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AWA 1989: A Financial Savior Is (Badly) Needed
- Thread starter the autumn wind
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- Joined
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- Reaction score
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- Joined
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- Messages
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- Reaction score
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- Points
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- Favorite Sports Team
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AWA ON ESPN TAPINGS - SHOWBOAT SPORTS PAVILION - LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 1989
(2nd Taping Re-Cap)
Match Commentator: Lee Marshall
Color Commentator: Lord James Blears
In-Ring Interviewer: Larry Nelson
Show Intro:
In-Studio - Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program:
AWA World Title Match: Sgt. Slaughter (WC) vs. Tommy Rich
A look back at the Iron Claw Showdown between Baron Von Raschke and Manny Fernandez from All-Star Wrestling
Badd Company sees action
A look back at Col. DeBeers costing Tom Zenk a World Championship shot last week when DeBeers laid out Zenk with the dreaded coal miner's glove. Plus an update on Tom Zenk and a response from Col. DeBeers
Larry Zbysko sees action
AND MORE!
Nelson then sent it to the Showboat Sports Pavilion in Las Vegas.
Greg Gagne won a squash over Dusty Wolfe via submission with the Gagne Sleeper
Larry Nelson interviewed Greg after the match.
Post-Match Interview Highlight:
Gagne: Larry, I can't tell you how excited I am right now! Ken Patera is on his way back to the AWA!
Crowd cheered.
Gagne: Fans across the country and the world want to see Patera wring Zbysko's neck!
It's gonna happen! And it's gonna happen soon!
More cheers.
Nelson wrapped up the interview segment with Gagne.
Pic aired of Von Raschke and Fernandez with the caption: IRON CLAW SHOWDOWN...NEXT!
Commercials
In-studio: Larry intro'd the Iron Claw Showdown between Baron Von Raschke and Manny Fernandez from last week's All-Star Wrestling.
VIDEO:
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 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.
END VIDEO
Nelson said that Fernandez, Von Raschke and Wahoo would all have comments about the situation next week on AWA Championship Wrestling.
Pic aired of Sgt. Slaughter with the AWA World Title slung over his shoulder with the caption: LATER... WILL HE STILL BE THE CHAMPION AFTER TONIGHT???
Commercials
IT'S THE AWA ON TOUR! We'll be at the high school/community center/county fair/used car dealership parking lot/church fellowship hall in (insert town here). THE AWA IS THE MAJOR LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!
Badd Company w/ manager Dallas Page in their corner defeated George Wells and Rocky King in a squash via pinfall when Tanaka pinned King after the slingshot DDT (Slingshot catapult(Diamond) transitioned into aJumping DDT(Tanaka)
Larry Nelson interviewed the despotic trio after the match.
Post-Match Interview Highlight:
Nelson said that Badd Company had better be careful because the Top Guns (Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes) were hot on their tail and were ready to exact revenge for what happened a few weeks ago.
DDP: Nelson, have you seen the fools we've made out of the the Pop Guns recently?
Nelson: I've seen you use underhanded tactics to...
DDP: Right! We've made them look like total idiots!
Diamond: Total 100% idiots!
Where are they right now, Nelson?! Huh?! Where are your heroes?!
Nelson: Not here at the moment.
DDP: That's right, daddy-o! These guys are beginning to see the light and are starting to figure out that it's best not to mess with Badd Company! I think that right now, Rice and Paul are doing some serious soul searching. Do they really want to keep messing with us? I don't think so! Hahahaha!
Nelson: Well, just because they're not out here doesn't mean that... Whoa! What's this?!
An extremely attractive brunette made her way down the face entrance aisle to ringside as Badd Company, DDP and Nelson looked at the beauty as she climbed the ring steps and stepped into the ring.
She had a piece of paper in her hand.
The woman walked right up to DDP.
Woman: Badd Company, I have a message for you.
But first...
The woman stunned everyone by giving DDP a big, fat kiss on the lips.
DDP was speechless and Diamond and Tanaka were stunned.
Nelson:Oh my! What was that about?!
Woman (calmly):That was the kiss of death.
DDP suddenly had a puzzled look on his face.
DDP: The what?
Woman: The kiss of death.
DDP: What are you talkin' about, lady! Kiss of death?!
Who are you?
Tanaka: Yeah! Spill it right now!
Woman: This is for you, Dallas.
The mystery woman put the note in DDP's grimy paw.
The woman turned to walk away and then caught herself and spun back around.
Woman: You three need to be careful.
DDP opened the note as the woman turned and started to leave.
DDP read the note with a confused look on his face.
Nelson: Can I ask what the note says?
DDP: It says: Watch your backs!
Hey, baby! You get back here and explain this!
The woman was now on the floor and blew a kiss towards the trio and turned and headed back up the face aisle.
Nelson: What do you think it means?
DDP: I have no idea, Nelson.
Diamond then quickly whispered something in DDP's ear.
DDP nodded in agreement.
Nelson: Well?
DDP: Did the Pop Guns put that broad up to this?! Is that what this is?!
Are they trying to play some sort of mind game with Badd Company?!
It won't work! It...will...not...work, man!
We've already put Ricky Rice and Derrick Dukes in their place! They'll never put anything over on us, I can guarantee you that!
Haha!
This looks like a bad attempt at some sort of psychological warfare against us!
If the Pop Guns want more of Badd Company, all they have to do is come back and we'll give them more than they could ever bargain for!
Nelson wrapped up the interview.
Pic aired from last week of Col. DeBeers KO'ing Tom Zenk with the coal miner's glove during Zenk's match with Tommy Rich with the caption: WORKIN' IN A COAL MINE...NEXT!
Commercials
In-studio: Larry Nelson intro'd video footage of Col. DeBeers' interference in last week's Tom Zenk-Tommy Rich match where the winner would receive an AWA World Title shot against Sgt. Slaughter.
VIDEO:
At the end of the match, Zenk was on the offensive and Rich appeared to be on wobbly legs. Zenk went to whip Rich into the corner but Rich reversed and sent Zenk crashing into the ref and the impact sent the ref slamming into the turnbuckles full force. Ref crumpled to the mat and Zenk was leaned front-first against the buckles.
Rich regained enough of his senses and pounced on Zenk. Rich worked Zenk over with punches. Zenk staggered next to the ropes and Rich hit Zenk with a forearm smash to the upper back followed by a suplex on Zenk. Rich delivered a quick stomp and then ran and hit the ropes and came off with a running elbow smash but Zenk rolled out of the way and Rich slammed to the mat.
Crowd buzzing. Ref still down.
Both Zenk and Rich slowly made their way to their feet and Rich and Zenk engaged in a punch exchange and Zenk gained the advantage and nailed the former NWA Champion with a series of uncontested head shots. Zenk whipped the stunned Rich into the ropes and caught Rich coming off with a clothesline. Rich crashed to the mat. Zenk picked up Rich and bodyslammed Rich. Zenk went out on the apron and mounted the top buckle as Rich got to his feet. Rich up and Zenk came off with a missle dropkick that devastated Rich. Rich down. Crowd into it. Zenk covered Rich but no ref. Crowd and Zenk frustrated. Zenk did a symbolic three count in frustration and then got up and went over to check on the ref because faces are idiots.
As Zenk checked on the ref, Col. DeBeers made his way down the heel aisle and hit the ring as the crowd buzzed and urged Zenk to turn around. Zenk still checking on the ref as DeBeers stealthily climbed in the ring behind him. DeBeers reached into a side pocket on his camo pants and and pulled out a heavy looking glove.
Marshall: Wait a minute?! Is that the DeBeers' coal miner's glove that he used against Jimmy Snuka?!
