AWA 1989: A Financial Savior Is (Badly) Needed

[the autumn wind]

AWA ALL-STAR WRESTLING SYNDICATED TAPING RESULTS - STEVENS POINT, WI - QUANDT FIELD HOUSE - UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STEVENS POINT

Since I'm not sure how they handled the taping schedules back then, I'm just going to pretend the syndicated tapings run a week behind the Showboat tapings. Example: The second week Showboat taping would air the same week the first syndicated taping would air, etc.

(* It was announced before the show that the Destruction Crew had won the World Tag Team Titles a few days earlier at the ESPN tapings in Vegas.)

In-Studio Host: Larry Nelson

Match Commentator: Lee Marshall

Color Commentator: Lord James Blears

4th Taping

In-Studio - Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program:

TV MAIN EVENT: Derrick Dukes (Top Guns) vs. Pat Tanaka (Badd Company)

IRON CLAW SHOWDOWN: Baron Von Raschke vs. Manny Fernandez

PLUS!

Don Muraco wrestles

A look back at the Guerrero Bros. defeating the tag champs the Destruction Crew last week in a non-title match and a major announcement coming out of that match

A look back at Tom Zenk backing up his words against Col. DeBeers from AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN in Vegas plus comments from both men

AND MORE!

Nelson then sent it to Stevens Point, WI:

Jerry Blackwell won a squash over Tom Stone via pinfall when the 'Mountain from Stone Mountain' hit Stone with a running splash in the corner - TIME: 1:38

Post-Match Interview at ringside w/ Lee Marshall:

Marshall asked Blackwell where he'd been the last several months. Blackwell said he'd been attending to personal matters but was back and ready to rumble in the AWA.

Marshall brought up Blackwell defeating his long-time nemesis Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey in a match in Vegas recently.

As Blackwell talked about the match, Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey made his way to the ring in his Arab garb. Crowd booed his appearance.

Kaissey confronted Blackwell.

Kaissey: Jerry Blackwell! You may have defeated me in Sin City Las Vegas! But, let me tell you something, big man! This fight is not over! Oh no! You return and the hatred is renewed between us!

And...I will have a BIG surprise for you very soon, you dirty American scum!

Blackwell: What did you call me, Sheik?!

Kaissey: You heard me!

Blackwell: If you hate this country so much...see that sign over there?!

Blackwell pointed at an exit sign in the small arena.

Blackwell: It says 'exit'! Feel free to leave America at any time!

Kaissey: I go where I want to go and I get what I want! Watch your back, Jerry, you are a marked man!

Kaissey stormed off.

Marshall asked Blackwell about Kaissey's cryptic remarks and Blackwell responded that he doesn't know what Kaissey has planned, but that he'd be ready for whatever Kaissey threw at him.

Video clip aired of footage from Zenk confronting Col. DeBeers in Vegas with the caption: ZENK ZAPS THE COLONEL...NEXT!

Commercials/Market-Specific Promos for upcoming shows

Back from commercials...

In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd video footage from Vegas of the recent confrontation between Tom Zenk and Col. DeBeers.

VIDEO:

Col. DeBeers defeated Gino Carabello in a squash match via pinfall with his face-first piledriver finisher

After the match: DeBeers gestured and called for Larry Nelson. Nelson climbed up on the apron with mic in hand.

DeBeers: No one tells the good Colonel what to do!

This piece of trash here, what's his name?!

Nelson: Gino Carabello.

Carabello was still down in the ring feeling the effects of DeBeers' finisher.

DeBeers: Carabello is a disgrace to this sport and his people! And now I've got to make an example of him!

DeBeers went over and grabbed the ref, who was checking on Carabello, and threw the ref through the top and middle rope and the ref crashed to the floor. DeBeers put the boots to the still down Carabello and then left the ring for the floor and went over and grabbed the ring bell off the timekeeper's table. DeBeers climbed back into the ring with the bell as Carabello was getting up. DeBeers smashed Carabello across the back with the ring bell and Carabello crashed back down to the mat. DeBeers then positioned the bell in the middle of the ring. DeBeers went over and quick-stomped Carabello and then DeBeers grabbed his hapless foe.

Lee Marshall: Is DeBeers going to face-first piledrive Carabello into the ring bell?!

Lord James Blears: If he succeeds in doing this, Lee, he might not only end the man's career, he could possibly end the man's life.

DeBeers positioned Carabello for the extremely dangerous move. Crowd popped as Tom Zenk, in his ring gear, charged down the face aisle and hit the ring, came up behind DeBeers and blasted DeBeers with a forearm smash to the back. DeBeers lost his grip on Carabello and Carabello went down helplessly to the mat. Zenk spun DeBeers around and laid into the Colonel with a series of head shots, whipped DeBeers into the ropes and blasted DeBeers coming off with a big clothesline. DeBeers crashed to the mat as most in the crowd popped. A stunned DeBeers made it to his feet and Zenk hit him with a running clothesline. DeBeers back down. Zenk went over and grabbed the ring bell as a shaky DeBeers made it slowly to his feet. DeBeers saw Zenk with the ring bell and the Colonel started to back/beg off as Zenk slowly moved in. DeBeers backed into the corner. Zenk looked to the crowd for approval and got it and Zenk went to hit DeBeers over the head with the ring bell but DeBeers lunged out of the way and the bell slammed into the top turnbuckle. DeBeers bailed from the ring to the floor and ran/stumbled back up the heel aisle. Zenk left the ring, bell still in hand, dropped to the floor and watched DeBeers vanish into the back.

Nelson then intro'd comments from Zenk.

VIDEO:

In-Studio: Tom Zenk was standing in the AWA interview area in street clothes with mic in hand.

Zenk: Col. DeBeers! I told you what was going to happen to you if you kept on taking advantage of wrestlers after you had already defeated them!

Your actions could not go without a response!

And to try and face-first piledrive a man into the ring bell! You could have maimed Gino Carabello...or worse...if I, or someone else, didn't come out there and put a stop to it!

There are a lot of bad guys in this sport!

But Col. DeBeers, you're not only bad, you're also evil! Only and evil man would try to crush a man's face into a piece of solid steel! And evil must never be allowed to go unchallenged!

Now the Col. knows! If he tries to seriously harm someone else who is not in a position to fight back...he'd better look over his shoulder...because I will be there to make sure it doesn't happen!

Nelson then intro'd comments from DeBeers.

In-Studio:

Col. DBeers was in his camo military attire and beret.

DeBeers: One thing no has ever accused Tom Zenk is being very bright.

This...is a man who pumps himself full of chemicals to get the look he wants.

Look up the word 'narcissist' and you'll see Zenk's picture.

But, all that aside, Mr. Zenk needs to know that he just made the worst mistake of his entire career.

You don't mess with the Colonel without there being some sort of blowback!

And Tom Zenk is gonna wish he'd never stuck his nose in my business!

You've got my attention, Zenk! And for you...it's not gonna be the kind of attention you're gonna like!

See you around...you synthetic freak!

In-Studio: Nelson commented that the feud between Zenk and the Col. was now off-the-charts hot and it will be interesting to see how DeBeers responds to what Zenk did to him.

Split-screen video aired of Baron Von Raschke and Manny Fernandez with the caption: THE IRON CLAW SHOWDOWN...NEXT!

Commercials

Back from commercials...

IRON CLAW SHOWDOWN:Baron Von Raschke vs. Manny Fernandez

Lee Marshall and Lord James Blears related the backstory of what led to this challenge.
(Read the backstory at Taping 3 of the current All-Star Wrestling tapings.)

Both men were already in the ring.

Ring announcer intro'd Manny Fernandez.

Fernandez was mainly booed but had a few supporters in the crowd.

Fernandez was in a t-shirt, tights and ring boots, stepped forward, raised his fist in the air and shouted: Viva La Raza!

Ring announcer then intro'd Baron Von Raschke to cheers from most of the crowd.

Von Raschke was in his red and black ring robe, red and black leg-length tights and black ring boots.

Von Raschke did the goose step and raised his right hand in the air in the claw position.

Fernandez got on the mic.

Fernandez: Hey, man! Is that your claw hold or are you just having a bout of arthritis in that hand because you're a relic! Hahaha!

Fernandez started walking around in the ring slowly and slightly bent over and holding his back like he was an old man.

Fernandez pointed and laughed at the Baron.

Fernandez: One more thing, grandpa...I mean Baron! I got you something for you!

Fernandez reached into the neck of his t-shirt and pulled out a pair of granny glasses.

Fernandez: You might need these to see where to properly apply the claw on me! Hahahaha!

Baron put his hand out. Fernandez handed him the glasses. Baron briefly looked over the glasses and then threw them on the mat and stomped them to the delight of the crowd.

Fernandez: What are you doing?! Those things cost me a buck twenty-five!

Baron kept glaring at Fernandez and and opening and closing his right hand into the claw position. The two men glared at one another and referee Marty Miller stepped in between them and ordered both men to stand back.

Announcer Lee Marshall said that ref Miller was needed in order to check if Fernandez does pass out in the hold according to wrestling rules (lift the arm three times to see if he's out).

Baron removed his robe.

Miller gestured for the Iron Claw Showdown to begin!!!

The two men moved towards one another and just as Baron started to apply the claw, Manny pulled back and out of Baron's grasp. Miller told Fernandez to let Baron apply the hold.

The two men moved towards one another once more and Baron started to apply the claw again when Fernandez slipped out of the hold once more and Fernandez, borrowing from the Larry Zbysko playbook, bailed from the ring to the floor to strong boos from the intimate crowd. Fernandez walked around on the floor as Baron came over by the ropes and angrily yelled and gestured for Fernandez to get back in the ring. Marty Miller also told Fernandez to get back in the ring. Miller ordered Baron to stand back and Baron did as ordered. Fernandez grabbed the top rope and climbed up on a knee on the apron when Baron came over and tried to grab him but Fernandez got away once more. Boos grew louder as Fernandez paced the floor. Baron getting frustrated in the ring as Miller kept the German at bay.

