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American Wrestling Association
Under New Ownership
July 1990 The scene opens in the office of Verne Gagne, owner of the American Wrestling Association. He grumbles as he's reading a letter, the look on his face being most displeased. He tosses the letter down and shouts. Verne: They can't do that to me after thirty years! The letter is from ESPN, detailing the cancellation of Verne's premier show AWA Championship Wrestling. Verne sighs and cups his head in his hands. The date on the letter had been from two weeks prior, but Verne had been too busy dealing with other litigation that he hadn't been home in a while. AWA Championship Wrestling was set to be cancelled by the end of July. Verne had finally hit rock bottom. With no stars, no money, and now no television, Verne was stuck between a rock and a hard place. The American Wrestling Association was facing closure... A Week Later Verne struggles to make contact with any television broadcaster interested in funding the continuation of AWA Championship Wrestling. The phone in his office rings, which Verne picks up immediately. Verne: This is Verne Gagne, how may I help you. An all too familiar voice rings out from the phone, a deep booming voice. The voice of another wrestling owner. ???: Ah, Verne, old friend, it's been so long since we've last spoken. It's Vince. Verne: Pah, old "friend". What do you want? Vince: Ah, not beating around the bush I see. Alright alright, Verne. I hear you're running on hard times; your show's been cancelled huh? Verne: How the hell did you find out? Vince: I have my sources, Verne. Now, listen. I'm feeling generous. I want to help you out Verne. Verne: ... Vince: Are you there Verne? Verne: I'm listening... Vince: I'm going to give you an offer. I want to buy the American Wrestling Association from you, Verne. All trademarks and properties of the AWA. Verne: You what!? Vince: You heard me Verne. Verne: You're serious about this... Vince: Deadly serious, Verne. I'll even give you how much I'm willing to pay. Verne: ... How much? Vince: 5 Million Dollars. Verne: You're joking... Vince: I'm not kidding, Verne. I will buy the AWA from you for $5 Million dollars. Verne begins to grit his teeth, obviously even more pissed off than he already is. Verne: You honestly think I'm selling my life's work for a measly $5 Million dollars? You think this is a joke to you, Vince? Vince: Well, yes, but that's a separate issue. I'm very serious about buying your company. Verne: Vince, I want you to listen very carefully. You'll have to pry this company from my cold, dead, hands. I'm not selling to you. Vince: A real shame, maybe you can use what limited funds you have left to ask Iron Sheik to break Hogan's leg again. Verne: ... This conversation is over, Vince, good bye. Verne slams the phone down and sits back, trying to relax. |
August 1990 The scene opens as Verne Gagne sits in the office of his palatial home in Bloomington, Minnesota. A knock comes at the door of his office. Verne: Come in… In comes Verne’s son, Greg. Greg has a look of concern, as his old man has stayed inside the office for weeks now except when at shows or when eating. Verne mutters to himself that all he needs is a little more money and he can compete, but knows it won't come any time soon. Verne: Ah, Greg. What did you need? Greg: Just wanted to chat, dad. Verne: Well, what is there to chat about? Greg: Well, you know… Verne shifts in his chair and the frown on his face grows larger. Verne: I've already talked about this. I won't sell. All we need is a little money and we can make a comeback. Greg sighs and leans over the table. Greg: Who would want to support us dad? We're better off selling to someone who can bring- Verne: If you're just here to pester me to sell again, save it. Goddammit, I won't give up my life's work so easily- Just then, the phone in his office rang. Verne grumbles and picks it up, staring angrily at his son for continuing to argue to sell the only thing he has left. Verne: Hello? A voice emanates from the phone, it's a deep voice, one full of power, that Verne recognizes very quickly. Verne: Jesse? Well I'll be damned, what do you want? … Well, ESPN took us off the air last week, yeah… Well we're not in the hole… yet… Oh? Is that so? … You think they'll help us? Well to tell you the truth, we could use some money. Well let's schedule a meeting. I’ll call ya back soon. Verne hangs up the phone as a toothy grin grows on his face. Verne: That was Jesse Ventura, our old friend. He says there’s somebody who’s willing to help us out financially. How’s that, Greg? Greg shifts uncomfortably and avoids eye contact with his father. Greg: Uh, yeah… that’s… that’s great dad. Verne: You see, the AWA won’t die as long as I live. I’ll keep this damn thing alive. Greg: I know you will... |
The Next Week At the AWA offices, Verne and Greg sit in a meeting room awaiting the arrival of Jesse Ventura's mystery investor. Verne Gagne looks gingerly, exciteable, while his son Greg looks anxious. Verne: I'm glad, Greg. This is our chance to make a comeback and get at that sonuvabitch Vince. Greg: Indeed. Verne: What's with you m'boy? You've seemed a bit jumpy lately. Greg: It's nothing, Verne. In comes Jesse Ventura, who shakes hands with Verne and gives him a hug. Jesse: Verne, my man. It's good to see you, I got the investor just outside the door, as well as some surprise company. Verne: Surprise company? Who else you got with the investor? In comes one of the most respected men in wrestling history, Jim Barnett, and a dapper young man in a rather expensive looking business suit. He has a suitcase in hand. He extends his hand and shakes Verne's. Anderson: You must be Verne. I've heard quite a bit about you. I'm excited to do some business with you. Verne: The pleasure is all mine, all mine. Anderson: Right then, let's get to it then. I presume Jesse has briefed you on what we're here for? Verne: You were thinking of giving financial support to my company the American Wrestling Association, yes. Anderson: In essence, yes. In truth, I am Scott Anderson, the president of 3M, the largest conglomerate in the US. Verne: Woah. That's... I never knew. What does a company like 3M want with the American Wrestling Association? Anderson: I thought you'd never ask. While it hasn't been announced yet for another week, 3M will be expanding into the media business. Indeed, 3M will soon be 4M. We've already purchased several small television studios in the US and Canada, we have a contract to broadcast select television shows from ABC and FOX, and of course we have no shortage of funds to continue this venture for the next five years. All that's missing is a staple of television. Turner has his World Championship Wrestling, and Vince has his World Wrestling Federation, but alas, 4M needs a wrestling company to complete the set. That's what we're here for. We're not only intent on financially supporting you, Verne, we're offering to outright buy the company for several millions. Verne: ... I heard that correct, you wish to "buy" the company? Anderson: Absolutely, Mr. Gagne. We've been told that Vince McMahon offered to pay $5 Million dollars to buy your company, and rest assured, we are not as cheap as Mr. McMahon. We're offering you well over $9 Million dollars including royalties for the rest of your life for the American Wrestling Association and all its properties. Verne: That's... substantially more money than Vince... Anderson: 4M makes well over a billion dollars yearly, $9 Million is nothing. Not only will it be coming from 4M, this money is also coming from Mr. Ventura, Mr. Barnett, and... your son, Greg. Verne: Greg? Greg: Uh, yeah. We've been working on this deal for close to a month, Verne. I think it's time you let me take care of business. Verne: So, the son takes over for the father... Greg: It'll be in good hands, I promise dad. With this deal, we'll have unlimited money, guaranteed stars, a guaranteed TV deal of a lifetime. You can't say no to this, dad. It's either this or the company dies. With this we stand a fighting chance of taking it to Vince! Verne: I... I don't see much of an alternative... $9 Million is just too much to turn down. Anderson: Excellent, sign here Verne, and we'll take care of the rest for you. Verne: Greg, all I ask is that you kick that bastard Vince in the teeth, show him we're not a joke. |
And so the American Wrestling Association enters a new era...
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