Blears: Sure looks like it, Lee!
DeBeers slipped the glove down over his right hand. Rich stirring in the ring. Zenk gave the ref one more good shake to try and get the ref to come around. Ref stirring. Zenk turned back around and...WHAM!...DeBeers popped Zenk with a head shot with the dreaded coal miner's glove. Zenk helplessly crashed to the mat.
A groggy Rich was recovered enough to see DeBeers pointing at Zenk. Rich crawled over and covered Zenk as DeBeers went over and gave the still stunned ref a hard slap to the face and then pulled the ref over to where Rich was covering Zenk.
DeBeers bailed from the ring to the floor and looked on.
Ref slowly made the count.
1.....2.....3!
Unsteady ref called for the bell.
Rich rolled off of Zenk and laid on his back for a moment.
Crowd booed as DeBeers slowly started backing up to the heel entrance aisle. Some trash was thrown in the Colonel's direction. Couple of fans wanted to get their hands on DeBeers but security stopped them.
DeBeers turned and headed back up the aisle with glove in hand held firmly against his gut.
END VIDEO
In-Studio: Nelson then intro'd comments from Col. DeBeers.
VIDEO:
DeBeers was standing with mic in hand in front of the AWA logo on a black background in his ring garb and beret:
DeBeers: Tom Zenk. I warned you something bad was going to happen to you.
You should have never gotten involved in my business. And now look at the price you've paid for it.
By the way, Tom, how's your face doing? Is it still hurting real bad?
DeBeers chuckled.
DeBeers: Thought so.
DeBeers then held up the dreaded coal miner's glove.
DeBeers: This glove is very heavy.
Of course, you know that, Tom. Your face felt how heavy it was.
Use this to work in the mines in South Africa. Gotta have gloves like these because if you don't your hands will get shredded to pieces.
I enjoyed watching you being helped to the back by emergency technicians. It made me laugh when they covered your pretty face with a towel.
What's the matter, Tom? Don't want the girls to see your good looks all messed up?
You have escalated this situation to a whole new level. And it's a level that you will regret raising it to.
This is war, Zenk! And you don't know war! But I do! You'll have to sue me for peace before all is said and done, because I have every intention of finishing your career!
The hardened pro-apartheid mercenary South African vs. the soft American pretty little party boy!
When all is over between us and the dust settles, Zenk, you'll be an American disgrace!
END VIDEO
Nelson said Zenk was recovering and should be returning very soon.
Pic aired of Larry Zbysko with the caption...ZBYSKO SEES ACTION...NEXT!
Commercials
Larry Zbysko defeated Brady Boone in a squash match via pinfall with the piledriver
Larry Nelson interviewed Zbysko after the match.
Post-Match Interview Highlight:
Nelson asked Zbysko about Patera's pending return to the AWA.
Zbysko: Ya know, Nelson, how long are we supposed to wait for Patera to come back?!
Greg Gagne has blabbed about his return a few times now but nothing has happened!
Where is Patera?! Is he really coming back?! Even if he's still injured, he could come out here and make an appearance before these spudheads!
Crowd booed.
Zbysko: I don't think he's coming back! It's wishful thinking on the part of guys like Greg Gagne and Brad Rheingans! Their boy is finished! And I'm the man who finished him!
Crowd booed.
Greg Gagne, still in his ring attire, made his way down the face entrance aisle to the ring and climbed in.
Gagne walked up to Zbysko.
Zbysko: You come out here to admit you're lying to these idiot fans and that Ken Patera is not really coming back?!
Gagne: He's coming, Larry! And it's gonna be a lot sooner than you think!
Zbysko: You keep saying that, Greg, but there's no sign of the man!
Gagne: He'll be here, Zbysko! You're gonna have to deal with him and you're not gonna like that at all!
Zbysko: Yap! Yap! Yap! Oh! Ken Patera! Where art thou!
Show yourself, Kenny!
Gagne: Just keep it up! That's all I got to say!
Greg turned and left the ring and headed back up the face aisle to a decent amount of cheers.
Zbysko: Just more nonsense from Verne's boy!
If you morons in these seats want to see Ken Patera in the future...you might want to find the wrestling promotion where the wrestlers cannot lift their left arm!
More boos.
Larry Nelson wrapped up the segment.
Pic aired of the AWA World Title with the caption: BATTLE FOR THE BELT...NEXT!
Commercials
TV MAIN EVENT - AWA WORLD TITLE MATCH
Sgt. Slaughter (WC) vs. 'Wildfire' Tommy Rich
Larry Nelson stood center-ring and announced it was time for the main evet for the Heavyweight Championship of the World.
Tommy Rich, in his ring attire, made his way down the heel entrance aisle and climbed in the ring and yanked the mic away from Larry Nelson.
Boos cascading down upon Rich.
Rich: You folks keep on booin'!
The fans obliged.
Rich: You are about to witness history tonight!
Announcer Marshall: Here it comes, Lord James! Please restrain me if I get the urge to go into the ring and attack Tommy Rich!
Announcer Blears: Will do, Lee.
Rich: I am going to take out the real GI Joe and become the new AWA World Champion and become the first NWA and AWA World Champion ever!
This will be a glorious moment in the history of this sport!
I had a legendary run as the NWA World Champion!
Announcer Blears: Calm down, Lee.
Rich: And now the legend of Tommy Rich will grow even larger when I begin my reign as AWA World Champion!
Historians like Burt Randolph Sugar and George Napalitano will write multi-volume works about my legacy as the NWA and AWA World Champion!
Announcer Marshall: That's it!
Blears tried to restrain Marshall but Marshall tore off his headset and threw it on the announcers' table, got up and quickly climbed into the ring and walked right up to Rich.
Rich seemed taken aback by Marshall getting in his face.
Marshall ripped the mic from Rich's hand.
Marshall: Tommy Rich! I've had enough with you talking about your so-called historic reign as NWA World Champion!
For those who don't know...
Marshall pointed an accusatory finger at Rich.
Marshall: ...this man held the NWA World Title for all of five days! Five damn days!
He won the title from Harley Race in Augusta, Georgia, on a Monday and lost it back to him in Atlanta at the Omni on Friday!
Five days! That's it! Yet you're out here making it sound like you had a run as NWA Champion like LouThesz or Ric Flair! Jeez!
You need to quit talking about it, Tommy! Just shut up and wrestle!
Fans cheered.
Rich grabbed the mic back from Marshall.
Rich: Lee Marshall! How dare you insult my spectacular run as NWA World Champion!
Let me make something very clear...you're just an announcer! Go back to you seat, put your little headset on and call my victory over Sgt. Slau...
Marshall lost it and shoved Rich and Rich stumbled back and dropped the mic as the fans cheered.
Marshall was ready to fight.
Rich picked up the mic.
Rich: I demand that the police take this man away! I will file an assault complaint later!
Marshall was seething.
Three members of Vegas' finest climbed into the ring and surrounded Marshall.
Marshall still super hot.
The cops talked with Marshall.
Rich:Get him out of here! I've got a date with destiny and I don't want this man calling the match!
After talking with Marshall a little more, the police had Marshall leave the ring and drop to the floor with them. They had Marshall turn around and handcuffed him to crowd boos.
Blears:This is absolutely surreal.
Police took Marshall off and the fans cheered Marshall and many chanted his name. Marshall glared at Rich one final time as he was walked past the ring.
Rich (waving):Goodbye, Lee! Goodbye jailbird! Don't drop the soap! Hahaha!
Crowd buzzing.