Fernandez finally climbed back up on the apron and quickly made his way back into the ring and walked right up to the Baron.

Fernandez picked up on a mic.

Fernandez: Go ahead! Put that claw of yours on me, you goose stepping geezer! You ain't puttin' me out!

Fernandez gestured to his forehead area and then gestured with his hands for Baron to bring it.

And the Baron brought it...

The Baron locked Fernandez in the claw and almost immediately Fernandez tried to pull Baron's vice-like right hand off his head but failed to do so.

Crowd into it...

Fernandez kept trying to escape the hold and was even able to maneuver over by the ropes and got a leg out on the apron in an effort to break the hold and get away from the Baron but Baron kept the hold firmly locked on and pulled Fernandez back into the ring using just the claw.

Fernandez yelled out in pain and again tried to pull Baron's hand off his head to no avail.

Fernandez kept fighting furiously a little longer but the life started to drain out of the Ragin' Bull.

Fernandez's arms went limp by his side and he dropped to his knees in the hold.

Crowd wanted to see the Baron finish this asshole off once and for all.

Fernandez was on his knees and appeared to be in a weakening state and on the verge of going out when he suddenly found the strength to hit the Baron with a low blow.

Baron quickly lost his grip on the hold and crashed to the mat holding his privates.

As Fernandez shook out the effects of the hold and slowly made it to his feet, a shaky Baron slowly got to a knee. Fernandez moved in and booted Baron in the side of the face. Baron back down on the mat. Ref Miller tried to step in and break things up but he was flattened by a punch to the face from Fernandez. Fernandez put the boots to the downed Baron and then dropped down and struck him with a few head shots. Baron battered.

Fernandez went over and quickly untied the tag rope in the corner. Fernandez moved around behind Baron as a dazed and confused Baron unsteadily made it to his feet. Baron up and Fernandez moved in and started strangling Baron with the tag rope. Baron gasping for breath and trying to escape the makeshift noose.

Crowd popped as Wahoo McDaniel, in his ring attire, hit the ring. Wahoo came up behind Fernandez, grabbed Fernandez and pulled him off the Baron. Baron fell over against the ropes with the tag rope still around his neck. Wahoo laid into Fernandez with a blistering series of stiff chest chops that sent Fernandez crashing to the mat and then scurrying out of the ring to the safety of the floor.

Wahoo glared out at Fernandez as Fernandez was holding his red chest.

Fernandez picked up on a mic.

Fernandez: This was none of your business, Wahoo!

Wahoo briefly continued to glare at Fernandez as other refs came to the ring to help the Baron and ref Miller. Wahoo turned his attention to the hurting pair in the ring as well and mainly focused his attention on his friend the Baron.

Shot of an enraged Fernandez looking on from the floor as the segment ended.

Commercials/Market-Specific promos for upcoming shows

Back from commercials...

Don Muraco defeated Jose Estrada via pinfall with the inverted piledriver - TIME: 3:40

Post-Match interview at ringside w/ Lee Marshall:

Muraco talked about big things starting to happen in the AWA and that he's excited to be a part of it. Said he's still looking for a partner to go after the AWA Tag Titles.

In-Studio Promo: Jonnie Stewart talked about being the future of wrestling and being the man who will carry the sport on his back into the 1990's. It will be the 'Decade of Jonnie'.

Stewart reminded viewers that his name was Jonnie without an 'h'.

Video clip aired from last week's tag match between champs the Destruction Crew and the Guerrero Bros. with the caption: UPSET CITY...NEXT!

Commercials

Back from commercials...

In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd video of last week's match between the AWA Tag Champs The Destruction Crew and the Guerrero Bros.

VIDEO:

End of the match saw Hector Guerrero and Wayne Bloom the legal men in the ring.

After some brief back-and-forth action, Hector briefly got the upper hand and went to whip Bloom into the ropes but Bloom reversed and blasted Hector coming off with a big clothesline. Hector crashed to the mat. Bloom for the cover. 1...2...thr... Hector kicked out. Crowd cheered.

Bloom snapped Hector up, whipped Hector into the ropes and looked to catch Hector coming off with a backdrop but Hector instead caught Bloom in a sunset flip try. After a brief struggle, Hector flipped Bloom over for the pin. 1...2... Enos hit the ring and kicked Hector in the back to break up the pin try.

Mando hit the ring and blasted Enos with a dropkick. Enos crashed to the mat in the ring. Mando caught Enos with some stomps. Ref got Mando off of Enos and ref tried to get Enos out of the ring.

Bloom picked up Hector and was holding Hector in the horizontal position. As the ref was distracted with Enos, Mando turned and dropkicked his brother in the back. Bloom crashed to the mat with Hector on top of him for the pin try. Ref got Enos out of the ring. Mando back to his corner. Ref turned and saw Hector covering the stunned Bloom. Ref quickly dropped to the mat as Hector hooked the leg. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell as the fans cheered wildly for the Guerrero brothers.

Hector up and started jumping around and Mando came in and joined the celebration and the two brothers hugged. Ref came over and raised both men's hand in victory as the stunned tag champs looked on from the floor as the program came to a close.

In-Studio: Nelson announced that because of the Guerreros win over the Crew in the non-title affair, the Destruction Crew will be facing the Guerrero Brothers...this time with the titles on the line...at the next AWA show at the Showboat Sports Pavilion in Las Vegas!

Split-screen pics aired of Derrick Dukes and Pat Tanaka with the caption: DUKES VS. TANAKA IS NEXT!

Commercials/Market-Specific Promos for upcoming shows

TV MAIN EVENT: Derrick Dukes vs. Pat Tanaka

Tanaka, in this ring duds, came to the ring first with his manager Dallas Page to boos. Page had his trusty cane with him. Tanaka wrestles barefoot.

Dukes, in his ring attire, came to the ring with Ricky Rice, who was in street clothes, to decent amount of cheers.

Rice was at ringside to keep an eye on Page.

As soon as the bell rang, Dukes and Tanaka tore into each with punches. Dukes gained the early advantage and knocked Tanaka out of the ring. Page came over and checked on his man.

As the match progressed, it became a volatile see-saw affair.

At one point, Tanaka sent Dukes down to the floor and when Dukes was on his hands and knees, Page came over and gave Dukes a good, swift kick in the ribs while Tanaka baited Rice, who jumped up on the ring apron and Rice and Tanaka had words and Rice took a swipe at Tanaka and missed. DDP grabbed Dukes and threw Dukes back into the ring. Ref got Rice off the apron and Tanaka went back to work on Dukes and took control of the match the next few minutes but couldn't put Dukes away.

At the end of the match, Tanaka was on the offensive. Tanaka worked Dukes over and then blasted Dukes with a roundhouse kick to the back of the head. Dukes crashed to the mat. Tanaka for the cover. 1...2...thr... Dukes kicked out. Fans cheered. Tanaka snapped Dukes up and went to whip Dukes into the ropes but Dukes reversed and caught Tanaka coming off with a powerslam. Tanaka laid out. The ref was looking at Tanaka as Dukes ran and hit the ropes. DDP reached into the ring and clipped Dukes' leg. Dukes crashed to the mat. Rice charged over and jumped Page and started pounding Page as the fans cheered.

Paul Diamond, in his ring gear, charged down to ringside and attacked Rice. Page freed from Rice's grasp. Rice and Diamond started brawling up the aisle. Dukes got to his feet as Page climbed up on the ring apron. Ref went over and ordered Page off the apron. Page started arguing with the ref. Dukes went over and Page slapped Dukes in the chops and Dukes wasted no time dropping Page with a right to the jaw. Page hit the apron and then the floor. Dukes looked down at Page writhing in pain on the concrete.

However, behind Dukes, Tanaka had recovered and was standing at the ready. Dukes turned and walked right into a brain rattling superkick from Tanaka. Dukes crashed to the mat. Tanaka for the cover and hooked the leg. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell as the fans booed.

An exhausted Tanaka to his feet and the ref raised his hand in victory. Rice and Diamond had taken their brawl to the back. A hurting Page managed to get to his feet and lean against the apron and cheered on his man. Shot of the still down Dukes aired as the program ended.

WINNER: Tanaka - TIME: 11:00

END PROGRAM

DARK MATCHES

AWA WORLD TITLE MATCH: Sgt. Slaughter (WC) def. Larry Zbysko via pinfall with the Slaughter Cannon - TIME: 19:12

$50,000 BATTLE ROYAL - PARTICIPANTS: The Destruction Crew, Top Guns, Badd Company, Hector & Mando Guerrero, Tom Zenk, Col. DeBeers, Greg Gagne. Brad Rheingans, Jonnie Stewart, Wahoo McDaniel, Manny Fernandez, Tommy Jammer, Tommy Rich. Don Muraco, Jerry Blackwell, Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey

WINNER: Jerry Blackwell - Eliminated Jonnie Stewart by throwing Stewart over the top rope down to the floor - TIME: 13:08

ATTENDANCE: 1,004 (REALLY bad)

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

VERNE GAGNE'S HOME ON LAKE MINNETONKA

Verne Gagne was sitting at his desk in his home office. He'd just returned earlier that morning from the previous night's tapings of All-Star Wrestling in Stevens Point, WI.

He was staring at a cashier's check he had in his hands in the amount of $7,500 USD.

The check was not for Verne. Oh no! This was a check Verne had drawn up and was about to send to someone else.

And in the cash-strapped AWA...it was a lot of money!

Verne Gagne, to use Vegas speak, was about to take a serious gamble. He was hoping the money would re-open a line of communication with a specific individual to see if that person would come back and work a series of dates for the seriously struggling AWA.

Verne had an idea he hoped would spark a strong upswing in business.

He kept this idea to himself for now. Hadn't told anyone, not even son Greg, what he wanted to do.

Verne knew the $7,500 dollars would be just the start in trying to lure this man back into the fold. There was anger and bitterness involved here and Verne knew he had to tread carefully. It was going to take a major good faith effort on his part to win this man's confidence back. He'd been burned by Verne before and deep down Verne knew he'd burned him.

