AWA Major League Wrestling

[LowBlowPodcast]

This was a really good go-home show because it made WrestleRock feel like a huge event from top to bottom. The celebrity appearances gave it a big-time feel, and the Carlos Colon training video was excellent because it made him look like a hero representing all of Puerto Rico, while Kokina looked like an absolute monster destroying everyone in his path. Hogan and Gerry Morrow remain one of the hottest feuds in the company and the visuals of Morrow celebrating with champagne and Hogan shaking the cage were memorable. Warrior and Kerry Von Erich made their match feel important without needing hatred, and the tag division continues to be one of the strengths of the AWA with several different feuds and stipulations that all feel unique. The returns of Muraco and Matt Borne added some surprises, and the six-man brawl gave fans a taste of the chaos to come at WrestleRock. By the end of the show, there were multiple matches that felt like must-sees, which is exactly what you want heading into a major event.

[spaldoni]

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 6-19-91

The show starts with Brenda Britton standing in the middle of the ring 

Britton: Hi everybody and welcome to AWA Major League Wrestling. Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime. The Champagne man himself, Gerry Morrow will be gracing everybody with a match right here, right now! So, let me introduce to you the man that will end Hulkamania forever...Champagne Gerry Morrow! 

Sade's Smooth Operator plays as Morrow walks into the ring wearing a sparkling green vest, shiny green boots and trunks and of course his trademark fedora and sunglasses. He hands a bottle of champagne to Brenda then takes off his suit, fedora and sunglasses. Morrow kisses Brenda's hand and is ready for action. 

 

'Champagne' Gerry Morrow w/Brenda Britton vs. Tony Goya 

Morrow dismantles his opponent and begins to toy with him. Morrow hits a suplex and follows with a diving headbutt 1..2..NO, Morrow lifts his opponent up. BOOOOOOOS! Morrow chokes his opponent on the top rope and flings him back. Morrow hits a body slam then goes to the top rope. Morrow smiles before crashing down with a diving headbutt. Morrow stands up and puts his foot on Goya's chest 1..2..3. 

Brenda enters the ring with a Hulkamania shirt and the champagne bottle. Brenda lays the shirt across Goya's face then hands Morrow the bottle. Morrow opens the bottle and gives the fans a toast gesture. Morrow's about to pour champagne over his fallen opponent. 

The fans come absolutely unglued as HULK HOGAN hits the ring in jeans and a tank top! The fans are going crazy as Hogan unloads on Morrow! Brenda gets out of there. Hogan punches Morrow to the ropes. Hogan swings off the opposite ropes and clotheslines Morrow over the top rope! 

The fans are on their feet. Hogan rips off his shirt and throws it down at Morrow. Brenda runs over to help Morrow. Hogan does his traditional poses as the fans soak it all in. Hogan grabs the mic

Hogan: Gerry Morrow! Whatcha gonna do at WrestleRock when the power of Hulkamania runs wild on youuuuuuuuuuu!!!!

 

Commercial Break 

 

Larry Nelson: oh my! What a way to start the show! Hulkamania just ran wild on Gerry Morrow! (takes a deep breath) Ok, a lot going on tonight. I can tell that AWA world champ Kokina is in the building as is Carlos Colon. We'll be hearing from both men tonight. Let's get back to the ring. 

 

'Tidal Wave' Tommy Jammer vs. Neil Jordan 

Jammer's fired up tonight as he puts his opponent down with a dropkick from the middle turnbuckles. Jammer swings off the ropes and hits the California Splash for the win. 

 

Nelson: Ok, Tommy, at WrestleRock you've signed to face a mystery opponent who will be making his AWA debut. Does this worry you at all? 

Jammer: Hey, it's like surfing the waves in Cali. Sometimes you never know where they're going to take you but you just gotta go with the flow. At WrestleRock, I'll be ready to ride that unknown wave and come out on top! 

 

Commercial Break 

 

Footage from last week is shown as JW Storm returns to save Gary Young from a double team beating by Austin Idol and Bill Dundee. 

 

Nelson: With me now are Gary Young and JW Storm. 

Young: JW, thank you brother. I had been feeling pretty alone but as a true friend you were there for me. It's sure great to see you. 

