieces but are driving the fans crazy. Race, one of the toughest men ever to lace a pair of boots, has requested additional security in Puerto Rico where he is concerned for his safety. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ JIM CROCKETT PROMOTIONS (MID ATLANTIC) On July 2nd in Greensboro, Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy defeated The Great Kabuki to win the NWA Television Championship. No tournament was held for the belt but the company felt they needed to capitalize on the popularity of the Fabulous Freebirds. Gordy, by far the best singles wrestler in the group, could be a contender for the other titles but they wanted a title where they oculd showcase him on TV week after week. The Great Kabuki, who is gathering steam as a top heel, was the perfect opponent for Gordy to showcase his skills. The Frebirds have already had major success in the Mid South, Georgia and Texas territories and are trying to make Mid Atlantic their next territory to conquer. Currently, the Tag Titles are vacant in Mid Atlantic and there are rumors that Michael Hayes and Buddy Roberts are in line to capture the tag belts. There was also a rumor that some promoters including Giant Baba wanted to make Michael Hayes a world championship contender. They see Hayes as a young star who could bring in the new “MTV generation” referring to the cable station Music Television. Hayes and the Freebirds were one of the first acts to use music to come to the ring and Hayes also references pop culture in his great interviews making him seem hip and current. Right now, Crockett is currently running with the Ric Flair vs. Iron Sheik program on top. Flair is another name linked to world title contention and his first run as World Champion was a success so the company wants to push for him to win the belt again. With Jim Crockett Jr grabbing the NWA Presidency and his influence spreading, he could make a major push to make Flair the champ. Iron Sheik, real name Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, is really hot on the heels of his most recent run after driving long time Mid Atlantic mainstay Wahoo McDaniel out of the territory. Flair, who is very close to Wahoo, vowed to break the Sheik’s leg with his figure four. Speaking of Flair and the Freebirds, there is some concern that a territory with these two well-known partying factions could turn the territory on its head. The introduction of the Fabulous Freebirds to Carolina territory began just as one would imagine, with Hayes, Gordy, Roberts and Ric Flair bringing the house down in Greensboro after Saturday's show. While Gordy's win over Kabuki was an impressive start to their run, the "house" referred to here isn't the Greensboro Coliseum, but the nearby public house where Flair and the 'Birds closed the place in the early hours of the morning. Flair started the imbibing, buying the first few rounds, but things took a turn for the crazier when Hayes decided to jump on the bar and lead the patrons in a chorus of "Sweet Home Carolina". In addition to an empty wallet, Flair also left with urine-soaked loafers, a tribute to how well this new combination will work out." There are rumors that there is tension between the Mid Atlantic office and the Montreal office. For years, Montreal has hosted Mid Atlantic talent and has often relied on JCP to fill its cards. However, in the NWA presidency vote, Jack Tunney sided with the old guard of Ward & Jones instead of Crockett and even signaled he would rather use Crockett’s talent but not through Ctockett. One high ranking official was even quoted as saying, “Crockett should cancel the MLW/JCP partnership and the two supershows we have planned in July together. No way should he stand for Jack Tunney backing another horse.” +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CWA (MEMPHIS) Memphis has ended one of its longest running feuds of all time as Lawler is transitioning from Jimmy Hart and Andy Kaufman to Sir Oliver Humperdink. Lawler vs. Hart has been a Memphis staple for the last 3 years. Before Jerry Lawler broke hisleg in 1980, he was managed by Jimmy Hart. After his injury, Hart would go on Memphis television and insult Lawler and promote his new Family. When Lawler came back, Lawler feuded with the family including popular comedian Andy Kaufman. This led to national headlines and record box office in Memphis. Now Jarrett’s promotion will be left with the challenge of continuing big box office without Hart or Lawler’s long time rival, Bill Dundee. Dundee lost a loser leaves town match covered in our last issue and left for the Portland territory. He may be back soon though with the new problems facing that promotion. Humperdink got his start in Florida but does not have the charisma of Hart. Still, Jerry Lawler is a legend in Memphis and has been able to draw big houses with a wide range of opponents. Speaking of Lawler, there are reports of Lawler being pulled over by Memphis police with a young woman in his car. Reports estimate the age anywhere from 14 to 19 but not older. If she was younger than 18, Lawler could be in real trouble. However, Lawler is friends with many on the police force and it is possible that he did not receive a ticket or a warning after talking to the cops. The racial overtones of the current Ernie Ladd vs. Big Red feud are causing unwanted attention. Memphis is already a city fraught with racial tension and this could cause unwanted friction in the audience during big shows. Ladd accused Big Red of being an Uncle Tom and it set off a firestorm of reactions in the community. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ICW (LEXINGTON) The company is using Lanny Poffo’s heel turn on his brother, Randy Savage at the 4th of July show as the kickstart to their new top program. The hope is that the hatred between the two brothers will resonate with the fans and it will produce at the box office. Critics of the move contend that Savage is a star in the making whereas Poffo will never make it above enhancement status. However, it is known in the wrestling community that Savage is loyal to his family and will always put family ahead of business in making decisions. Many of the wrestlers are upset with Poffo’s refusal to book women wrestlers. One wrestler was quoted as saying “The Poffos are killing us here. They haven't booked any women in 2 weeks. There aren't enough rats to go around. They are booking the midgets next week, so maybe there's hope soon. A lot of the boys are getting restless.” I know it's an angle kind of making fun of what Memphis is doing with Ernie Ladd, but there's a lot of truth to what Pez Whatley said in a recent TV interview. For a company called International Championship Wrestling, it's mostly Americans and 90% white. Angelo is playing with fire here, and he might get burned, but we'll see what happens. The response from the promotion is that they are catering to their mostly white, nearly all American fanbase. Eddie Hogan was legitimately pissed with the angle involving him getting questions about Hulk Hogan. He came to ICW to get out of Hogan's shadow and make a name for himself, but he's still cashing in on the Hogan name. Angelo is going to give him some time off. Wrestling fans are taking the Rock N Roll Express challenge seriously. One fan, Jimmy Crack Corn writes in to say that he hopes the Rock N Roll Express think the kids at St. Jude's Medical Research Hospital are just as important as those other kids they say they helped. He doesn't like the Rock N Roll Express much anyway, thinks they are yellow and won't show on the 13th. There is a video out there that Angelo had commissioned for the New Generation that he refused to air because it was deemed 'too gay'. The video prodiucer got fired because of it. Angelo wants the New Generation to be his 'blowjob babyface' tag team, but that video would give new meaning to it. If it ever gets out they will be turned heel by it in a heartbeat. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WWA (INDIANAPOLIS) On July 2nd, one of the best technical masterpieces of wrestling to ever air on television occurred when Dory Funk Jr., the ring general of his generation, led Mike Rotundo through a fabulous ten minute match. Funk reinforced why he is still a great wrestler and Rotundo could be a world champion someday with his skills. In the studio, you could hear a pin drop as the crowd was mesmerized by these two tacticians. Not one cheer or holler happened during the entire match. When it was finished, nobody clapped or cheered or showed any emotion. They were too stunned by the technical brilliance on display. They may still be in a catatonic state. Because of the silence, you were able to hear every grunt, every strike and the loud thud when both men fell to the ground at the end of the match. Easily a contender for Match of the Year and one of the best matches on television ever. The new top heel in the territory is King Kong Bundy. In an angle shot for television, Brody broke Dick the Bruiser’s ribs. This is similar to the angle shot in Alabama with Jerry Lucas but the difference is that the Bruiser will get paid since it is his company. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CENTRAL STATES (KANSAS CITY) This past week, there was a tournament for the Missouri Heavyweight Championship. The fans at the show were entertained and given THREE super matches. David Von Erich defeated Dick Slater after 28 minutes of action with the Iron Claw. David is by far the best Von Erich brother and he will probably be World Champion within a year. He has been promoted heavily in Southwest, World Class, Florida and St. Louis. Promoters love him and his upstanding Christian values and work ethic. In another 30 minute match, he lost to Nick Bockwinkel who won the title and the tournament. It was quite a week for Bock who also won the WWF World title. Promoters are literally begging to give this the guy the belt even though his peak prime was over a decade ago. However, Bockwinkel is one of the best wrestlers in the world and older promoters really love him as champion even is he isn’t considered “current” or “hip”. Finally, Harley Race and Ric Flair faced off in an NWA Heavyweight Title match where Race won after 42 minutes. There were originally plans for Gene Kiniski to referee the match but a scheduling error