Re-building the bridge Verne had blown up with this man was going to take time to re-build.

But considering the current state of the AWA, time was something the company was borrowing right now just to stay alive.

Maybe time was something Verne didn't really have in this case and he'd have to re-build that bridge in hyper-drive in an effort to get this man to return to the AWA.

Verne Gagne took the pricey cashier's check, got up and headed out the door to mail it via overnight air. He wanted the check to arrive at its destination as quickly as possible.

But Verne also had something else on his mind...

Barry Shenkarow, successful businessman and the owner of the NHL's Winnipeg Jets, was going to fly Verne and Greg in his private plane up to his offices in Winnipeg, Manitoba in a few days.

In phone discussions with Verne, Shenkarow made it clear that he wanted to meet face-to-face with the promoter and make his offer to buy the AWA and share his vision for the promotion moving forward.

If Verne accepted Shenkarow's offer and sold the AWA to him, that would render his plans null and void to bring this wrestler, a wrestler who truly had unfinished business with Verne, back to the company.

Either way...something was about to give.

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

MEMPHIS, TN

It was the day after Verne Gagne sent the cashier's check via overnight mail to its intended recipient.

A UPS driver pulled up in front of a fancy home in an upscale neighborhood in Memphis.

The driver got out of the truck carrying the envelope Verne had mailed. The driver walked to the front door and rang the bell.

After a few seconds, a woman opened the door.

UPS Driver: I need you to sign for this letter, please.

The woman said 'OK', was handed a pen by the driver and signed the driver's log showing the envelope had been delivered.

The woman was handed the envelope and she and the driver exchanged courtesies. The driver went back to his truck, got in and drove off on another delivery.

The woman closed the door and walked back to the kitchen.

Paula's her name. She's a stunning beauty. And on this morning, she's wearing a short robe that barely goes past her ass.

It was 20 minutes of 10 in the morning.

Paula placed the envelope on the kitchen counter and grabbed her coffee and resumed her morning caffeine ritual. She saw the letter was for her husband Jerry.

Paula: Jerry.

Jerry was still in the bedroom.

Jerry: What?

Paula: There's a letter here for you. It was sent overnight mail. Looks like it might be important.

Jerry came into the kitchen wearing a t-shirt, blue sweat pants and white socks.

He greeted his lovely wife with a morning kiss.

Paula: This is it.

Paula handed Jerry the envelope and Jerry looked it over.

Jerry: It's from Minneapolis.

Paula: Who's it from?

Jerry squinted at the envelope.

Jerry: The address is smeared. But it is from Minneapolis.

Jerry went over and sat down at the kitchen table and carefully opened the mailing envelope. He pulled out a blank standard white envelope that had not been sealed.

Jerry reached into the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper.

As Jerry unfolded the paper, the cashier's check for $7,500 USD fell out on the table.Jerry picked up the check and looked at it for a moment.

He then read the note that was written on the piece of paper.

Paula: What is it, Jerry?

Jerry just kept reading.

The note said:

Jerry,

Enclosed is a cashier's check in the amount of $7500.00.

This is your payment for your match with Kerry Von Erich at SuperClash 3.

I am sorry this is so late in coming.

As you know, we are struggling mightily right now.

I came up with an idea that I'd like to talk to you about. It revolves around you never having actually dropped the belt.

I think we could do some business built around that premise.

If you're interested, please call me at 612-555-1264.

Would also like to clear the air with you, Jerry. Hoping we can put the past behind us and work together in the future.

All the best.

Sincerely,

Verne Gagne

Jerry: It's from Verne Gagne.

Paula: Verne Ga... Wait. He never paid you for your match at the AWA pay-per-view. What does he want?

Jerry: Well, this check here is my payment for doing SuperClash.

Jerry handed Paula the check. Paula looked it over.

Paula: $7500 dollars! That's it?! To main event a pay-per-view?!

Jerry: I agree it's a little low.

Paula: A little...

Jerry: Paula, the show was not a success at the box office or on pay-per-view.

Paula: Still...they probably pulled in a million or close to it when everything is added up.

Jerry shrugged.

Paula: And what does Verne 'I'll gladly pay you next Tuesday' Gagne want?

Jerry: He wants me to come back and work for him. Wants me to come back with the AWA belt and claim I'm still the champion because I never lost the title.

Paula: You're not gonna do it, are you?

Jerry: I'm gonna talk to him. Feel him out a little and see where things stand right now.

Paula: He's already burned you once before. The only reason he probably sent that check to you now is because he wants to do business with you.

Jerry nodded from side to side.

Jerry: You're right, babe. Verne's a desperate man these days.

Jerry stared at the note from Verne and contemplated his next move.

Paula: Better be careful, hon.

Jerry: Careful of what?

Paula: When you go to deposit that check at the bank it might bounce higher than the World Trade Center towers.

Jerry chuckled.

Jerry: If that happened, then you wouldn't have to worry about me even considering going back. I'm sure this is good.

Paula: I don't like it. I've heard he has a history of sometimes screwing over the wrestlers on pay.

Jerry: So...you're telling me he's your run-of-the-mill wrestling promoter.

Paula laughed.

Paula: I still think you should have made more for the match.

Oh! And you're a wrestling promoter, mister.

The pair laughed.

Jerry: So do I. But $7,500 sounds a lot better than zero.

Paula: I guess.

You deal with that man, then you better get paid something up front and a written binding agreement between you two.

Jerry: I'll call him. What's the worst that can happen?

Paula: Guess we're about to find out.

Jerry again looked down at the note and re-read it.

TO BE CONTINUED...

To see how white hot Paula was during this time, click on this video:

Oh! And Paula's the one in the Dolphins jacket.

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA

Verne and Greg Gagne arrived in Winnipeg just after noon on Winnipeg Jets' owner Barry Shenkarow's private plane.

The pair didn't bother to bring luggage as they knew they were being flown back to Minneapolis later that evening.

Verne and Greg were driven to Shenkarow's business offices in a black town car.

The pair sat in the office waiting area for about 30 minutes before Shenkarow came down the hall and greeted the pair personally and led them back to his office.

Verne and Greg couldn't help but be impressed by the pricey surroundings they found themselves in.

Shenkarow said they would be eating lunch in a few minutes in the office. A server came in and asked the three men how they liked their roast beef. All agreed upon medium rare.

The trio made small talk as they waited. 20 minutes after walking into Shenkarow's personal office lunch arrived.

The three men sat at a table and dined on a lunch of huge medium rare roast beef sandwiches on large kaiser rolls with their choice of condiments (au jus, mustard, mayo, straight or creamed horse radish), different cheeses, lettuce, tomato, onion, etc., hearty steak fries, a caesar salad prepared fresh right at the table and delicious mud pie with hot fudge on the side for dessert. They could wash down their lunch with coffee, hot tea, iced tea, soda or an adult beverage from Shenkarow's own private stash.

During lunch, the trio avoided discussing the sale of the AWA and Shenkarow's plans for the company should he buy it. Intsead, Shenkarow talked about owning an NHL team and Verne and Greg talked about life in the wrestling business.

After the meal was over, Shenkarow invited the men over to sit on the couch. Verne and Greg took their drinks and walked over and sat on the obviously expensive couch. Shenkarow sat in an obviously expensive chair.

After a little more small talk, Shenkarow shifted the subject.

Shenkarow: Let's talk about a purchase price for the AWA, shall we?

Verne: Sounds good.

Shenkarow: I know that Jeff Smulyan offered you less than $2 million to by the promotion. That was definitely a low-ball offer.

Verne and Greg both nodded in agreement.Shenkarow: So, I am prepared right now to offer you, Verne, for the entire AWA, including the TV contracts, merchandise and tape library...$2,750,000 dollars.

Greg whistled.

Verne:Wow! That's a generous offer, Barry.

Just curious. Where would you move the company's base of operations?

Shenkarow: I was thinking of keeping it right where it is and leasing the office space.

To Verne this was sounding better and better. Greg was feeling the same way.

Verne: It's definitely an offer to seriously consider.

Shenkarow: Please, take a few days to think about it, Verne. This is a big business transaction.

Verne: I appreciate your patience on this matter. We'd like to talk to the rest of the family about this.

Shenkarow: You do just that.

Now, I'd like to lay out my plans for the AWA if I buy it.

Greg: We're all ears.

Shenkarow: As you know, Vince McMahon presents a fairly cartoonish version of professional wrestling.

Verne: Tell me about it.

Shenkarow: Whether one likes it or not, this appears to be the wave of the future.

Greg: Cartoon wrestling?

Shenkarow: Yes.

Verne: But difference is good in this business. By being different you offer fans an alternative.

Shenkarow: Well, I will be offering fans an alternative.

Greg: How so?

Shenkarow: The AWA will become a major player again by being more cartoonish than the WWF!

Verne leaned forward. All the good vibrations of a few minutes ago had vanished.

Verne: Can you be more specific?

Shenkarow: Sure, all the wrestlers will be cartoon-like characters.

For instance: Larry Zbysko will become an evil Italian chef who speaks with a thick Italian accent, that will be exaggerated, of course. He will wrestle in a white chef's outfit. And...get this...he will wear a tall chef's hat to the ring and wrestle with it on! There's more! He will also bring a kitchen utensil to the ring with him that he can use as a weapon during the match, like a rolling pin, cheese grater, loaded spatula.

Verne and Greg looked at each other with disappointed looks on their faces.

Shenkarow: Sgt. Slaughter would become a real life GI Joe! Since he has an action figure in the GI Joe line these days, we'd have him come to the ring in a toy box similar to the one his action figure is sold in.

Verne now gritting his teeth.

Shenkarow: The Top Guns would come to the ring dressed like the Tom Cruise character in the movie Top Gun. And they would pepper their interviews with lines from the movie.

Badd Company would become a comedy tag team like the Bushwhackers in the WWF.

Greg: Even as heels?!

Verne slapped his bald head in frustration.

Shenkarow (puzzled): As what?

Verne: Never mind.