Marine Corps hymn played and the fans cheered as World Champion Sgt. Slaughter came out and made his way down the face entrance aisle to huge cheers. Sarge handed out little American flags to fans on the way to the ring.
Sarge climbed into the ring and saluted Old Glory hanging in the Sports Pavilion.
Nelson announced the two combatants. Rich was roundly booed and Sarge was overwhelmingly cheered.
Ref took the belt from Sarge and walked around the ring holding up the title for all to see before handing it off to Larry Nelson.
Nelson left the ring and joined Blears at the broadcast position as an emergency replacement for Lee Marshall.
Ref called champ and challenger out to the middle of the ring and laid down the rules and patted each man down as Rich and Sarge locked eyes.
Ref sent the men back to their corners.
As Sarge turned to head back to his corner, Rich ambushed Sarge from behind.
Ref called for the bell.
It was on...
Rich pounded away on Sarge and went to whip Sarge into the ropes but Sarge reversed and caught Rich coming off with a high backdrop that sent Rich crashing to the mat. Rich to his feet and stumbled back next to the ropes and Sarge drove Rich over the top rope down to the floor with a big running clothesline to the delight of the crowd. Sarge had control early until an eye poke by Rich stopped Sarge's momentum and Rich gained the advantage.
Rich held serve for a couple of minutes before Sarge came back and regained the advantage. Sarge took control and almost put Rich away but Rich barely escaped defeat. Sarge worked over Rich and whipped Rich into the corner and looked to blast Rich with a running clothesline but Rich moved and Sarge slammed front-first into the buckles.
Rich worked over Sarge with a series of kicks and punches. Sarge hurting. Rich relentless in his assault on the champ. Rich tried to pull out the victory after hitting Sarge with a running elbow smash but Sarge kicked out at 2.
Rich snapped Sarge up and went to piledrive Sarge. Sarge twice blocked the move and then backdropped Rich to the canvas. Both men up and Rich moved in and swung wildly at Sarge and missed and Sarge came back and fired away on Rich with a series of big rights to the head that staggered Rich. Sarge whipped Rich into the ropes and looked to catch Rich coming off with a clothesline but Rich ducked the move and came back and caught Sarge with his Thesz Press finisher. Rich for the cover. 1...2...thr... Crowd popped as Sarge kicked out. Rich in disbelief. Both men to their feet and Rich caught Sarge with a kick to the gut and went to whip Sarge into the buckles but Sarge reversed and sent Rich crashing into them. The impact sent Rich caroming out of the corner and right into Sarge's arms where Sarge blasted Rich with an inverted atomic drop that sent Rich crashing to the mat. Sarge backed up as Rich slowly and painfully made his way to his feet.
Rich up and Sarge charged in and pulverized Rich with his Slaughter Cannon finisher. Crowd erupted as Rich crashed to the mat. Sarge for the cover and hooked the leg. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell as the fans continued cheering.
Larry Nelson and climbed into the ring with the belt and a mic.
Nelson handed the ref the belt and the ref raised Sarge's hand in victory and handed Sarge the belt.
Nelson announced Sarge was the winner and still AWA World Champion.
WINNER: Sarge - Pinfall - 9:28
Post-Match Interview:
Nelson: Sgt. Slaughter, may I have a few words with you.
Sarge (breathing heavy): Sure, Larry.
Sarge slung the title over his shoulder.
Nelson: Another successful title defense.
Tommy Rich came out here tonight expecting to become the AWA World Champion. He made that quite clear. Did that statement bother you at all? Did it get into your head?
Sarge: No. It didn't affect me in any way. I let my wrestling do the talking.
The sign outside the arena says wrestling! It does not say talking trash!
Crowd cheered.
Sarge: Tommy Rich is a tough opponent! But you have to pin the champion's shoulders to the mat for the 3-count or make him submit to win this coveted belt!
Rich was unable to back up his words tonight!
More cheering.
Nelson: With this battle won, what's next for the AWA World Champion?
Sarge: Well, Larry, there's a long list of contenders out there. And as champion you've got to be ready every night to come into the squared circle and defend the title. You see so many different styles and one night you could be facing a Tommy Rich and then turn around the next night and defend the title against a Larry Zbysko. You have to be at the top of your game all the time as the champion.
Nelson: Well, that certainly is a tall order.
Sarge: Indeed it is. But that's the burden you take on being the World Champion...
Nelson: Wait a minute! What's going on?!
Shot of a man in street clothes carry a black bag walking into the Showboat Sports Pavilion through the main entrance*.
Nelson: Is that who I think it is?!
Crowd buzzing.
The man walked down and to ringside, climbed over the plastic chain barricade and walked over to the ring steps.
Nelson: It's Jerry Lawler!
Lawler walked up the steps to the ring apron. Sarge and Lawler locked eyes for moment and then Lawler climbed into the ring.
Nelson and Sarge speechless.
Lawler walked up to them in the middle of the ring.
Lawler:You are probably wondering why I'm here.
Sarge, puzzled, kept looking at Lawler.
Nelson:You could certainly say that.
Lawler: I came here on my own dime from Memphis to say something to you, Sgt. Slaughter.
Sarge: What is it?
Lawler: There's something in this bag I want to show you.
Lawler pulled the object out of the bag.
Lawler: This is the AWA World Title I won from Curt Hennig in May of last year. I successfully defended this belt at Super Clash 3 last December against Kerry Von Erich. I never lost the AWA World Title.
Sgt. Slaughter, you are an illegitimate World Champion.
Crowd buzzing.
Sarge: Wait a minute, Jerry. You were stripped of the title because you disappeared. Larry Zbysko won the belt in a special Battle Royal and I beat Zbysko and took the title from him. I AM the recognized AWA World Champion!
Crowd cheered.
Lawler: You may be 'recognized' as you say. But the fact remains that you never beat me for the belt. How can you be the champion if you never beat the reigning champion for the title. As I said, I never lost this.
Lawler pointed at the belt cradled in his left arm.
Lawler: And I came here for one reason. Sgt. Slaughter, I challenge you to a World Title unification match.
Crowd buzzing more (probably been drinking a lot by this time at the 'Boat).
Lawler: You can name the time and the place. I don't care if you want to wrestle in a landfill. But this matter needs to be settled once and for all.
Sarge: I won this, King! I did defeat the champion!
Lawler: You defeated a man who was not legit because he never beat me to win it.
What I'm out here calling for is for the good of the sport. This situation needs to be cleared up between you and me. There must be closure.
Sarge: As far as I'm concerned you're not the AWA Champion anymore. I am. I won this belt in an officially sanctioned match. You're the one who...
Lawler: These fans out here may support you. But they know, they know, that you need to have a title unification match with me to settle this dispute. Otherwise, you're nothing more than a fake champion. People will question the validity of your claim to being the World Champion.
Mixed crowd reaction.
Lawler: So, what will it be? The ball is now in your court, Sarge. Do you have an answer for me?
Sarge thought about it and rubbed his chin.
Sarge: I won this! Won it fair and square! You weren't around! You were nowhere to be found!
And you call me a fake World Champion!
Sarge got in Lawler's face.
Sarge: Let me tell you something! There's nothing fake about me at all, King! I am the real deal and these people know it!
And that's all I have to say right now!
Dismissed!
The pair stared each other down for a few more seconds before Sarge turned and left the ring and headed back up the aisle.
Fans were confused.
Nelson: Jerry Lawler! I don't think Sgt. Slaughter gave you the answer you were looking for!
Lawler (calm): He didn't, Larry. I'll give him some time to think about it. But I won't wait long for his answer. It's up to him whether or not he wants to be remembered as an underserving, illegitimate World Champion.