Storm: Gary, you've been a great friend to me and Austin did us both wrong. I say...

Boos as Austin Idol and Bill Dundee come out. 

Idol: Awwwww isn't this sweet. A reunion of the losers. You guys were made for each other

Dundee: You two are just pathetic. Austin, you definitely made the right move by cutting ties with these two sad sacks. 

Young: You know Austin, I'm glad you came out especially with your little friend here. JW and I were talking and why don't we settle this at WrestleRock. You two versus us two. Easy as that. 

Storm: Yea Austin, I would love to take a shot at you and your little buddy 

Dundee gets pissed and moves closer. Idol smirks and whispers something to Dundee. 

Idol: It's clear you boys need to be taught a lesson in the ring. So yea, I'll lace up the boots one more time just so the Superstar and I can teach you that lesson you'll never forget. See you darlings at WrestleRock. 

Dundee: But nobody will be seeing you afterwards, you can bet on that

Idol and Dundee leave. Young and JW high five. 

Young: Idol! Dundee! The Mavericks are back! 

Storm: And with a vengeance! 

 

Commercial Break 

 

Mil Mascaras and El Canek vs. Vic Dutro and Willie Lopez 

Canek and Mascaras look tremendous and their chemistry is off the charts. Canek holds Lopez in a vertical suplex position as Mascaras hits a flying press from the top rope for the win. 

 

Nelson: Impressive victory indeed. Canek and Mascaras will get their well deserved world tag team title shot at WrestleRock. 

 

Before the commercial break we see clips of the AWA dual champs the Heavenly Bodies on various local talk shows. They make sure to always show off both sets of titles and talk about how great they are and how great they look. When asked about their WrestleRock opponents they only refer to them as faceless chickens who hide behind their masks before dismissing them as any kind of threat or challenge. 

 

Commercial Break 

 

The Hangman w/Nell vs. Trent Watkins 

Hangman obliterates his opponent before finishing things off with the Hangman's neckbreaker! Nell gets in the ring and says something at Hangman. Hangman lifts his opponent and sets up for the heart punch. 

Hold on! The fans roar as the Big Bossman hits the ring! 

Nell turns around as Bossman puts him down with a big boot! 

Bossman twirls his nightstick and nails Hangman. He swings Hangman to the ropes and hits Hangman in the mid section with the nightstick. Bossman twirls the nightstick and smacks Hangman over the head with it! Hangman and Nell are down and out as Bossman holds his nightstick high. Bossman looks into the camera and yells "Justice is back!" 

 

Commercial Break 

 

Rampage vs. Samson Smith and Carl Kellerman 

Morgan and Equalizer take turns mauling their poor opponents before swinging Smith to the ropes and finishing things off with double boots to the head! Rampage huff and stomp around the ring. We'll see if they can do this to Los Boricuas at WrestleRock. 

 

Commercial Break 

 

Nelson: About to join me is Greg Gagne along with his Ace, Frank Andersson. 

Gagne runs up wearing a sweatsuit and carrying a towel. 

Gagne: Whoa wait one second Nelson. Only I'm allowed to introduce the Ace. I want all of you to show proper respect for the greatest wrestler walking the face of the earth, the Ace Frank Andersson! 

The Swedish National Anthem plays as Frank smugly walks out wearing a Swede Olympic sweatsuit with all his gold medals around his neck. He gives the fans a disdainful look, totally shuns Nelson and then shakes hands with Gagne. 

Nelson: (rolling his eyes) Well, you asked for it and got it. The AWA has chosen Bobby Blaze to be your Ace's opponent at WrestleRock. 

Gagne pauses for a long time with a disappointed look on his face. Frank holds out his arms while giving Gagne a puzzled look. 

Gagne: (laughing and shaking his head) I gave the AWA two weeks to find a suitable opponent and all they could come up with is Bobby Blaze? (laughs again) Bobby Blaze? Really? Bobby Blaze? (shakes his head) So be it. I guess we'll just look at this as an exhibition to showcase the Ace's talents. I feel for you Bobby Boy. You're about to be embarrassed at the biggest AWA event in history. However, you can hold your head high knowing you lost to the greatest wrestling technician in the history of wrestling. We're done. 