Shenkarow: Some other ideas include making Wahoo McDaniel more like the Lone Ranger's sidekick Tonto. He'll speak like Tonto and carry a tomahawk to the ring.

Greg (sarcastically): You sure won't be hearing from AIM* about that one.

Verne (also sarcastically): Or Wahoo.

Shenkarow: You think that might a be a problematic idea, huh?

Verne (with a forced smile): Never know until you try.

Shenkarow: I see Manny Fernandez as a bandido. He'd be wearing an over-sized sombrero and a couple of bandoleers crossing his chest. And he would say things like: Holy frejoles! like Speedy Gonzalez on those old Warner Brothers cartoons.

Greg looked on in astonishment while Verne remained as stoic as possible.

Verne: Please continue.

Shenkarow: Col. DeBeers would become more like Col. Klink on Hogan's Heroes.

Dallas Page would dress like a Southern plantation owner, complete with big cigar.

We could have Don Muraco wrestle in swim trunks and carry a surfboard to the ring. He'd also have that white sunscreen on his nose.

Oh! And here's the best part! Since he'd be a surfer dude...he'd come to the ring soaking wet...sometimes with a fish or seaweed sticking out of his trunks! How about that?! Hahahaha!

Verne and Greg laughed politely and then looked over at each other in disbelief.

Shenkarow: Since Ken Patera and Brad Rheingans were Olympians, we'd have them come to the ring pushing a wheel barrow full of gold medals!

Greg (joining the absurdity parade): What about Baron Von Raschke?

Verne shot a glare over at Greg and Greg just shrugged his shoulders.

Shenkarow: His name would be changed to Herman The German and he'd be a spy. He'd wear a long black trench coat, black fedora and black sunglasses like he was a spy. And he'd always deny he was Herman The German because he's a spy! Get it?!

Verne: Oh! We've got it, alright!

Shenkarow: And...I had an idea for you two.

Greg (sarcastically): Oh boy! Bet this is a good one!

Shenkarow: Even though I'd own the promotion, I'd still like to have you two working for the AWA.

Verne, you'll become the villain wrestling promoter of the company.

By now, Verne was almost numb listening to Shenkarow's plans.

Shenkarow: And you'll constantly be trying to put the World Title on your son until you finally succeed...by nefarious means, of course! We'll make you like a Snidely Whiplash-type of character.

Verne was poker faced.

Shenkarow: Greg.

Greg (sitting at attention): Can't wait for this!

Shenakrow: You're going to make a big deal out of being the promoter's son and always demanding special treatment. You'll be prone to tantrums and silly outbursts. One of things you'll do is, when you don't get your way, you'll roll around on the mat and scream or jump up and down or stomp your feet or go sulk in the corner next to the turnbuckles.

Greg: You've got quite a vision there, Barry.

Verne was now just staring straight ahead and not even looking at Shenkarow.

Shenkarow: Thank you. I think it will help the AWA be competitive with the WWF on a national scale.

Oh! I forgot about the announcers!

Verne: I'm on pins and needles.

Shenkarow: On one episode of the ESPN show, Larry Nelson will be hit on the head by a falling light as he enters the Showboat in Vegas. We'll film this. He'll be taken to the hospital. We'll give dramatic updates, like on a medical drama, about Nelson's condition. He'll return a few weeks later with amnesia with his head heavily bandaged and have a different persona, because of the amnesia, every week. It'll be hilarious!

Lee Marshall will do a Rodney Dangerfield No Respect routine and always be belittled by you, Verne.

And Lord James Blears will blow a bugle at times during commentary and be an awful lot like the Benny Hill character Fred Scuttle.

So...what do you think?

Greg quickly chimed in.

Greg: Interesting. Words can't describe it.Verne was measured.

Verne: Well, it's something different from the norm in this sport. Gotta say I'm surprised.

Shenkarow: And the in-ring action will be very family friendly. No more blood. No more excessive violence. Just fun!

This is the future of wrestling, gentleman. I'm looking forward to being a part of it.

Verne: We'll get back to you with our decision about selling in a few days.

Shenkarow: That sounds great. Cannot wait to hear from you.

All three men stood up and Shenakrow showed them to the door of his office.

Shenkarow: Thank you for coming up here to Winnipeg to meet with me.

The three men shook hands.

Verne: Thank you for having us. Great lunch.

Greg: Yes! Everything was delicious. Thank you, Barry.

Shenkarow: My pleasure. Have a good trip back to Minneapolis.

Verne: We will.

Shenkarow: Tamara. Can you show these men out.

Verne: That's OK. We'll see ourselves out.

Shenkarow: Alright. Talk to you in a few days, Verne.

Verne nodded and Greg gave a half-assed wave. Shenkarow then closed the door to his office.

Verne and Greg headed for the elevator. There was silence.

Once in the elevator things changed.

Verne: You told him that words can't describe his plan for the AWA.

Greg: Yeah.

Verne: Well, I have a word for it: Shit!

I am not selling to that man!

Greg nodded in agreement but said nothing as the elevator continued its descent to the first floor.

A town car awaited the pair to take them to the airport and Shenkarow's private plane for the ride back to Minneapolis.

At least they got a passenger-free plane trip to Winnipeg and a fantastic lunch out of the deal.

TO BE CONTINUED...

(*AIM is the American Indian Movement.)

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

It was the morning after Verne and Greg Gagne returned from Winnipeg.

Verne was sitting at his desk in his office. Also there were his son Greg, Wally Karbo, TV producer Al Derusha and TV director Mike Shields.

All were sitting around in Verne's office chatting and drinking coffee.

Verne: Good morning, guys.

All the guys said 'good morning' to Verne.

Verne: Called this meeting to tell you what happened in Winnipeg with Barry Shenkarow.

Greg: To say it was interesting would be an understatement.

Verne: Ain't that the truth.

Wally: Well guys, give us the scoop.

Verne: Things got off to a great start with a terrific lunch and good conversation. We talked about our years in the wrestling business and Shenkarow talked about his life as a businessman and owner of the Winnipeg Jets.

Greg: On a personal level he was a pretty interesting guy. Love to hear some of his life stories over a few beers.

Verne: When we got down to business things got even better.

Shenakrow offered us almost $3 million for the AWA.

Al: That's over a million more than Smulyan offered.

Verne: Then things took a downturn.

Wally: Downturn? What he's offering for the business is right in your desired price range, Verne. Surprised the contract wasn't already signed to sell.

Verne: Well, Wally, he explained, in explicit detail, what he wanted to do with the AWA once he purchased it.

Greg: It was surreal. Couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Al: Details.

Verne: He wants to make the AWA more cartoonish than the WWF.

Wally: You'd really have to get extreme to do that.

Greg: And extreme is what he wants to do.

Verne: He wanted to turn Larry (Zbysko) into a heel Italian chef who wrestled wearing his chef's hat and carried kitchen items to the ring to use as weapons.

Greg: The loaded spatula. That was a classic.

Wally: He really said that?

Greg: Wait. It gets better.

Verne: He saw Don Muraco as a surfer dude. Wanted to turn Wahoo into Tonto from the Lone Ranger and have him speak like Tonto did.

Greg: Don't forget the tomahawk.

Verne: He wanted Wahoo to carry a tomahawk.

Al: Is there more?

Verne: Shenkarow envisioned Sgt. Slaughter as a living GI Joe action figure who would come to the ring in a box like the one an action figure would be sold in.

Greg: He saw Manny Fernandez coming to the ring wearing an over-sized sombrero and speaking like the cartoon character Speedy Gonzalez.

Verne: The Top Guns were gonna be like Tom Cruise in the movie Top Gun. Badd Company would become a comedy team like the Bushwhackers. The announcers were gonna be silly.

Greg: He wanted Lee Marshall to be like Rodney Dangerfield doing his No Respect routine.

Wally: Are you serious?

Verne: Very.

Oh yeah! He wanted Greg and myself to stay on and I'd play a heel promoter always trying to push his son to get the World Title.

And Greg would be a heel prone to tantrums and calling on me when things didn't go his way.

The other guys in the office were shaking their heads and also chuckling at the absurdity of it all.

Al : So, what's your verdict?

Verne: I'm not selling to him.

Wally: Verne, you don't know when another offer like this could come along.

Verne: I know. But I've invested 30 years in this promotion and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let some guy come along and do that to it! This is a pro wrestling company. We don't want to see it become WWF #2.

Al: But, Verne, think about this for a minute. Someone else could buy the promotion from you and do something similar. They just wouldn't tell you in advance. Once it's out of your hands...

Verne: I agree, Al. But to hear his plans, I was getting furious just sitting there. Wanted to reach over and slap him and ask what the hell was wrong with him.

I hope to sell to a person who will keep the emphasis on serious wrestling.

Wally: Are there other buyers on the horizon?

Verne: Not that I know of. Greg?

Greg shook his head 'no'.

Greg: Haven't heard about any other interested parties.

Verne: I'm calling Shenkarow in a couple of days to give him my answer.

Wally: It's obviously gonna be no.

Verne: It will be a resounding no.

Al: So, where do things stand for us right now, then?

Verne: That's the next item on the agenda.

I finally got around to paying off Jerry Lawler for his match with Kerry (Von Erich) at SuperClash 3.

Also included a note apologizing for being late in his payoff and telling him to contact me if he's interested in doing business in the future.

Wally: How much you pay him?

Verne: $7500.

Al: With money as tight as it is right now do you think that was a good idea?

Verne: It is if he's willing to come back and work for us for a limited number of dates.

Remember, when he left here he took the AWA belt with him. He never lost it to anyone.

So, my idea is to have him show up at the Showboat tapings one day and confront Sgt. Slaughter and let Slaughter know that he's the real AWA World Champion.

Al: What's the long-term plan for this if you've thought it out that far?

Verne: Simple, we book Lawler vs. Slaughter title unification matches in the major towns on our circuit in the hopes it significantly drives up ticket sales. Nothing gets decided at the house shows and it all culminates with a match at SuperClash 4.

Al: I don't know about going the pay-per-view route again at this time.

Verne: It's just something to consider right now.