CLOSING CREDITS:
(2nd Taping Re-Cap)
Match Commentator: Lee Marshall
Color Commentator: Lord James Blears
In-Ring Interviewer: Larry Nelson
Show Intro:
In-Studio - Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program:
AWA World Title Match: Sgt. Slaughter (WC) vs. Tommy Rich
A look back at the Iron Claw Showdown between Baron Von Raschke and Manny Fernandez from All-Star Wrestling
Badd Company sees action
A look back at Col. DeBeers costing Tom Zenk a World Championship shot last week when DeBeers laid out Zenk with the dreaded coal miner's glove. Plus an update on Tom Zenk and a response from Col. DeBeers
Larry Zbysko sees action
AND MORE!
Nelson then sent it to the Showboat Sports Pavilion in Las Vegas.
Greg Gagne won a squash over Dusty Wolfe via submission with the Gagne Sleeper
Larry Nelson interviewed Greg after the match.
Post-Match Interview Highlight:
Gagne: Larry, I can't tell you how excited I am right now! Ken Patera is on his way back to the AWA!
Crowd cheered.
Gagne: Fans across the country and the world want to see Patera wring Zbysko's neck!
It's gonna happen! And it's gonna happen soon!
More cheers.
Nelson wrapped up the interview segment with Gagne.
Pic aired of Von Raschke and Fernandez with the caption: IRON CLAW SHOWDOWN...NEXT!
Commercials
In-studio: Larry intro'd the Iron Claw Showdown between Baron Von Raschke and Manny Fernandez from last week's All-Star Wrestling.
VIDEO:
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 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.
END VIDEO
Nelson said that Fernandez, Von Raschke and Wahoo would all have comments about the situation next week on AWA Championship Wrestling.
Pic aired of Sgt. Slaughter with the AWA World Title slung over his shoulder with the caption: LATER... WILL HE STILL BE THE CHAMPION AFTER TONIGHT???
Commercials
IT'S THE AWA ON TOUR! We'll be at the high school/community center/county fair/used car dealership parking lot/church fellowship hall in (insert town here). THE AWA IS THE MAJOR LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!
Badd Company w/ manager Dallas Page in their corner defeated George Wells and Rocky King in a squash via pinfall when Tanaka pinned King after the slingshot DDT (Slingshot catapult(Diamond) transitioned into aJumping DDT(Tanaka)
Larry Nelson interviewed the despotic trio after the match.
Post-Match Interview Highlight:
Nelson said that Badd Company had better be careful because the Top Guns (Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes) were hot on their tail and were ready to exact revenge for what happened a few weeks ago.
DDP: Nelson, have you seen the fools we've made out of the the Pop Guns recently?
Nelson: I've seen you use underhanded tactics to...
DDP: Right! We've made them look like total idiots!
Diamond: Total 100% idiots!
Where are they right now, Nelson?! Huh?! Where are your heroes?!
Nelson: Not here at the moment.
DDP: That's right, daddy-o! These guys are beginning to see the light and are starting to figure out that it's best not to mess with Badd Company! I think that right now, Rice and Paul are doing some serious soul searching. Do they really want to keep messing with us? I don't think so! Hahahaha!
Nelson: Well, just because they're not out here doesn't mean that... Whoa! What's this?!
An extremely attractive brunette made her way down the face entrance aisle to ringside as Badd Company, DDP and Nelson looked at the beauty as she climbed the ring steps and stepped into the ring.
She had a piece of paper in her hand.
The woman walked right up to DDP.
Woman: Badd Company, I have a message for you.
But first...
The woman stunned everyone by giving DDP a big, fat kiss on the lips.
DDP was speechless and Diamond and Tanaka were stunned.
Nelson:Oh my! What was that about?!
Woman (calmly):That was the kiss of death.
DDP suddenly had a puzzled look on his face.
DDP: The what?
Woman: The kiss of death.
DDP: What are you talkin' about, lady! Kiss of death?!
Who are you?
Tanaka: Yeah! Spill it right now!
Woman: This is for you, Dallas.
The mystery woman put the note in DDP's grimy paw.
The woman turned to walk away and then caught herself and spun back around.
Woman: You three need to be careful.
DDP opened the note as the woman turned and started to leave.
DDP read the note with a confused look on his face.
Nelson: Can I ask what the note says?
DDP: It says: Watch your backs!
Hey, baby! You get back here and explain this!
The woman was now on the floor and blew a kiss towards the trio and turned and headed back up the face aisle.
Nelson: What do you think it means?
DDP: I have no idea, Nelson.
Diamond then quickly whispered something in DDP's ear.
DDP nodded in agreement.
Nelson: Well?
DDP: Did the Pop Guns put that broad up to this?! Is that what this is?!
Are they trying to play some sort of mind game with Badd Company?!
It won't work! It...will...not...work, man!
We've already put Ricky Rice and Derrick Dukes in their place! They'll never put anything over on us, I can guarantee you that!
Haha!
This looks like a bad attempt at some sort of psychological warfare against us!
If the Pop Guns want more of Badd Company, all they have to do is come back and we'll give them more than they could ever bargain for!
Nelson wrapped up the interview.
Pic aired from last week of Col. DeBeers KO'ing Tom Zenk with the coal miner's glove during Zenk's match with Tommy Rich with the caption: WORKIN' IN A COAL MINE...NEXT!
Commercials
In-studio: Larry Nelson intro'd video footage of Col. DeBeers' interference in last week's Tom Zenk-Tommy Rich match where the winner would receive an AWA World Title shot against Sgt. Slaughter.
VIDEO:
At the end of the match, Zenk was on the offensive and Rich appeared to be on wobbly legs. Zenk went to whip Rich into the corner but Rich reversed and sent Zenk crashing into the ref and the impact sent the ref slamming into the turnbuckles full force. Ref crumpled to the mat and Zenk was leaned front-first against the buckles.
Rich regained enough of his senses and pounced on Zenk. Rich worked Zenk over with punches. Zenk staggered next to the ropes and Rich hit Zenk with a forearm smash to the upper back followed by a suplex on Zenk. Rich delivered a quick stomp and then ran and hit the ropes and came off with a running elbow smash but Zenk rolled out of the way and Rich slammed to the mat.
Crowd buzzing. Ref still down.
Both Zenk and Rich slowly made their way to their feet and Rich and Zenk engaged in a punch exchange and Zenk gained the advantage and nailed the former NWA Champion with a series of uncontested head shots. Zenk whipped the stunned Rich into the ropes and caught Rich coming off with a clothesline. Rich crashed to the mat. Zenk picked up Rich and bodyslammed Rich. Zenk went out on the apron and mounted the top buckle as Rich got to his feet. Rich up and Zenk came off with a missle dropkick that devastated Rich. Rich down. Crowd into it. Zenk covered Rich but no ref. Crowd and Zenk frustrated. Zenk did a symbolic three count in frustration and then got up and went over to check on the ref because faces are idiots.
As Zenk checked on the ref, Col. DeBeers made his way down the heel aisle and hit the ring as the crowd buzzed and urged Zenk to turn around. Zenk still checking on the ref as DeBeers stealthily climbed in the ring behind him. DeBeers reached into a side pocket on his camo pants and and pulled out a heavy looking glove.
Marshall: Wait a minute?! Is that the DeBeers' coal miner's glove that he used against Jimmy Snuka?!
Blears: Sure looks like it, Lee!
DeBeers slipped the glove down over his right hand. Rich stirring in the ring. Zenk gave the ref one more good shake to try and get the ref to come around. Ref stirring. Zenk turned back around and...WHAM!...DeBeers popped Zenk with a head shot with the dreaded coal miner's glove. Zenk helplessly crashed to the mat.