Gagne leaves. Andersson bumps Nelson's shoulder as he exits. 

 

Commercial Break 

 

We see Maxx Payne playing his guitar in a dark room. He stops

Payne: At WrestleRock, Norma Jean and I are going to deliver some very bad news. 

Maxx gives an evil smirk and starts playing taps.  

 

Nelson: Fans, with me now is the AWA commissioner Magnum TA 

Magnum: Thank you Larry. I've said this countless times but WrestleRock is where grudges will be settled. After what's been going down with Don Muraco and Tommy Rich, I've signed them to go at it in a street fight. 

Cheers as The Magnificent Muraco comes out

Muraco: Thank you so much brothu! You hear that Tommy Rich! That means I can do anything I want to you! Oh and Tully Blanchard, that means the same for you too! At WrestleRock, I'm taking out two dirty birds with one stone! 

 

Commercial Break 

 

AWA TV Champ Gama Singh and The Rock n Roll RPMs vs. Iceman Parsons and TCB w/Jackie 

This one's a wild one. There's a lot of animosity in the ring and tempers flare several times during the seesaw match. RPMs and TCB have furious exchanges while Parsons does his best to avoid Gama. After minutes of hard hitting action a pier six brawl escalates. The RPMs and TCB are fighting all over the place. Gama unloads on Parsons and puts him down with a top rope missile dropkick but the Ref is occupied with the RPMs and TCB. Jackie gets in the ring and nails Gama's head with Parson's scepter! Parsons rolls over and covers as Jackie yells at the Ref. The Ref runs over and counts 1..2..3! BOOOOOOOO! 

 

Commercial Break 

 

Nelson: Fans, stay tuned for our WrestleRock report after the show. I understand both official cards will be announced. Ok, joining me now is the man who will wrestle for the AWA world title at WrestleRock, Carlos Colon. 

The fans pop as Colon walks out wearing a suit. 

Nelson: Carlos, I know you spent a lot of time training in Puerto Rico and I have to say you look to be in the best shape of your life. 

BOOOOOOs as Adnan Al Kassie comes out

Adnan: Carlos Colon! You have no idea of what you're dealing with! You really think training in your homeland is the same as preparing for Kokina? You've awaken a beast and he wants your blood! 

WHAM! 

From behind, Kokina headbutts Colon! Kokina grabs Colon by his head and headbutts him again! Kokina keeps his vice grip on Colon and headbutts him again! Colon is busted open. Kokina swings Colon into the steel post! Security and officials swarm the scene. The last image we see is a bloody and fallen Carlos Colon. 

 

 

[ErictheDragon]

Hogan gets his hands on Morrow makes for  hell of an show opener.

Idol must have a plan if he's agreeing to face Storm & Young.

The tag title match is giving off MAJOR tortoise/hare vibes.

[spaldoni]

AWA 

Report 

 

The show opens with a special Ultimate Warrior/Kerry Von Erich video set to Foreigner's Jukebox hero. We see clips of Warrior and Von Erich training, cutting promos and in ring highlights. The video ends with Warrior's voice saying "There can only be one!" The Ultimate Warrior clashes with the Modern Day Warrior at WrestleRock! 

 

Magnum TA comes on screen. He's standing in front of a WrestleRock banner. 

Magnum: At WrestleRock, Leo Burke and Konnan will wrestle for the AWA International title. Earlier this week each man participated in a special sit down interview. Let's show you some highlights. 

Leo's asked about his time in the AWA and how much he has left in the tank. 

Burke: I've had my ups and downs in the AWA, that's for sure. I've always been in title contention but came up short. This past year I was able to advance to the world title battle royal at Champagne Slam. I was so close but once again came up short. Since then I've been reenergized and refocused. I may not be as young as I used to be, but I can tell you right now, I'm more determined than ever. I'm well aware that this may be my last chance at gold and there's no doubt in my mind that I have to win this match. Konnan's a tremendous competitor but I simply can't lose this match. I've worked too hard and I plan on walking out with that International title. 

Konnan's asked about his loss to Leo Burke at Champagne Slam and how does it affect him mentally. 