I think what hurt the match at SuperClash 3, and it was an outstanding match, was the fact that Kerry Von Erich was no longer a major star. People were no longer interested in seeing him.

I believe Jerry vs. Sarge could do much better business.

Greg: So, no Valentine or Schultz right now?

Verne: They're on the backburner until I see if Jerry wants to do this.

Wally: Do you have a plan B if Lawler says no?

Verne: No. I'm zeroed in on this right now. Kind of an all or nothing deal.

Al: What have we got to lose?

Verne: That's the way I'm viewing it.

Wally: Is he gonna call you?

Verne: Hope so. The window on this will close quickly. The ball's in his court.

Greg: I'll check around and see if there are any other potential buyers out there.

Verne: Keep at it, son.

But as long as we run the AWA we've got to look for ways to keep it afloat.

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

It had been a frustrating day for Verne Gagne.

Earlier that day, Gagne had called Winnipeg businessman and owner of the NHL's Winnipeg Jets Barry Shenkarow and told Shenkarow that he would not be selling the AWA to him.

When Shenkarow asked why, Verne was blunt, telling Shenakrow that while he liked the monetary offer for the company, the plans Shenkarow had laid out for the AWA to make it even more cartoonish than the WWF had turned Verne off to the idea of selling to him.

It became a tense, heated exchange between the two with Shenkarow teasing upping the offer to buy the company but Verne was adamant. The wrestling legend did not like the idea of seeing what he'd built turned into a clown show. Verne wasn't budging.

An angry, flustered Shenkarow wasn't used to people turning down his offers. But he hit the Great Wall of Verne and saw his dream of owning a wrestling company fall apart before his very eyes.

At the end of the call Shenkarow told Verne he might start his own wrestling company and poach some AWA wrestlers to work for him. Verne said he couldn't control what Shenkarow did and wished Shenkarow luck if he started a wrestling promotion. Shenkarow told Verne, in no uncertain terms, that Verne would never get another offer like the one he was putting up for the AWA. Verne said he realized he was taking a risk by turning down the offer and might regret it later.

Shenkarow wrapped up the call by saying that Verne would indeed rue the day that he turned him down and that it would be the biggest mistake of Verne's professional life. Shenkarow slammed down the phone and that was that.

Verne had been sitting for at his desk in his office for a few hours. He was conflicted. Even though he was staunch in his opposition to sell to Shenkarow there was a nagging feeling inside him that maybe, just maybe, he'd made the wrong decision in this case.

Verne, now 63, was seriously considering winding things down. He was in a battle to save his Lake Minnetonka home from the nefarious 'eminent domain' law and having his property turned into a public park. In 1983, Vince McMahon had met with Verne under the guise that Vince was interested in possibly buying the promotion. But McMahon was really there to check on the available status of the wrestlers who worked for Verne. The rest, as they say, is history.

Verne now had a serious offer, one that Shenkarow had pushed up to $3 million during the call in an effort to entice Verne to sell. But Verne was a proud man. And also very stubborn.

Verne started thinking about how much the business was changing. And in his mind most of the changes were for the worse but there was nothing he could do about it. Vince's ideas were working and the WWF was raking it in. Same could be said for the NWA which was now owned by the Turner Broadcasting empire.

Maybe Shenkarow could make a successful go of it with his theater of the absurd ideas. Besides, what did Verne really care about how Shenkarow ran the AWA? If he sold it to Shenkarow, then it's out of Verne's hands. He would no longer control it. Also, he could tell Shenkarow he wouldn't work for him as the villain promoter on TV broadcasts. Verne couldn't control what Shenkarow did with the promotion. But Verne could control what he did.

Verne could take the money and ride off into the sunset. Be upset if he must about what becomes of the AWA under Shenkarow. But Verne would have a nice nest egg to fall back on as much of his money was being sucked up fighting the eminent domain case.

Was Verne now beginning to wish he'd sold the AWA to Shenakrow? Could he call Shenkarow back and re-start negotiations to sell?

Increasing Verne's angst were the house show reports sitting in front of him on his desk.

Verne had hoped putting the World Title on Sgt. Slaughter, the company's biggest name right now, would spark an uptick in business.

It had.

But not by much...

Sarge has been defending the World Title against former champ Larry Zbysko at AWA house shows* big and small. But several of the shows failed to crack the 1,000 tickets sold mark. And none of the shows had broken the 2,000 tickets sold threshold.

As a matter of fact, the largest crowd for Slaughter-Zbysko for the title was just over 1,600.

Making Slaughter the World Champion had only generated minimal new interest in the AWA.

Verne was hoping Slaughter as champ would send fans rushing out to buy tickets when the AWA came to their town.

But the AWA was in terrible shape.

Verne still believed in Sarge. But he also believed Sarge needed a strong challenger, possibly someone from outside the promotion, to really renew fan interest in the AWA.

And a phone call was coming that might do just that...

TO BE CONTINUED...

(* TV tapings are not counted as house shows.)

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

Later, that same evening...*

Verne Gagne was still sitting at the desk in his office wondering if he made the right decision to turn down Winnipeg Jets owner Barry Shankarow's bid to buy the AWA outright and turn it into an extreme cartoon/comedy promotion.

It was now almost 4pm CST and the AWA HQ was about to close for the day.

Then Jessica, Verne's secretary, buzzed Verne and told him over the intercom that he had a call on line 2. Jessica did not know who it was.

Verne picked up the phone and pressed the red lit '2' button.

Verne: Hello.

Voice: Verne?

Verne:This voice sounds familiar. Jerry?

Voice: Yes it is, Verne. Jerry Lawler.

Verne: Good to hear from you, Jerry. You obviously got the check and letter I sent you.

Lawler: I did. Thank you for paying me for the Super Clash match with Kerry (Von Erich).

Verne: I'm sorry the payment was so late, King. But now you've got your money from that show.

Lawler: Your note said you wanted to do some business again.

Verne: I do. I'd been wracking my brain trying to figure out what to do to try and turn things around.

The best idea seems like having you come back with the AWA World Title belt that you have and claim to be the real AWA World Champion since no one ever defeated you for it and confront Sgt. Slaughter and tell him to claim the mantle as the true AWA Champion, he needed to beat you.
Lawler: Sounds like it could be an intriguing program. Tell me more.

Verne: We'd send the two of you out to work on several of the house shows with the match billed as determining who the real AWA World Champion is. The matches would all end with nothing decided and no clear-cut champion.

This would all culminate in a big blow-off match at Super Clash 4.

Lawler: Wait a minute. Are you gonna try your hand at another pay-per-view, Verne? Honestly, I don't know about that. Don't know if I'd be interested in working another AWA pay-per-view again since Super Clash 3 wasn't a success and my payout was a long time in coming.

Verne: Pay-per-view is only one avenue that's being explored at the moment. Trying to air the show on ESPN is another possible option. Another option would be taping the show and selling it on the home video market. And the last thing I thought of was trying to get the show aired on our syndicated affiliates in the territory.

Lawler: The three latter ideas all sound better than another pay-per-view attempt, Verne. I think you'd have more people watching on ESPN or if the show aired all over the territory and also Memphis as well.

Have you made up your mind as to who would come out of the program as the champion in the end?

Verne lied... (What do you want? He's a wrestling promoter!)

Verne: I haven't decided on that yet. Might not do so until we get closer to the show.

Lawler (sighed): Well, you know because of what went down with my payout for the pay-per-view that we're gonna need to talk money right up front.

Verne: Can I ask what you're thinking along those lines?

Lawler: You know I talked to David Schultz...

Verne: I remember. He wanted a $25,000 dollar signing bonus to come back and work for me. There's no way I could do something like that.

Lawler: Verne, I've thought about it and I will come back and work limited dates for you. But I need some kind of financial assuarance so I know I'm gonna get paid.

Verne: Jerry, you'll be paid a percentage of the houses based on how well the shows draw.What I'm banking on is you and Sarge generating enough fan interest that ticket sales go up considerably. It seems like the best plan right now.

The AWA has nowhere to go but up.

The entire angle, except for some promo work, would be shot in Vegas at the ESPN tapings. You would not have to work the syndicated tapings.

You could also cut some promos from Memphis and we'll edit them into our ESPN and syndicated programming.

Lawler: I like where this is headed. But I do have one question?

Verne: Shoot.

Lawler: Super Clash 3 didn't draw well. It was less than 2,000 paid from what I understand. What makes you think this will do better?

Verne: I think what hurt the pay-per-view match was Kerry Von Erich not being the over superstar that he once was. By the time the show rolled around in Chicago, fans just weren't interested in seeing Von Erich like they were just a few short years ago.

Lawler: And you're basing this on?

Verne: Just my personal belief about the matter. Call it a hunch. While the match was excellent, Kerry just doesn't have the ability to draw like he used to.

Lawler: What cities are you considering for Super Clash 4 if it goes down?

Verne:I've got a few in mind.

Lawler: Hopefully not Chicago.

Verne: I think you and Sarge could do much better business in Chicago than you wrestling Kerry.

You know this business is cyclical, Jerry. Just keep in mind that we drew over 20,000 fans to Comiskey Park for the first Super Clash in '85. That's just four short years ago. We can succeed there again.

It only takes one hot wrestler or one hot program to start turning business around.

Lawler: I agree, Verne. You never know what could bring back the fans.

But, we need to have a serious discussion about money. I need that incentive.

Long pause...

Verne: Jerry, can I call you back this evening? Give me your number.

Lawler: Sure. The number is (901) 555-1933.

Verne: (901) 555-1933. Got it.

Verne: Give me a couple of hours.

Lawler: Talk to you then, Verne.

Verne: OK. Bye.

The call ended. And Verne Gagne started plotting his next move in this dance of financial gamesmanship.

TO BE CONTINUED...

(* Later, that same evening is also the name of a classic Jethro Tull song!

Here it is! Just for my BTB readers!

)

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

It was nearing 5pm CST and Verne Gagne was still sitting at his desk after chatting with Jerry Lawler an hour earlier about returning to the AWA in an attempt to revive interest in the sinking promotion. The offices were about to close for the day.