A groggy Rich was recovered enough to see DeBeers pointing at Zenk. Rich crawled over and covered Zenk as DeBeers went over and gave the still stunned ref a hard slap to the face and then pulled the ref over to where Rich was covering Zenk.
DeBeers bailed from the ring to the floor and looked on.
Ref slowly made the count.
1.....2.....3!
Unsteady ref called for the bell.
Rich rolled off of Zenk and laid on his back for a moment.
Crowd booed as DeBeers slowly started backing up to the heel entrance aisle. Some trash was thrown in the Colonel's direction. Couple of fans wanted to get their hands on DeBeers but security stopped them.
DeBeers turned and headed back up the aisle with glove in hand held firmly against his gut.
END VIDEO
In-Studio: Nelson then intro'd comments from Col. DeBeers.
VIDEO:
DeBeers was standing with mic in hand in front of the AWA logo on a black background in his ring garb and beret:
DeBeers: Tom Zenk. I warned you something bad was going to happen to you.
You should have never gotten involved in my business. And now look at the price you've paid for it.
By the way, Tom, how's your face doing? Is it still hurting real bad?
DeBeers chuckled.
DeBeers: Thought so.
DeBeers then held up the dreaded coal miner's glove.
DeBeers: This glove is very heavy.
Of course, you know that, Tom. Your face felt how heavy it was.
Use this to work in the mines in South Africa. Gotta have gloves like these because if you don't your hands will get shredded to pieces.
I enjoyed watching you being helped to the back by emergency technicians. It made me laugh when they covered your pretty face with a towel.
What's the matter, Tom? Don't want the girls to see your good looks all messed up?
You have escalated this situation to a whole new level. And it's a level that you will regret raising it to.
This is war, Zenk! And you don't know war! But I do! You'll have to sue me for peace before all is said and done, because I have every intention of finishing your career!
The hardened pro-apartheid mercenary South African vs. the soft American pretty little party boy!
When all is over between us and the dust settles, Zenk, you'll be an American disgrace!
END VIDEO
Nelson said Zenk was recovering and should be returning very soon.
Pic aired of Larry Zbysko with the caption...ZBYSKO SEES ACTION...NEXT!
Commercials
Larry Zbysko defeated Brady Boone in a squash match via pinfall with the piledriver
Larry Nelson interviewed Zbysko after the match.
Post-Match Interview Highlight:
Nelson asked Zbysko about Patera's pending return to the AWA.
Zbysko: Ya know, Nelson, how long are we supposed to wait for Patera to come back?!
Greg Gagne has blabbed about his return a few times now but nothing has happened!
Where is Patera?! Is he really coming back?! Even if he's still injured, he could come out here and make an appearance before these spudheads!
Crowd booed.
Zbysko: I don't think he's coming back! It's wishful thinking on the part of guys like Greg Gagne and Brad Rheingans! Their boy is finished! And I'm the man who finished him!
Crowd booed.
Greg Gagne, still in his ring attire, made his way down the face entrance aisle to the ring and climbed in.
Gagne walked up to Zbysko.
Zbysko: You come out here to admit you're lying to these idiot fans and that Ken Patera is not really coming back?!
Gagne: He's coming, Larry! And it's gonna be a lot sooner than you think!
Zbysko: You keep saying that, Greg, but there's no sign of the man!
Gagne: He'll be here, Zbysko! You're gonna have to deal with him and you're not gonna like that at all!
Zbysko: Yap! Yap! Yap! Oh! Ken Patera! Where art thou!
Show yourself, Kenny!
Gagne: Just keep it up! That's all I got to say!
Greg turned and left the ring and headed back up the face aisle to a decent amount of cheers.
Zbysko: Just more nonsense from Verne's boy!
If you morons in these seats want to see Ken Patera in the future...you might want to find the wrestling promotion where the wrestlers cannot lift their left arm!
More boos.
Larry Nelson wrapped up the segment.
Pic aired of the AWA World Title with the caption: BATTLE FOR THE BELT...NEXT!
Commercials
TV MAIN EVENT - AWA WORLD TITLE MATCH
Sgt. Slaughter (WC) vs. 'Wildfire' Tommy Rich
Larry Nelson stood center-ring and announced it was time for the main evet for the Heavyweight Championship of the World.
Tommy Rich, in his ring attire, made his way down the heel entrance aisle and climbed in the ring and yanked the mic away from Larry Nelson.
Boos cascading down upon Rich.
Rich: You folks keep on booin'!
The fans obliged.
Rich: You are about to witness history tonight!
Announcer Marshall: Here it comes, Lord James! Please restrain me if I get the urge to go into the ring and attack Tommy Rich!
Announcer Blears: Will do, Lee.
Rich: I am going to take out the real GI Joe and become the new AWA World Champion and become the first NWA and AWA World Champion ever!
This will be a glorious moment in the history of this sport!
I had a legendary run as the NWA World Champion!
Announcer Blears: Calm down, Lee.
Rich: And now the legend of Tommy Rich will grow even larger when I begin my reign as AWA World Champion!
Historians like Burt Randolph Sugar and George Napalitano will write multi-volume works about my legacy as the NWA and AWA World Champion!
Announcer Marshall: That's it!
Blears tried to restrain Marshall but Marshall tore off his headset and threw it on the announcers' table, got up and quickly climbed into the ring and walked right up to Rich.
Rich seemed taken aback by Marshall getting in his face.
Marshall ripped the mic from Rich's hand.
Marshall: Tommy Rich! I've had enough with you talking about your so-called historic reign as NWA World Champion!
For those who don't know...
Marshall pointed an accusatory finger at Rich.
Marshall: ...this man held the NWA World Title for all of five days! Five damn days!
He won the title from Harley Race in Augusta, Georgia, on a Monday and lost it back to him in Atlanta at the Omni on Friday!
Five days! That's it! Yet you're out here making it sound like you had a run as NWA Champion like LouThesz or Ric Flair! Jeez!
You need to quit talking about it, Tommy! Just shut up and wrestle!
Fans cheered.
Rich grabbed the mic back from Marshall.
Rich: Lee Marshall! How dare you insult my spectacular run as NWA World Champion!
Let me make something very clear...you're just an announcer! Go back to you seat, put your little headset on and call my victory over Sgt. Slau...
Marshall lost it and shoved Rich and Rich stumbled back and dropped the mic as the fans cheered.
Marshall was ready to fight.
Rich picked up the mic.
Rich: I demand that the police take this man away! I will file an assault complaint later!
Marshall was seething.
Three members of Vegas' finest climbed into the ring and surrounded Marshall.
Marshall still super hot.
The cops talked with Marshall.
Rich:Get him out of here! I've got a date with destiny and I don't want this man calling the match!
After talking with Marshall a little more, the police had Marshall leave the ring and drop to the floor with them. They had Marshall turn around and handcuffed him to crowd boos.
Blears:This is absolutely surreal.
Police took Marshall off and the fans cheered Marshall and many chanted his name. Marshall glared at Rich one final time as he was walked past the ring.
Rich (waving):Goodbye, Lee! Goodbye jailbird! Don't drop the soap! Hahaha!
Crowd buzzing.
Marine Corps hymn played and the fans cheered as World Champion Sgt. Slaughter came out and made his way down the face entrance aisle to huge cheers. Sarge handed out little American flags to fans on the way to the ring.
Sarge climbed into the ring and saluted Old Glory hanging in the Sports Pavilion.
Nelson announced the two combatants. Rich was roundly booed and Sarge was overwhelmingly cheered.
Ref took the belt from Sarge and walked around the ring holding up the title for all to see before handing it off to Larry Nelson.