Konnan: The fact of the matter is I took Leo Burke lightly and he beat me. The only thing that did was light a fire under me. I won't make that mistake again. Leo Burke is going to get the very best Konnan and Leo Burke can't handle the best version of Konnan. Last year I had to make a name for myself and Gary Hart was a big part of that. When Gary left, I was riding high but I let my guard down. I had to regroup. I don't need a manager, I don't need to prove anything to anybody but myself. At WrestleRock, Leo will be out of his league. He's going to get a Konnan he can't hang with. That International title is mine! 

 

We see another vignette of the Tribal Nation. They're sitting in a domed enclosure heated with hot rocks and water. They're doing a spiritual cleansing. They say they're preparing for battle against Latin Desire and after the battle, Latin Desire will be sacrificial offerings. 

 

The British Bombers and Guerreros each cut promos. Guerreros say if the Bombers had any kind of honor then they would promise to refrain from any rule breaking whatsoever at WrestleRock. The Bombers say the Guerreros wont be able to keep up with them for 30 minutes. 

 

Ron Garvin and Dick Slater cut promos

Slater: Garvin! We have a lot of unfinished business but at WrestleRock, (holds up a taped fist) you can bet your ass I'm going to finish things! 

Garvin: You know something Slater, you don't hit as hard as you think you do. I can take your punches but when I nail you with these hands of stone, you're going down. 

 

Magnum: Ok, you can see there's a lot of bad blood heading into WrestleRock. I say, let them put it all out there and settle things once and for all. Fans, here's a rundown of the official WrestleRock cards. I'm sure you're excited as I am. 

 

WrestleRock Night 1 

Friday July 17th 

Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan Puerto Rico 

 

Singing La Borinquena- Maria Conchita Alonso 

Special Appearance by Hector 'Macho' Camacho 

Guest commentator for the world title bout- Chicky Starr 

After WrestleRock Concert- The legendary Jose Feliciano 

 

AWA World Title Bout 

Kokina (C) w/Adnan Al-Kassie vs. Carlos Colon 

 

AWA World Tag Team Title Bout 

The Heavenly Bodies (C) vs. El Canek and Mil Mascaras 

 

For the AWA International Title 

Konnan vs. Leo Burke 

 

AWA TV Title Bout 

Gama Singh (C) vs. Iceman Parsons w/Jackie 

 

Taped Fist Match

'Unpredictable' Dick Slater vs. 'Rugged' Ron Garvin 

 

30 minute Iron Man Match 

The British Bombers vs. The Guerreros 

 

Tornado Match 

The Rock n Roll RPMs vs. TCB w/Jackie 

 

Latin Desire vs. The Tribal Nation 

 

The Cobra vs. 'The Love Machine' Art Barr w/The Vin Man 

 

Los Boricuas vs. Rampage 

 

 

WrestleRock Night 2

Saturday July 18th 

The Metrodome, Minneapolis MN

 

Singing America the Beautiful- Gladys Knight 

Special guest commentator for the main event- Mr. T 

After WrestleRock Concert- Foreigner 

 

 

STEEL CAGE MATCH! 

Hulk Hogan vs. 'Champagne' Gerry Morrow w/Brenda Britton 

 

AWA 6-Man Tag Title Bout 

Demolition (C) vs. Jumbo Tsuruta, Mr. Saito and Shinya Hashimoto 

 

The Ultimate Warrior vs. 'The Modern Day Warrior' Kerry Von Erich 

 

The Big Bossman vs. The Hangman w/Nell 

 

Street Fight 

The Magnificent Muraco vs. 'Wildfire' Tommy Rich w/Tully Blanchard 

 

Bad News Brown vs. Maxx Payne 

 

The Mavericks (Gary Young and JW Storm) vs. 'The Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol and Superstar Bill Dundee

 

Scott 'Flash' Norton w/Ted Arcidi vs. The Missouri Tiger 

 

'The Ace' Frank Andersson w/Greg Gagne vs. Bobby Blaze

 

Sam Houston vs. 'Maniac' Matt Borne 

 

'Tidal Wave' Tommy Jammer vs. A Mystery Opponent