prevented this from happening. Adding Kiniski to the match would have made this legendary but this was still a great match. There are locker room rumors that Polish Power Ivan Putski was saying racist jokes in the locker room and it pissed off 500 pounder Kareem Muhammad. Putski, who has been the butt of Polish jokes his whole life, thought he had an easy target with Muhammad. Muhammad did threaten to sit on him until his eyes exploded and then eat him. Putski, who was originally considering a career as a midget wrestler quickly backed down and apologized. Those around should know that even though Putski said colorful comments, it is considered acceptable in wrestling locker rooms and black wrestlers should just accept that it is part of the business and that those saying these things aren’t really racist. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MID SOUTH WRESTLING Not much has been seen from Mid South this month. Those close to Bill Watts say that he has been depressed lately and has been booking the shows scribbling notes on a piece of paper and not communicating with talent. As a result, the television product has suffered recently and one of the boys suggested Bill should journey to the dark parts of New Orleans and find a prostitute to lighten him up. Mid South has a strong group of talented wrestlers but they have not been happy lately as there are very few women at the wrestling shows. We will have more on this story as it develops. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SOUTHWEST CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING (SAN ANTONIO) Reports are in from San Antonio that Joe Blanchard has seen the incredible business that World Class is doing right now by bringing in a large female audience and is looking to do the same thing in Southwest. Not only did Joe mandate that The Fabulous Ones win the vacant Southwest Tag Team Titles on July 31st, he also has told everyone he wants to have El Gran Apollo win the Southwest Heavyweight Title VERY quickly upon his re-introduction to the territory. This trend, affectionately named “Blowjob” Wrestlers by Jerry Jarrett is a new strategy being used to expand the wrestling fanbase. Things in San Antonio have cooled down now that Manny Fernandez has left the territory. The feud between Tully Blanchard and Fernandez was so deep rooted that it was tearing the locker room apart. There are rumors that the two had a real fight in the back but as one wrestler described it, “It was like two women rolling round the floor trying to lick each other”. This fight seriously hurt the credibility of both men and both are hoping to have a new start now that Fernandez is gone. The big main event feud moving forward is going to be Scott Casey vs. Tully Blanchard and the push for the Fabs at the top of the tag division. Since Southwest is not a part of the NWA, but has international affiliations, there are reports that Joe Blanchard may use his contacts in Puerto Rico and Japan to bolster his talent roster. We’ll have more on this as it develops. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WORLD CLASS (DALLAS) With the recent success of the Von Erichs vs. Freebirds feud, a six month feud that ignited business and led to record business, Fritz has been on top of the world. However, there are some cracks beneath the surface. After a contract dispute, the Freebirds left and went to Mid Atlantic. David Von Erich, hoping to escape the weight of the family name in an attempt to make it on his own left to Southwest in San Antonio. Fritz did bring innew babayfaces like Tito Santana and heels such as Kamala, real name Jim Harris, to strengthen the roster but the losses of David and the Freebirds are going to hurt. On July 4th, the annual Spectacular in Fort Worth was supposed to take place but there have been no reports of the show ever taking place. The main event of Devastation Inc. vs. The Von Erichs was the replacement main event for the Von Erichs vs. The Freebirds but the Birds left town. I have reached out to people within the company but nobody is saying a word. There have been no reports of television tapings moving forward or of people who attended the show. If Dallas goes dark, it would be a rough period for Texas wrestling as Joe Blanchard has made no indication he wants to expand and Bill Watts is not in the proper state of mind to expand his territory and those would be the two names most likely to take over the Dallas territory. Rumors are Paul Boesch would want Dallas but not as a regular loop. Word is that he wants to gut the territory of its talent and just run Houston super shows every week and leave Dallas dark. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ AMERICAN WRESTLING ASSOCIATION On the 4th of July spectacular, Hulk Hogan won a tournament to become the new AWA Heavyweight Champion. Hogan defeated Handsome Jimmy Garvin in the tournament finals to win the belt. Originally, Hogan was supposed to win the title from former champion, Nick Bockwinkel but Bock refused to drop the strap to Hogan because he wasn’t a “real” wrestler. Instead pof dropping the title, Bockwinkel vacated the belt and left for Kansas City where he was promptly given the Missouri Title. He also did a shot in New York becoming the new WWF Heavyweight champion. Hogan has become a new sensation partly due to his charisma but is also famous for his role as Thunderlips in last year’s Rocky III. Word out of Minneapolis is that new AWA World Heavyweight champion Hulk Hogan is exploding in popularity. The Thunderbird, a popular bar/nightclub in the Twin Cities area, was overrun with fans last Thursday night when Hogan played bass on a set of cover songs with the house band. One of the covers was from a little known California band, Metallica who plays a new type of “speed” metal. Hogan re-arranged the cover into a funk number since Hogan is proficient in funk, jazz, pop and rock on the bass. The AWA is also getting bombarded with media requests for Hogan. However, promoter Verne Gagne is limiting Hogan's media exposure as he tries to develop ways to monetize each appearance. While Hogan is becoming popular, Verne Gagne is telling close associates that he could have made anyone as popular as Hulk Hogan including his son Greg. He was reported as saying that he knew Greg could be just as big but that it was more important for Greg to be seen as a legitimate wrestler and not as a pop star but that if Greg wanted to be a pop star, he has enough talent and a singing voice to capitalize on pop culture. There is a Booty Underwear backlash in the company because WCCO-TV in Minneapolis aired a segment a couple weeks ago that showcased the AWA and wrestler merchandise. Vinnie Valentino brought out a pair of scantily-clad women to show off his new line of "booty underwear." Apparently, WCCO has received dozens of letters and several phone calls complaining about the segment.The writers and callers don't think such "trash" should be marketed to the kids who watch the AWA. The AWA is also currently in negotiations with ESPN for a program on cable and satellite which will hopefully be launched within the next year. If successful, they would be the third American wrestling company who has a national television platform. ESPN is to sports what MTV has become for music television but not as popular. However, it would give Vern much needed exposure outside of his Northern sphere of influence. The other two national television shows have Georgia Championship Wrestling on WTBS, the Ted Turner channel, and Central States is currently airing on the USA Network. One of the booking ideas going around the AWA is to create a faction called the Police. They would enter to the new Police song “Every Breath You Take” (currently #1 on the pop charts) in police uniforms and be named after the English pop group who is currently topping charts worldwide with their Synchronicity album. One of the wrestlers could be called Sting which would be a cool name for a wrestler. Summer and Copeland do not sound as cool but they might consider calling them Rock or Blade. The idea is that the team would come in and challenge the Road Warriors and eventually dress up in face paint although I have no idea why policemen would dress in face paint. A locker-room brawl broke out between Buck Robley and “Rock N Roll” Buck Zumhofe. The incident first happened when they started arguing over who was the real Buck in the territory. Robley, who is also considered a respected wrestling booker, threatened to cut off Zumhofe’s nuts. Another wrestler close to the situation thinks the real issue deals with Zumhofe’s insistence on bringing underage groupies into the locker room. If under-age girls were to report wrestler’s misconduct, it could bring down the entire promotion. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PACIFIC NORTHWEST WRESTLING (PORTLAND) Don Owens, who has promoted wrestling in Portland since 1951, is no longer a promoter. Don, who took over the business from his father, Herb Owens, fell into some dark times recently. Long considered one of the best promoters in the business, Don was arrested on June 31st for “Lascivious behavior” with a prostitute and is accused of being the ring leader of a Japanese prostitution ring. Owens has currently been sending talent over to Japan and it is possible there are links to Giant Baba or Antonio Inoki as co-conspirators. Owens owned the building in which his wrestling empire performed in and there are rumors it will be confiscated by authorities and put up for auction. Rumor has it that Al Tomko made a deal with the County Commissioner to have a public auction but that it is really a front for Tomko assuming control. Many Portland wrestlers are upset especially long-time Portland mainstay, Buddy rose. Rose was so distraught he covered himself in whipped cream naked and ran through the streets of Portland streaking. No confirmed reports if Buddy licked the whipped cream off of himself afterwards. There were also reports that Owens was linked to a neo-Nazi biker gang and was reported to be laundering money for methamphetamine dealers. If he is found guilty, Owens and Portland Wrestling will never be the same. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION Nick Bockwinkel, a three time AWA Champion left that promotion and joined Central States. Bockwinkel won the Missouri Title and then, in a trip to Madison Square Garden, pinned Bob Backlund after 34 minutes to capture the WWF World heavyweight Title. Bockwinkel had his feet on the ropes, cheating as the crowd was stunned by the victory. Bockwinkel is the first man to hold the Missouri Title and the WWF title at the same time. Bockwinkel, who turns 48 in 1983, is another in a long line of older wrestlers wrestling for the WWF. Vincent McMahon Sr. seems to be digging in his heels and has only filtered in very few younger talent on his roster. Right now, he has main event slots for older wrestlers like the Anderson Brothers, the Briscoes, Blackjack Lanza and Dominic Denucci. One of the few younger guys on the roster is Ricky Steamboat. It was a shock to many when Ricky Steamboat left Charlotte and the Mid Atlantic area to go to New York but McMahon gave him a huge 6 figure offer to work for the company. No word yet on how Bockwinkel will manage his Central States, New York and Japanese commitments but despite his age, he is still in heavy demand. WWF is in a unique position because its tp two belts are in the hands of talent who do not call New York their home promotion. Don Muraco from Mid South is currently his Intercontinental champion. On the other end of the age spectrum, McMahon has promoted a new developmental system. The idea is he will take talent from other promotions and promote them on his show and they will be elevated in the New York area. With large crowds in the Northeast, McMahon believes this system will help young talent. However, McMahon does not have national TV access and the exposure of the talent would be limited compared to going to work for Central States or Georgia which has national exposure. As reported, McMahon is being very strict with his program and has already upset and offended Antonio Inoki, a regular business partner who has ties to the WWF. There are also rumblings that other promotions have turned down the offer because they don’t want their stars jobbing in the New York market. So far, wrestlers signed up for the program include Bret Hart, Tommy Rogers, El Gran Apollo, Bobby Eaton, Brickhouse Brown and possibly Steve Williams. Time will tell if this is a success. There have been disputed reports of McMahon using Andre the Giant as a leverage point with other companies threatening to pull Andre from booking dates if they don’t comply with McMahon’s wishes. Some promoters have complained and some have argued that Andre doesn’t mean what he once did for box office since he is only a special attraction and the new generation wants to see long term feuds and stories develop and Andre needs to stay long enough to help build a program. There are rumors that the WWF locker room is the most subdued locker room in the business. Wrestlers are not requesting “beer and broads” like other locker rooms but the wrestlers can often be found taking long naps in the locker room and it is considered a very quiet atmosphere, similar to a nursing home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisZ Posted July 12, 2015 Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 This was tremendous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryvonKramer Posted July 12, 2015 Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 15 million stars!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cross Face Chicken Wing Posted July 12, 2015 Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 Verne does not appreciate the insinuation that his wrestlers are bringing underage girls into the locker room. He has ordered all of his workers and staff to cut off communication w/ Wade Smeltzer. Anyone caught speaking with that muckraking hack will have to do a week's worth of labor on Verne's farm. Verne is also disturbed about the apparent influx of commie bastards into the American wrestling world. Verne is reaching out to former Vice President Walter Mondale about forming a commission to monitor communist activities in wrestling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodhelmet Posted July 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 You bring it upon yourselves promoting all of those Russians. What did you expect? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goc Posted July 12, 2015 Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 This is awesome. Outlaw Joel Deaton being caught trying to pick up a male prostitute is a huge scandal. How is the locker room going to react to him being outed in this way? I hope we continue to hear from ICW area fan Jimmy Crack Corn. Wade Smeltzer is clearly mis-informed about what is happening in Southeastern though. Perhaps he has no wrestler sources in the notoriously tight lipped Alabama area and is only relying on TV reports and doesn't know that Ken Lucas has moved on to work in Texas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RocketCrypt Posted July 12, 2015 Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 This is fantastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawho5 Posted July 12, 2015 Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 This was incredible. I LOLed at the description of the Dory vs. Muraco match. Who knew this was going to be a perk of the 1983 project? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodhelmet Posted July 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 I tell you what, it is a lot easier when you guys send in stuff. Big props to those who sent in stories. Having said that, this is probably going to be a monthly newsletter. The next one may have more stories but cover the entire month. I already have a headline for the main story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodhelmet Posted July 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 This was incredible. I LOLed at the description of the Dory vs. Muraco match. Who knew this was going to be a perk of the 1983 project? I am glad you caught that. My other crowning achievement was the Sally Ride story but you young ones probably don't remember the Sally Ride phenomenon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goc Posted July 12, 2015 Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 The Sally Ride thing just made me wonder if I could bring in Spaceman Frank Hickey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodhelmet Posted July 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 I'm waiting for the Armstrongs to bring in their cousin... Neil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawho5 Posted July 12, 2015 Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 I do remember Sally Ride, but I thought the Dory vs. Muraco bit was the funniest part. I've listened to enough podcasts to know your feelings on both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodhelmet Posted July 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 The entire newsletter is filled with little digs like that... Tiger Mask, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Boricua Posted July 13, 2015 Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 I loved the whole set-up, the Dory-Rotunda match recap was my favorite bit. I'll definitely send you stuff for future editions. Weekly's a bit rough to do, but would bi-weekly work if you receive enough stories from us? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodhelmet Posted July 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 Sure... if I don't get enough after 2 weeks, I'll just push it off until the next month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyin' Brian Posted July 13, 2015 Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 Really well written and researched, but Eddie Graham could get in trouble picking a fight with 16 year old Jeff Jarrett. That Don Owens sounds like a real kingpin. And here I thought Dungeon Masters was a reference to this new game and cartoon coming on in September. Verne talking Greg up was hilarious. The Sting and the Police stuff and Dory Muraco write up were great too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodhelmet Posted July 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 Just like the real deal, probably in need of an editor.... but I will never get one I also want to think the half dozen of you who have sent me PMs correcting mistakes throughout Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawho5 Posted July 13, 2015 Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 The mistakes are a part of the charm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyin' Brian Posted July 13, 2015 Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 And how are we to know what's a mistake and what's real behind the scenes dirt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodhelmet Posted July 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 True true true. Eddie Graham almost broke Jeff Jarrett's pencil neck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawho5 Posted July 13, 2015 Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 What a dick, picking on a 16 year old kid. Soon he'll need an entourage to stop wrestlers from shooting on him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dedhemingway Posted July 13, 2015 Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 Man, Ivan Putski better watch his mouth with all of the African-American talent currently calling Central States home. I sure hope that we don't develop any leaks, although they do say that any publicity is good publicity, so... Definitely looking forward to your future issues. I'm subscribing now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loss Posted July 13, 2015 Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 You have outdone yourself. This was not only funny and awesome, it was a very detailed and nuanced way to be funny and awesome. I feel like I could re-read this several times and find something new to chuckle about each time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodhelmet Posted July 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 Thanks. Now, I am not going to reveal who wrote what but some of the passages were contributions by other guys who sent things in. A Journalist has to protect his sources. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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