Verne sat thinking about different financial offers he could make to lure Lawler back when Verne was notified by his secretary that his son Greg, who had left the offices earlier in the day, was on line one.

Verne picked up the phone.

Verne: Hey, son. What is it?

Greg: Dad, I just talked to Al (DeRusha - AWA TV Producer) a few minutes ago and he came up with an interesting idea.

Verne: I talked to Lawler about an hour ago. We had a good conversation. I'm trying to formulate a money offer to bring him back and work that program with Sarge I mentioned to you guys earlier this morning.

Greg: This has to do with that, dad. You want Lawler to come back and claim to be the real AWA World Champion since he never actually lost the title.

Verne: Right.

Greg: Well, Stan Hansen never lost the AWA strap, either.

Verne: Go on.

Greg: Al's idea is to try and bring back Hansen and throw him into the mix and you'd have all three men laying a claim to being the real AWA Champ.

Verne paused.

Greg: Dad?

Verne: I'm thinking. The problem with Hansen is that he left here almost three years ago. The Lawler situation with the belt occurred just a few months ago. I wonder if the fans would be interested in Hansen returning and saying he's the real World Champion after all that time.

Greg: Well, he never lost the belt. He still has name value. He's in Hogan's new movie No Holds Barred. The timing could not be better! Just think about it, dad. It could create a real interesting situation and gets wrestling fans talking about the AWA again.

Verne: I dunno...


Greg:Sleep on it. Don't make a hasty decision. Three men all laying claim to a World Title. The possibilities of where to take this are endless.

Verne (sighs): Well, I'll think about it. But I am not guaranteeing anything.

Greg:That's all that can be asked. Al just pitched it to me and I really liked the idea.

Verne: OK. I'll talk with you about it tomorrow.

Greg: Alright, dad. Bye.

Verne:Bye, son.

Verne hung up the phone.

His secretary called over the intercom to tell Verne she was leaving for the day. Verne wished her safe travel home.

A potential new, unexpected and intriguing saga had emerged involving the AWA World Title.

Which way would Verne go now?

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

It had been 10 minutes since Verne Gagne talked with son Greg about TV producer Al DeRusha's idea to bring back Stan Hansen and create a three-way claim to being the real AWA World Champion.

Verne was mulling over the idea and then picked up his office phone and dialed the number.After three rings...

Male Voice: Hello.

Verne: Jerry?

Lawler: Verne?

Verne: It's me.

Lawler: That was fast. I thought I'd be waiting a little longer for your call.

Verne: Jerry, something's come up.

Lawler: What do you mean?

Verne: A new idea was pitched to me...

Lawler: Am I involved in this new idea?

Verne: Of course! It's still along the lines of who's the real AWA World Champion.

Lawler: What is it?

Verne: The idea presented to me was to bring back Stan Hansen and then all three of you stake your claim to being the real World Champion.

Lawler: Sounds interesting. But Stan left on bad terms, didn't he? And that was, when, '86? Lot of time between now and then.

Verne: I know. But I'm gonna call him in the next few days here to gauge his interest in coming back and working limited dates.

Lawler: And my money? What are you thinking along that line?

Verne: I've been thinking about it. Running some numbers around in my head.

Lawler: But you're gonna need extra time to give me the financials because of this new idea for the angle.

Verne: That's right, Jerry. I know...

Lawler: I'm willing to wait a few days, Verne. You contact Hansen and see if it's doable and then get back to me and let me know the money deal you and I are looking at.

Verne: Thanks, Jerry.

Lawler: No problem. Keep me updated.

Verne: OK.

Lawler: Bye, Verne.

Verne: Bye, Jerry.

Verne hung up the phone and turned in his swivel chair and looked out the window in his office. He was in deep thought.

The fate of the AWA may hang in the balance on this one program.

If only Verne can pull it off...

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

The day after Verne Gagne talked with Jerry Lawler and son Greg about the possibility of bringing in Stan Hansen to work a program with Jerry Lawler and Sgt. Slaughter to determine who the real AWA World Champion is, Verne sat at his office desk and thought some more about bringing in Hansen.

Verne was thinking about what he would pay Hansen if Hansen agreed to come back; what to pay Lawler to return to work the program; and whom to put over in the program.

For the record:

Lawler was stripped of the AWA World Title not long after winning an AWA/WCCW World Title Unification match against Kerry Von Erich at the Super Clash 3 PPV. Lawler refused to show up for title defenses until Verne paid him the money he was owed for working the PPV match.

In 1986, the night after an AWA special on ESPN from Oakland where Hansen defended the belt against Jerry Blackwell in a bloody battle*, Hansen was stripped of the AWA World Title at the house show in Denver after refusing to drop it to Nick Bockwinkel there.

Hansen was scheduled to go on a tour of All-Japan Pro Wrestling after the show in Denver and was being billed in the Land of the Rising Sun as the defending AWA World Champion. Before Hansen was stripped, he told Verne Gagne that he had to place a call to Shoei ('Giant') Baba, the boss of All-Japan, to see if he could come in minus the belt. When Baba told him he had to show up as the champion, Hansen simply absconded with the belt and went to All-Japan falsely advertised as the AWA World Champion and defended the belt there.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Wrestling before the internet!

Eventually, Verne and Hansen's relationship deteriorated even further with Verne threatening Hansen with legal action if Hansen did not stop falsely billing himself as the AWA World Champ and defending the title. Hansen responded by backing over the big silver belt and mailing it back to Verne with a huge crimp in the middle of it, forcing the AWA to make a new men's strap.

Bad blood boiled over between the two.

Now Verne was about to reach out to Hansen for the first time since that all went down.

TO BE CONTINUED...

(* Hansen's last official AWA World Title defense: )

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

Verne Gagne wondered if he still had Hansen's number on file as he flipped through his Rolodex.

Luckily, Stan's number was still in there.

Verne picked up the phone and dialed the number of the Texas residence of Stan Hansen.

The phone rang twice before someone picked it up.

Male Voice: Hello.

Verne: Stan?

Male Voice: Yes it is. Wait! Is this Verne Gagne?

Verne:Yes, Stan, it's me. How are you doing?

Brief, uneasy silence.

Hansen: I'm doing fine, Verne. Things are going well for me. From what I understand, however, things aren't going real good for the AWA right now.

Verne: That's right. The AWA is struggling. And that's why I've called you.

Hansen: What do you need?

Verne: I'm hoping we can talk about having you come back and work limited dates for the AWA at some point down the road.

Hansen: Come back? You sure? After the way things ended between us the last time?

Verne: I've got a couple of ideas I'm kicking around involving the AWA World Title and I'd like you to come back and be part of the angle.

Hansen: Bob's* the current champ, right?

(* Robert Remus, aka, Sgt. Slaughter.)

Verne: That's right.

But neither you nor Jerry Lawler actually lost the AWA strap. I've been talking with Lawler and he's interested in coming back and working a program with Sarge. Lawler would show up and claimed he never lost the AWA World Title and that he's the real AWA Champ.

Hansen: And then I'd come in claiming to be the real champion since I never actually lost the belt, either.

Verne: That's it, Stan.

Hansen: How would this all work?

Verne: I'm working on it. The key is putting together deals for you and Lawler to work limited dates for us.

Hansen: Well, I'm going to Japan for a 12-week tour starting in mid-May. I'll be back in August.

Verne: I understand that. The timing could not be better.Stan, you've given me the idea to run with on this.

Hansen: Details?

Verne: I'll lay the financial and program details out for you and Lawler in a few days.

Hansen: I'm always willing to put differences aside if there's possible money to be made.

Verne: Stan, you were the last World Champion I had who drew money. I made a mistake stripping you of the belt back then. Should have let you take it on that tour of Japan with no problems whatever and then let you return here as the champion.

Hansen rolled his eyes. He was used to promoter bullshit speak.

Hansen: If you can put together something viable I'll listen. But if I'm screwed on my pay at any time then I'm out. Am I clear?

Verne gritted his teeth for a second, mouthed the word 'f**k' and then spoke.

Verne: Loud and clear.

Hansen: Get back to me soon. Let's see if we can get a deal done.

Verne: Good. Talk with you then, Stan.

Hansen: Later, Verne.

Verne hung up the phone. He sat and thought for a moment and then grabbed his pen and pad of paper and started writing quickly.

What is the idea Verne has for a program between Sarge, Lawler and Hansen revolving around the AWA gold?

And will it help turn the company's fortunes around???

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

It was the day after Verne talked to Stan Hansen...

The AWA boss had managed to cobble together a money plan in an effort to bring back Jerry Lawler to work limited dates in a World Title program with Sgt. Slaughter.

Verne had also laid out a program involving Sarge, Lawler and Hansen to decide who the real AWA World Champion was once and for all.

Verne picked up the phone and dialed Lawler's home number.

After three rings...

Paula Lawler: Lawler residence.

Verne: Paula? Hi. This is Verne Gagne.

Paula:Oh. Hi, Verne. Let me get Jerry.

Verne: Thanks.

Paula put down the phone.Verne looked over his financials for 'The King' as he waited for Jerry to come to the phone.

Jerry picked up.

Lawler: Hey, Verne.

Verne: Hello. Jerry, I've got a program laid out as well as a money offer for you. I want to present my program idea before we get into money.

Lawler: Shoot.

Verne: I talked with Stan yesterday and he is on board with the idea. He's about to go on a tour of Japan and return to the U.S. in late summer.

Lawler: Are we gonna wait until the fall then?

Verne: No. Here's what we're gonna do.

I'm going to fly you in to the next ESPN tapings in Vegas. Sarge will have a successful title defense against an opponent I have yet to determine. After Sarge dispatches of his opponent, we will have a post-match interview in the ring and, while that's going on, you will come through the crowd with the AWA strap you won at Super Clash and you will confront Sarge over who the real AWA World Champion is.

Lawler: Will the angle get physical?