Nelson left the ring and joined Blears at the broadcast position as an emergency replacement for Lee Marshall.
Ref called champ and challenger out to the middle of the ring and laid down the rules and patted each man down as Rich and Sarge locked eyes.
Ref sent the men back to their corners.
As Sarge turned to head back to his corner, Rich ambushed Sarge from behind.
Ref called for the bell.
It was on...
Rich pounded away on Sarge and went to whip Sarge into the ropes but Sarge reversed and caught Rich coming off with a high backdrop that sent Rich crashing to the mat. Rich to his feet and stumbled back next to the ropes and Sarge drove Rich over the top rope down to the floor with a big running clothesline to the delight of the crowd. Sarge had control early until an eye poke by Rich stopped Sarge's momentum and Rich gained the advantage.
Rich held serve for a couple of minutes before Sarge came back and regained the advantage. Sarge took control and almost put Rich away but Rich barely escaped defeat. Sarge worked over Rich and whipped Rich into the corner and looked to blast Rich with a running clothesline but Rich moved and Sarge slammed front-first into the buckles.
Rich worked over Sarge with a series of kicks and punches. Sarge hurting. Rich relentless in his assault on the champ. Rich tried to pull out the victory after hitting Sarge with a running elbow smash but Sarge kicked out at 2.
Rich snapped Sarge up and went to piledrive Sarge. Sarge twice blocked the move and then backdropped Rich to the canvas. Both men up and Rich moved in and swung wildly at Sarge and missed and Sarge came back and fired away on Rich with a series of big rights to the head that staggered Rich. Sarge whipped Rich into the ropes and looked to catch Rich coming off with a clothesline but Rich ducked the move and came back and caught Sarge with his Thesz Press finisher. Rich for the cover. 1...2...thr... Crowd popped as Sarge kicked out. Rich in disbelief. Both men to their feet and Rich caught Sarge with a kick to the gut and went to whip Sarge into the buckles but Sarge reversed and sent Rich crashing into them. The impact sent Rich caroming out of the corner and right into Sarge's arms where Sarge blasted Rich with an inverted atomic drop that sent Rich crashing to the mat. Sarge backed up as Rich slowly and painfully made his way to his feet.
Rich up and Sarge charged in and pulverized Rich with his Slaughter Cannon finisher. Crowd erupted as Rich crashed to the mat. Sarge for the cover and hooked the leg. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell as the fans continued cheering.
Larry Nelson and climbed into the ring with the belt and a mic.
Nelson handed the ref the belt and the ref raised Sarge's hand in victory and handed Sarge the belt.
Nelson announced Sarge was the winner and still AWA World Champion.
WINNER: Sarge - Pinfall - 9:28
Post-Match Interview:
Nelson: Sgt. Slaughter, may I have a few words with you.
Sarge (breathing heavy): Sure, Larry.
Sarge slung the title over his shoulder.
Nelson: Another successful title defense.
Tommy Rich came out here tonight expecting to become the AWA World Champion. He made that quite clear. Did that statement bother you at all? Did it get into your head?
Sarge: No. It didn't affect me in any way. I let my wrestling do the talking.
The sign outside the arena says wrestling! It does not say talking trash!
Crowd cheered.
Sarge: Tommy Rich is a tough opponent! But you have to pin the champion's shoulders to the mat for the 3-count or make him submit to win this coveted belt!
Rich was unable to back up his words tonight!
More cheering.
Nelson: With this battle won, what's next for the AWA World Champion?
Sarge: Well, Larry, there's a long list of contenders out there. And as champion you've got to be ready every night to come into the squared circle and defend the title. You see so many different styles and one night you could be facing a Tommy Rich and then turn around the next night and defend the title against a Larry Zbysko. You have to be at the top of your game all the time as the champion.
Nelson: Well, that certainly is a tall order.
Sarge: Indeed it is. But that's the burden you take on being the World Champion...
Nelson: Wait a minute! What's going on?!
Shot of a man in street clothes carry a black bag walking into the Showboat Sports Pavilion through the main entrance*.
Nelson: Is that who I think it is?!
Crowd buzzing.
The man walked down and to ringside, climbed over the plastic chain barricade and walked over to the ring steps.
Nelson: It's Jerry Lawler!
Lawler walked up the steps to the ring apron. Sarge and Lawler locked eyes for moment and then Lawler climbed into the ring.
Nelson and Sarge speechless.
Lawler walked up to them in the middle of the ring.
Lawler:You are probably wondering why I'm here.
Sarge, puzzled, kept looking at Lawler.
Nelson:You could certainly say that.
Lawler: I came here on my own dime from Memphis to say something to you, Sgt. Slaughter.
Sarge: What is it?
Lawler: There's something in this bag I want to show you.
Lawler pulled the object out of the bag.
Lawler: This is the AWA World Title I won from Curt Hennig in May of last year. I successfully defended this belt at Super Clash 3 last December against Kerry Von Erich. I never lost the AWA World Title.
Sgt. Slaughter, you are an illegitimate World Champion.
Crowd buzzing.
Sarge: Wait a minute, Jerry. You were stripped of the title because you disappeared. Larry Zbysko won the belt in a special Battle Royal and I beat Zbysko and took the title from him. I AM the recognized AWA World Champion!
Crowd cheered.
Lawler: You may be 'recognized' as you say. But the fact remains that you never beat me for the belt. How can you be the champion if you never beat the reigning champion for the title. As I said, I never lost this.
Lawler pointed at the belt cradled in his left arm.
Lawler: And I came here for one reason. Sgt. Slaughter, I challenge you to a World Title unification match.
Crowd buzzing more (probably been drinking a lot by this time at the 'Boat).
Lawler: You can name the time and the place. I don't care if you want to wrestle in a landfill. But this matter needs to be settled once and for all.
Sarge: I won this, King! I did defeat the champion!
Lawler: You defeated a man who was not legit because he never beat me to win it.
What I'm out here calling for is for the good of the sport. This situation needs to be cleared up between you and me. There must be closure.
Sarge: As far as I'm concerned you're not the AWA Champion anymore. I am. I won this belt in an officially sanctioned match. You're the one who...
Lawler: These fans out here may support you. But they know, they know, that you need to have a title unification match with me to settle this dispute. Otherwise, you're nothing more than a fake champion. People will question the validity of your claim to being the World Champion.
Mixed crowd reaction.
Lawler: So, what will it be? The ball is now in your court, Sarge. Do you have an answer for me?
Sarge thought about it and rubbed his chin.
Sarge: I won this! Won it fair and square! You weren't around! You were nowhere to be found!
And you call me a fake World Champion!
Sarge got in Lawler's face.
Sarge: Let me tell you something! There's nothing fake about me at all, King! I am the real deal and these people know it!
And that's all I have to say right now!
Dismissed!
The pair stared each other down for a few more seconds before Sarge turned and left the ring and headed back up the aisle.
Fans were confused.
Nelson: Jerry Lawler! I don't think Sgt. Slaughter gave you the answer you were looking for!
Lawler (calm): He didn't, Larry. I'll give him some time to think about it. But I won't wait long for his answer. It's up to him whether or not he wants to be remembered as an underserving, illegitimate World Champion.
CLOSING CREDITS:
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2022
- Messages
- 483
- Reaction score
- 152
- Points
- 43
- Favorite Sports Team
-
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2022
- Messages
- 483
- Reaction score
- 152
- Points
- 43
- Favorite Sports Team
-
(DARK MATCH BEFORE THE THIRD TAPING: The Destruction Crew (WTTC) def. the Guerrero Bros. to retain the World Tag Team Titles via pinfall when Enos (w/ an assist from Bloom) pinned Mando after a spike piledriver TIME: 13:22)
AWA ON ESPN TAPINGS - SHOWBOAT SPORTS PAVILION - LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 1989
(3rd Taping Re-Cap)
Match Commentator: Lee Marshall
Color Commentator: Lord James Blears
In-Ring Interviewer: Larry Nelson
Show Intro:
In-Studio - Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program:
AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter and the man who claims to be the real AWA World Champion Jerry Lawler are both back after last week's shocking turn of events after Sarge's successful title defense
TV MAIN EVENT: Wahoo McDaniel vs. Jonnie Stewart
AWA Women's Champ Wendi Richter sees action
Tom Zenk, two weeks removed from the vicious attack by Col. DeBeers, has a message for DeBeers
Tommy Jammer wrestles
Jerry Blackwell wrestles
A look back at the shocking arrest of announcer Lee Marshall on last week's program
AND MORE!
Nelson sent it to the Showboat Sports Pavilion with the following statement...
Nelson: I wonder who that handsome devil is doing interviews and calling the matches?
(Hint: It's Larry Nelson!)
Nelson and Lord James Blears opened the program. The pair were seated at the announcer's table.
Nelson said he was filling in this week because of the arrest of Lee Marshall.
Sam Houston won a squash match over Barry Hardy via pinfall with his bulldog finisher
Post-Match Interview Highlight:
Nelson asked Houston about opponents he'd like to face in the AWA.
Houston: Larry, there's so much great talent here that I'm open to facing anybody. I like being tested in the ring because it makes you a better wrestler.
No match is easy to win. And the only way to work your way up the ladder in this sport is to keep winning.
Crowd booed as Larry Zbysko, in his ring attire, made his way to the ring and climbed in.
Nelson: Larry Zbysko! What are you doing...
Zbysko: Put a sock in it, Nelson.
Houston: Nice to meet you, Mr. Zbysko.
Houston stuck out his hand to shake Zbysko's paw but Zbysko didn't return the favor.
Zbysko: I'm not shaking your hand, punk! You want to shake the hand of the 'Living Legend' then you have to beat him in a match first!
Fan yelled out that Bruno Sammartino was the real 'Living Legend'.
Zbysko turned and pointed at the fan.
Zbysko: Why don't you shut up, Commander Lardgut!
Crowd booed.
Zbysko: Don't get confused, Houston! I'm the real 'Living Legend' in wrestling! I stripped that title away from him by force!
More boos.
Zbysko: So you'll wrestle anybody, huh?
Houston: Yes, sir! I will wrestle anybody in the AWA!
Zbysko: Well, here's a golden opportunity to make a name for yourself!
I'll wrestle you! How about that?!
Houston: Wow! That would be a real honor, Mr. Zbysko! To step in the ring with someone like...
Zbysko: Blah, blah, blah! It may be an honor to wrestle me, kid!
But there's no honor in losing! And that's what is going to happen to you! You're gonna lose to me when we step in this ring!
Houston: I'm just excited for the opportunity! I'll take my chances!
Zbysko: Good! Prepared to be schooled by the 'Legend'!
Because when that bell rings...
Zbysko pointed at the ring bell.
Zbysko: ...I'm gonna ring your bell! Got it
Zbysko poked Houston in the chest
Houston got pissed and returned the chest poke and the crowd cheered.
Houston: Got it!
Zbysko: How dare you! Punks like you don't do that to legends! You've just doubled your pain factor when we fight!
Zbysko turned and stormed out of the ring and headed back up the heel aisle.
Nelson: Sam Houston, everybody!
Fans cheered as Houston briefly played to the fans.
Pic aired of announcer Lee Marshall being led away in handcuffs with the caption: NEXT... CONVICT MARSHALL?
Commercials
In-studio - Larry Nelson intro'd video footage from last week of the arrest of announcer Lee Marshall before the start of the main event.
VIDEO:
Rich: You are about to witness history tonight!
Announcer Marshall: Here it comes, Lord James! Please restrain me if I get the urge to go into the ring and attack Tommy Rich!
Announcer Blears: Will do, Lee.
Rich: I am going to take out the real GI Joe and become the new AWA World Champion and become the first NWA and AWA World Champion ever!
This will be a glorious moment in the history of this sport!
I had a legendary run as the NWA World Champion!
Announcer Blears: Calm down, Lee.
Rich: And now the legend of Tommy Rich will grow even larger when I begin my reign as AWA World Champion!
Historians like Burt Randolph Sugar and George Napalitano will write multi-volume works about my legacy as the NWA and AWA World Champion!
Announcer Marshall: That's it!
Blears tried to restrain Marshall but Marshall tore off his headset and threw it on the announcers' table, got up and quickly climbed into the ring and walked right up to Rich.
Rich seemed taken aback by Marshall getting in his face.
Marshall ripped the mic from Rich's hand.
Marshall: Tommy Rich! I've had enough with you talking about your so-called historic reign as NWA World Champion!
For those who don't know...
Marshall pointed an accusatory finger at Rich.
Marshall: ...this man held the NWA World Title for all of five days! Five damn days!
He won the title from Harley Race in Augusta, Georgia, on a Monday and lost it back to him in Atlanta at the Omni on Friday!
Five days! That's it! Yet you're out here making it sound like you had a run as NWA Champion like LouThesz or Ric Flair! Jeez!
You need to quit talking about it, Tommy! Just shut up and wrestle!
Fans cheered.
Rich grabbed the mic back from Marshall.
Rich: Lee Marshall! How dare you insult my spectacular run as NWA World Champion!
Let me make something very clear...you're just an announcer! Go back to your seat, put your little headset on and call my victory over Sgt. Slau...
Marshall lost it and shoved Rich and Rich stumbled back and dropped the mic as the fans cheered.
Marshall was ready to fight.
Rich picked up the mic.
Rich: I demand that the police take this man away! I will file an assault complaint later!
Marshall was seething.
Three members of Vegas' finest climbed into the ring and surrounded Marshall.
Marshall still super hot.
The cops talked with Marshall.
Rich: Get him out of here! I've got a date with destiny and I don't want this man calling the match!
After talking with Marshall a little more, the police had Marshall leave the ring and drop to the floor with them. They had Marshall turn around and handcuffed him to crowd boos.
Blears: This is absolutely surreal.
Police took Marshall off and the fans cheered Marshall and many chanted his name. Marshall glared at Rich one final time as he was walked past the ring.
Rich (waving): Goodbye, Lee! Goodbye jailbird! Don't drop the soap! Hahaha!
END VIDEO
Nelson pointed out that Rich failed in his attempt to become the AWA World Champion.
Said that announcer Lee Marshall will be back as the lead announcer for AWA Championship Wrestling in two weeks.
Video aired of Tommy Jammer in action with the caption: NEXT... HE'S JAMMIN'!
Commercials
IT'S THE AWA ON TOUR! We'll be at the high school/community center/county fair/used car dealership parking lot/church fellowship hall in (insert town here). THE AWA IS THE MAJOR LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!
Tommy Jammer won a squash defeating Jose Luis-Rivera via pinfall with the Jammer Slam (whip into the buckles, opponent comes out of the corner right into a powerslam)
In-studio - Larry Nelson intro'd video from last week's shocking return of Jerry Lawler and his confrontation with Sgt. Slaughter over who the real AWA World Champion is.
VIDEO:
Lawler walked up the steps to the ring apron. Sarge and Lawler locked eyes for moment and then Lawler climbed into the ring.
Nelson and Sarge speechless.