Verne: On one or two occasions, yes. But I basically want to keep you guys from touching each other before you make the house show rounds. Just whet the appetite of the fans. The house show matches between you and Sarge to determine who the real AWA Champion is will all end in a schmozz* and finally be decided at Super Clash 4.

(* Schmozz - match that ends with possible run-ins and no clear winner.)

Lawler: Any idea on where Super Clash will take place?

Verne: I'm looking at three sites: Vegas, Milwaukee and Denver.

Lawler: You're not gonna hold it at the Showboat if you choose Vegas, are you?

Verne: No. I'm looking at the Thomas & Mack Center or Sam Boyd Stadium. But what's wrong with the 'Boat?

Lawler: Verne, the Thomas & Mack and Sam Boyd are big buildings and the AWA is in rough shape right now.

As for the Showboat Sports Pavilion, it just doesn't seem like a place to hold a major show.

Verne: We'd scale down the seating capacity at either building. If we could fill the lower bowl at the Thomas & Mack or the end zone seats at Sam Boyd it would be a major success.

Lawler: I assume the ring would be in the end zone at Sam Boyd?

Verne: Of course. Only one end zone there has seats if I recall.

But back to the program between you and Sarge. I haven't made up my mind who would go over yet. But, after the match, we would have Hansen show up and attack the winner setting up a new title unification program.

Lawler: Sounds good if we can make it work.

Verne: It has to work, Jerry. This is what could make or break the AWA.

I'm betting the house on this.

Lawler: Can we talk money now?

Verne: Sure.

Lawler: Before you tell me your offer, Verne, I was hoping I could lay a deal on the table that I came up with.

Verne: Sure.Verne's stomach tightened as he awaited Lawler's offer.

Lawler: I want $8,000 guaranteed up front. I need that financial assurance. Plus, I want a minimum of $500 or 8% of the gate, whichever is higher, for house shows. For TV's, I 5% of the house for the ESPN tapings in Vegas and $300 for the syndicated tapings.

Verne gritted his teeth and was clearly not happy.

Lawler: Your offer, Verne?

Verne: You caught me off-guard there, Jerry. Especially with the guarantee. We're gonna need to negotiate here.

Lawler: I'm open. Let's get this done.

Verne: Give me a minute.

Silence as Verne scrambled to come up with a new idea that was feasible but Lawler wouldn't turn down.

After a couple of minutes...

Lawler: Verne?

Verne: Still working on it.

After a couple more minutes...

Verne: Here's my counter: $5,000 guaranteed up front. I'll stick with the $500 dollar minimum for house shows but I'll counter with 5% of the gate if it's higher. I'll counter with 3% of the Vegas tapings gates and stick with your request of $300 dollars for syndication TVs.

Lawler: Let me see here.

So, 5% if it's higher than the minimum on the house shows and 3% of the house at the Vegas TV's?

Verne: That's right.

Silence.

Lawler: OK.

I'll counter with 6% percent of the gate for the house shows and 4% of the gate for Vegas tapings or any other AWA-sanctioned show that I appear on on ESPN that's not a special event like Super Clash.

Verne: Can we discuss a Super Clash 4 money deal in a few weeks?

Lawler: I'm open to that.

Verne: As for the current deal, you'll take the $5 grand up front guarantee?

Lawler: Yes.

Verne: Just wanted clarity on that.

I'll go with 6% on the houses but I'm going to hold the line at 3% for the Vegas or other ESPN-related tapings that are not special events.

Have we got a deal?

Lawler pondered the deal for a moment.

Verne: It's a fair deal, Jerry.

Brief pause.

Lawler: I'll accept on one condition.

Verne: What's that?

Lawler: I have your word that I can break the deal at any time if a payment is missed.

Verne paused and was clearly not happy with this turn of events.

Verne (reluctance in his voice): Deal.

Lawler: Great!

Verne: I'll get back to you with more details soon.

Lawler: OK, Verne. Talk with you then.

Verne: Take care, King.

Verne hung up the phone. He was happy a deal got done, but he was also concerned.

It all boiled down to money. And the AWA was in extremely tight financial straights at the moment.

It's a big gamble. But a roll of the dice was necessary. Verne just hoped he wouldn't roll a snake eyes.

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

Verne Gagne had completed his deal with Jerry Lawler.

He told son Greg, #2 man Wally Karbo and TV producer Al DeRusha about the deal he cut with Lawler. All three thought Verne gave away too much and pointed out that Verne would also be footing the bill for Lawler's air travel and hotel rooms at TVs. Verne realized all this but felt it was a risk he had to take.

Now, he was going to contact Stan Hansen the next day and try to work out a deal with him to bring him in for the AWA World Title program.

Greg, Wally and Al wondered what kind of deal Verne had in mind for Hansen and Verne told them he was still working on it.

Verne said he would contact Hansen the next day.

The next day arrived...

Verne picked up the phone and called Hansen's home in Texas.

After four rings.

Male voice: Hello.

Verne: Stan? This is Verne.

Hansen: Hello, Verne. You ready to work out a deal?

Verne: I am.

Hansen: Let's hear what you've got lined up for me?

Verne: Well, as things stand right now, Super Clash 4 will take place in October at a site still to be determined.

Hansen: I'm listening.

Verne: The main on that show will be Sarge vs. Lawler to determine who the real AWA Champion is. After that match, you will show up and violently attack the winner and that sets the stage for one more title unification program. Like with Sarge and Lawler, you will worked limited house show dates with the winner of Lawler-Sarge in title unification matches that will end with no winner. Might even work in some tag matches in certain cities so fans don't burn out on unification bouts.

Hansen: Any idea on when the blow-off match will be?

Verne: I'm looking at Christmas night at the St. Paul Civic Center.

Hansen: That sounds good. I don't go back to work for Baba until January of next year.

Verne: OK. Here's my offer for you, Stan.$1500 per house show worked plus $300 for TVs plus paid airfare to every show.

Hansen thought about the offer on the table for a moment.

Hansen: I accept the $1500 for house shows. But I want $500 for TVs and I only work the ESPN tapings and not the syndicated ones. We'll discuss money for the Christmas night show later. I also want first-class seats on flights, a rental car and a room at a decent hotel in every town I work.

Verne let out a sigh.

Verne: Let me think about this.

Hansen: Wanna call me back?

Verne: No. Just give me a couple of minutes.

Verne went over Hansen's deal in his mind and came up with a counter.

Verne: I'll do the $500 for the ESPN tapings.

I'm OK with discussing Christmas show pay at a later date.

I'll do the first-class airfare. But hotels outside of Vegas and car rentals are on your dime just like the rest of the boys.

Hansen: Hate to be a prick, Verne, but you have to pick up one of them or I walk.

Verne wanted to go off on Stan but felt he needed him and was in no position to run the guy off at this stage of the game.

Verne: I'll pick up the trans in every city.

Hansen: Has to be a full-size car. I need room.

Verne: It will be. But I am not picking up the insurance on it.

Hansen (laughed): I've got that part covered.

I will see you in October, Verne.

Verne:We'll be in touch before then, Stan. Bye.

Hansen: So long, Verne.

Verne hung up the phone.

Verne (grumbling to himself): Asshole...

Verne angrily flung his pen at the wall.

The stakes just got much higher and losing this gamble would most likely mean the end of the AWA.

Unless...

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[the autumn wind]

SPRING 1989

AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

Verne Gagne told son Greg, Wally Karbo and Al DeRusha about the deal he made with Stan Hansen. The three thought that Verne was overextending himself with Hansen just like he had with Lawler. But Verne reassured them that Hansen would only be around sporadically for two months unless he became the AWA Champion whereas Lawler will appear at the next set of Vegas tapings for the ESPN show and make appearances through at least October unless Lawler became the AWA Champ.

Wally, Al and Greg were still apprehensive about the deals considering the dire financial straits the company was in. While they knew you had to spend money to make money, they also knew that if this plan blew up in their faces and a buyer of the promotion was not found in a few months...you could kiss the AWA goodbye.

Verne also received a call at his home from Hansen later that night. Hansen told Verne the same thing Lawler did: if one payment...one...was missed...Hansen was g-o-n-e!

The next day....

Verne showed up at his office and was preparing for the next round of Vegas tapings.

As he worked at his desk, his son Greg came charging into the building and blew past everyone else and went straight into his dad's office and closed the door.

Verne: What is it, son? It must be big for you to come charging in here like this.

Greg: Dad! I just got a call from a contact in San Francisco. This is big! Real big!

Greg paced back and forth in Verne's office.

Verne: What is it? Tell me.

Greg stopped pacing.

Greg: We have a new potential buyer on the line.

Verne: Who?

Greg: Do you know who Bob Lurie is?

Verne: Name doesn't ring a bell.

Greg: He's the owner of the San Francisco Giants. He's interested in getting involved in the wrestling business and heard the AWA is being shopped.

Verne: Really?

Greg: This could be our best chance, dad. He's not crazy like that Shenkarow* guy in Winnipeg. This guy remembers when Roy Shire* used to run the town. Lurie's also a San Fran native.

(* Barry Shenkarow - Then owner of the NHL's Winnipeg Jets. Wanted to buy the AWA and turn it into a cartoon.

* Roy Shire - SF-based promoter.)

Verne: If he liked Shire, he'd certainly know of the AWA since we've gone there for years, there's a good chance he likes a more realistic in-ring product. Hopefully, he's not been WWF'd.

Greg: Are you interested in talking with him?

Verne: Yes. Most definitely.

Greg: I'll let my contact know and he'll pass the message on to someone who works for Lurie.

Verne: Sounds good. See what you can do. Keep me updated.

Greg:Will do.

Greg left the office and closed the door behind him.

Verne now had another piece of business to contend with. And he hoped...this time...he'd found the right man to take over the promotion he built from the ground up.

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[the autumn wind]

JUNE 1989

SHOWBOAT HOTEL - LAS VEGAS, NV

A week before leaving for Vegas and the TV tapings, Verne Gagne was true to his word and sent Lawler the $5,000 up front guarantee he promised as well as Lawler's plane ticket for Sin City.

AWA boss Verne Gagne arrived in Vegas with son Greg, TV producer Al DeRusha and director Mike Shields the night before the monthly Showboat tapings for ESPN. The group had a production meeting over dinner and a few beers at the Cavalier restaurant on Desert Inn the night they arrived.

The day of the tapings...

It was a typical hot late spring day in the Nevada desert.

Greg Gagne was sent by Verne to pick up Jerry Lawler at McCarran International Airport. Lawler's plane arrived at 9:15am. Greg took Lawler to the Showboat. Greg let Lawler know that Lawler and Sarge would be meeting with Verne together when Sarge arrived. Said Verne will contact them when the meeting was happening and to stay near the phone. Lawler got checked in, went to his room and took a nap for a couple of hours to deal with the jet lag coming in from the Central Time Zone.

Greg was sent to the airport one more time and picked up AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter (Robert Remus) just after 1pm. Greg drove Sarge to the 'Boat and Sarge checked into the hotel and went to his room and got settled.

At about 2:30 that afternoon, Verne called Lawler's room. Lawler answered and Verne told Lawler to come to his fourth floor room.

Lawler caught the elevator up from his third floor digs.

Lawler knocked and Verne let him in. The two men sat down.

Two cans of Coke on ice and a glass awaited The King.

Lawler: You remembered.

Verne: You're one of the few guys in this business who doesn't drink so it was easy to remember.

Verne pointed.

Verne: Got a couple of Bud's for Sarge for when he arrives.

The beer was also on ice and an empty glass waited to be filled with the adult beverage.

Lawler opened one of his cold Cokes and poured it in the glass.

Verne was drinking a Diet Coke.

Lawler: When is Sarge coming?

Verne: Gonna call him in about 15-20 minutes. Gotta maintain kayfabe, ya know.

Lawler: Not really sure how much longer kayfabe is gonna be necessary with the way Vince McMahon is doing business.

Verne: Screw him. As long as I own the AWA kayfabe will remain the rule for the boys. And it will be strictly enforced.

Lawler thought to himself that Verne's old school mindset and stubborness to really change at all with the times were the primary reasons the AWA was rapidly taking on water.

The two made small talk and talked a little business. After about 20 minutes, Verne looked at his watch.

Verne picked up the phone and called Sarge. Sarge made his way down from his sixth floor room.

Sarge got to Verne's door and was about to knock when a jr. high-aged boy came running down the hall.

Kid: Sarge! Sarge!

Sarge, startled, managed to keep from knocking on the door and exposing the business...in front of a 13-year old!

The kid had a pen and piece of paper.

Kid: Can I have your autograph?!

Sarge: Sure.

Sarge signed the kid's piece of paper.

Kid: Thanks, champ! I've been wandering around the hotel all day looking to get wrestler autographs! Do you know where some of the other guys are?!

Sarge: No idea, kid.

Kid: Is this your room?

Sarge: No. A couple of friends are staying in there.

Kid: Can I see who it is?

Sarge: Sorry, buddy. Can't do that. Some things in wrestling have to be kept secret. Don't want the bad guys to know what you're doing.

Kid: Hey! Can you tell me who's in there?

Sarge: I don't know. I...

Kid: Please.

Sarge mulled it over.

Sarge: OK. This is just between you and me. You can't tell anyone.

Kid: You have my word.

The kid looked at Sarge anxiously as a big secret was about to be revealed.

Sarge: Behind this door are...

Sarge paused.

The kid couldn't stand it.

Kid: Don't leave me hangin', Sarge!

Sarge: Behind this door are... Jerry Lawler and Verne Gagne.

Kid: Really?!

Sarge: Yeah.

Kid: Can I meet 'em?!

Sarge: Sorry, kid. Can't do it.

Kid: Why?

Sarge: It would be a violation.

Kid: Violation of what?

Sarge: Kayfabe.

Kid: Kay what?

Sarge: That's all I can say right now, kid. Let's just keep this between us.

Kid: OK. Thanks for the autograph, dude.

Sarge chuckled.

Sarge: You're welcome. Now go on your way.

Kid: What if I don't leave?

Sarge: Then we'll just stand out here and stare at each other and you'll miss the show tonight.

Kid: Oh my gosh! You're right!

Sarge: That kayfabe. She can be a real beast sometimes. Don't wanna mess with the old gal.

Kid: I'll go. Good luck tonight, champ.

Sarge: Thanks, kid.

The kid finally turned and headed back down the hall and hoped to find another wrestler to pester in the hallowed halls of the Showboat Hotel.

Sarge watched as the kid disappeared around the corner.

Sarge finally was able to knock on Verne's door.

Verne opened the door and Sarge stepped in.

Both Verne and Lawler were now standing.

Sarge: Verne. Jerry.

Verne was not happy.

Verne (sternly): Jerry and I were just talking about how seriously you should take kayfabe and you stand out there and say that stuff to that boy.

Lawler busted up laughing.

Sarge: He's just a kid, Verne. Just having a little fun with him.

Verne: What if he finds out what it means?

Now, Lawler was laughing so hard that he had to place his hand on the room table just to keep himself from toppling over.

Verne: It's not funny, King!

Sarge: If he finds out, well, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

Verne: I'm fining you for violating kayfabe.

Lawler was now shaking from laughing so hard.

Sarge: How much?

Verne: $200 dollars.

Sarge: Can I pay it off in kayfabe bucks?

Now Lawler was guffawing.

Verne: Haha! You looking to replace Johnny Carson?!

Sarge: Not a bad gig if you can get it. Maybe we could have a Kayfabe Corner segment if I got the job.

Lawler (laughing): I'm having trouble breathing!

Verne: Good. Maybe it will show you not to tamper with kayfabe because it will bite you in the ass.

Lawler plopped back down in his seat, placed one hand over his face and pounded his fist on the table and continued laughing.

Verne: Have a seat, Bob.

Sarge took a seat at the table with laughing Lawler and Verne sat on the edge of his bed.

Sarge saw the beers on ice.

Sarge: Those for me?

Verne: Yep.

Sarge: Thanks.

Budweiser. Great!

Sarge cracked open a cold one and took a healthy swig of the King of Beers.

Sarge: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... Good stuff.

Verne: Let's get down to business, shall we?

Lawler finally composed himself.

Verne: The first order of busi...

Lawler lost his composure and started laughing again. The laughing now spread to Sarge.

Verne was super annoyed.

The AWA boss looked on as the two continued laughing.

Verne just let it go and shook his head.

Finally, after about five minutes of this, the laughter finally died down as Lawler wiped tears from his eyes.

Verne: Kayfabe is really no laughing matter.

Bad move, Verne...

Sarge and Lawler started laughing again.

Verne grew exasperated.

Verne: Please! Let's talk business!

The two finally regained their composure.

Lawler was wiping his eyes with a napkin.

Lawler: Sorry, Verne.

Sarge: Go ahead, boss.

Verne: OK. Jerry, did you bring the AWA belt with you that you have?

Lawler: It's in my travel bag.

Verne: Great.

I know you have the other belt, Sarge.

Sarge nodded in agreement and then took another sip of his beer.

Sarge: Who am I defending the title against tonight?

Verne: On the first taping, we're going to have a match to determine who will face you for the belt pitting Tommy Rich against Tom Zenk.

Since the DeBeers-Zenk angle is heating up, DeBeers is gonna interfere and cost Zenk the match.

You'll face Rich at the second taping and defeat him clean with the Slaughter Cannon in a 10 minute match.

After the match there will be a post-match interview with you. Jerry will come into the Sports Pavilion through the main entrance with his AWA belt in tow.

He will make his way to the ring and confront you, Sarge. Lawler will cut a promo and claim to be the real AWA World Champion since he never actually lost the belt.

You'll talk about defeating Zbysko to win the belt and that you are the real AWA Champ.

The two of you will engage in some back-and-forth chatter before Sarge leaves the ring.

Jerry, you'll stay in the ring and talk a little more about the situation with Larry Nelson.

At the third taping, both of you will be brought out for separate interviews. Lawler will do his promo first. Sarge, you will do a promo towards the end of the show. You will not give a clear answer as to whether or not you'll accept Lawler's challenge and tease a possible heel turn.

At the fourth taping, Lawler will wrestle a squash. Lawler will do a post-match interview and, Sarge, you will come to the ring to confront Lawler. You'll each have your version of the AWA Title. You will engage in another heated exchange and this is where it will get physical when Lawler drops you with a belt shot to the side of the head. I haven't decided yet if Sarge will accept the challenge here or wait a week.

Sarge: When will we be working with each other on the house shows?

Verne: I'm aiming to kick things off in mid-July.

It will all culminate with the blow-off match at Super Clash 4.

Lawler: Any idea what city it will be in yet?

Verne: Rob Russen* is working on it. Right now, the Mecca in Milwaukee appears to be the front-runner.

(* Rob Russen was an AWA promoter/mouthpiece.)

Lawler: Anything on where it will air?

Verne: We're supposed to talk with ESPN very soon. Pay-per-view would be the second option and trying to get it on local stations in AWA markets is the third option as things stand right now.

Lawler: That's good. Doing this on cable sounds like more of a sure thing.

Sarge shook his head in agreement.

Sarge: Gotta agree with Jerry on that one.

Verne: Well, that's how this whole thing is gonna kick off. We'll deal with how to handle future syndicated and ESPN TVs when we get there. This is good for right now.

Sarge: Hope this works for you, Verne.

Lawler: Ditto.

Verne: Me too. In the worst way.

After that, the three sat around for about 30 minutes and made small talk, laughed about the 'kayfabe incident' again (even Verne joined in the laughter now) and downed their beverages.

Lawler was the first to leave the room. He headed to the casino to play a little Black Jack before the night's events.

Verne stayed in his room and laid out more of the programming for the next four episodes of the AWA on ESPN.

About 15 minutes later, Sarge left the room and quietly headed back up to his room to prepare himself for his part in the start of an angle that the entire fate of the AWA looked to hinge on.

Gotta protect kayfabe, you know.

TO BE CONTINUED...