Lawler walked up to them in the middle of the ring.
Lawler: You are probably wondering why I'm here.
Sarge, puzzled, kept looking at Lawler.
Nelson: You could certainly say that.
Lawler: I came here on my own dime from Memphis to say something to you, Sgt. Slaughter.
Sarge: What is it?
Lawler: There's something in this bag I want to show you.
Lawler pulled the object out of the bag.
Lawler: This is the AWA World Title I won from Curt Hennig in May of last year. I successfully defended this belt at Super Clash 3 last December against Kerry Von Erich. I never lost the AWA World Title.
Sgt. Slaughter, you are an illegitimate World Champion.
Crowd buzzing.
Sarge: Wait a minute, Jerry. You were stripped of the title because you disappeared. Larry Zbysko won the belt in a special Battle Royal and I beat Zbysko and took the title from him. I AM the recognized AWA World Champion!
Crowd cheered.
Lawler: You may be 'recognized' as you say. But the fact remains that you never beat me for the belt. How can you be the champion if you never beat the reigning champion for the title. As I said, I never lost this.
Lawler pointed at the belt cradled in his left arm.
Lawler: And I came here for one reason. Sgt. Slaughter. I challenge you to a World Title unification match.
Crowd buzzing more (probably been drinking a lot by this time at the 'Boat).
Lawler: You can name the time and the place. I don't care if you want to wrestle in a landfill. But this matter needs to be settled once and for all.
Sarge: I won this, King! I did defeat the champion!
Lawler: You defeated a man who was not legit because he never beat me to win it.
What I'm out here calling for is for the good of the sport. This situation needs to be cleared up between you and me. There must be closure.
Sarge: As far as I'm concerned you're not the AWA Champion anymore. I am. I won this belt in an officially sanctioned match. You're the one who...
Lawler: These fans out here may support you. But they know, they know, that you need to have a title unification match with me to settle this dispute. Otherwise, you're nothing more than a fake champion. People will question the validity of your claim to being the World Champion.
Mixed crowd reaction.
Lawler: So, what will it be? The ball is now in your court, Sarge. Do you have an answer for me?
Sarge thought about it and rubbed his chin.
Sarge: I won this! Won it fair and square! You weren't around! You were nowhere to be found!
And you call me a fake World Champion!
Sarge got in Lawler's face.
Sarge: Let me tell you something! There's nothing fake about me at all, King! I am the real deal and these people know it!
And that's all I have to say right now!
Dismissed!
The pair stared each other down for a few more seconds before Sarge turned and left the ring and headed back up the aisle.
Fans were confused.
Nelson: Jerry Lawler! I don't think Sgt. Slaughter gave you the answer you were looking for!
Lawler (calm): He didn't, Larry. I'll give him some time to think about it. But I won't wait long for his answer. It's up to him whether or not he wants to be remembered as an underserving, illegitimate World Champion.
END VIDEO
Pic aired of Jerry Lawler with the caption: NEXT... THE KING SPEAKS!
Commercials
In-ring Interview: Larry Nelson.
Nelson: Would you please welcome my guest at this time.
He shocked the wrestling world by coming out here and confronting AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter!
Lawler once again came through the main entrance to the Showboat Sports Pavilion. He was in street clothes and carrying his version of the AWA World Title.
Nelson: He claims to be the real AWA World Champion...Jerry 'The King' Lawler!
Mixed crowd reaction as Lawler climbed over the plastic chain barricade and made his way up the ring steps and into the ring. Lawler briefly looked around at the crowd.
Nelson: King, you came out here and challenged Sgt. Slaughter to a World Title unification match to determine who the real AWA World Champion is.
Sarge did not give you an answer as to whether or not he would agree to the match.
Lawler: Indeed. Sgt. Slaughter did not respond when I challenged him to a unification match to settle this dispute once and for all.
Nelson: AWA officials were stunned by your appearance on the last episode of AWA Championship Wrestling and your claim to be the champion since you had never lost the title.
Lawler: It sounds like the AWA brass, starting with Verne Gagne, need to hop on the unification bandwagon as quickly as possible.
This needs to happen. The fans are clamoring to see it. The wrestling press will be all over it.
Sgt. Slaughter needs to come out here and clearly state his position once and for all
If he rejects my offer of a unification match, then the AWA is stuck with a disgraced illegitimate World Champion.
Many in the crowd booed.
Nelson: Sarge will be out here later on. Do you have anything to say to him?
Lawler: Sgt. Slaughter, deep down it has to bother you. You know that you didn't defeat me to win the AWA World Title. Your title reign is flawed. You're a fake Heavyweight Champion.
You were a U.S. Marine. The Marines I know are prideful men. If you have any pride, Sarge, you will accept my challenge for a World Title unification match.
Nelson: I don't know if I would question the man's pride.
Lawler: Then he needs to stand up like the action hero he supposedly is, say 'yes' to my challenge, and let's get the contracts signed and let's face off inside the squared circle to know who the REAL AWA World Champion is!
Many in the crowd booed.
Nelson: Jerry Lawler, everybody!
Pic aired of Jerry Blackwell with the caption: NEXT... STONE MOUNTAIN STEAMROLLER!
Commercials
Jerry Blackwell won a squash over Bull Pain via pinfall with his big splash finisher. Pain gave Blackwell a bit of a battle before succumbing to Blackwell's size and power.
In-studio: Larry Nelson discussed the situation between Tom Zenk and Col. DeBeers and intro'd a pre-recorded promo from Tom Zenk.
VIDEO:
Video opened with a close-up shot of Zenk's shirtless back. Zenk was facing the AWA logo and had a mic.
Zenk: I had a shot at glory right in my grasp. I could sense my shot at Sgt. Slaughter for the AWA Title. It was right there in front of me.
And then it was stolen...
It was stolen by a man who is the lowest of the low. A man who despises certain people just because of the color of their skin. A man who simply likes to hurt people.
I was on the cusp of having my chance to become the Heavyweight Champion of the world! Tommy Rich was finished!
And then you happened, Col. DeBeers!
I can still feel the unforgiving heaviness of that coal miner's glove hitting me square in the face! And the next thing I knew I was being helped out of the ring!
I want you to know, Colonel, that I'm coming back! As a matter of fact I'm coming back in just a couple of weeks!
But damage has been done to my face...
The injuries will heal and they will heal soon.
But until they heal...I have to wear protection when I wrestle.
I want payback! And I intend to get it against you, DeBeers! You have pushed this situation between us into extremely dangerous new territory! I want you to feel the pain I felt when you hit me with that glove!
Camera panned back and Zenk slowly turned around. Shot of Zenk standing stoically with specially made face mask on.
END VIDEO
Pic aired of Wendi Richter wearing the title with the caption: NEXT... THE WOMEN'S CHAMPION!
Commercials
NON-TITLE: AWA Women's Champion Wendi Richter won a squash match over mystery masked wrestler Lady X via pinfall with a sitout DDT
Post-Match Interview Highlight:
Larry Nelson asked Wendi about being pursued by Magnificent Mimi.
Richter: Larry, Mimi is one tough cookie! But I'm the Women's Champion and that means I'm obligated to defend this belt against any worthy challengers out there! Mimi is more than worthy!
But to be the Women's Champion you've got to beat the Women's Champion!
Mimi, you want this?!
Richter held the belt up with one hand.
Richter: Then you come and take it from me!
Fans in the audience who cared about women's wrestling cheered her remarks.
Split-screen pic of Wahoo and Jonnie Stewart aired with the caption: NEXT... THE MAIN EVENT!
Commercials
TV MAIN EVENT: Wahoo McDaniel vs. 'The Wrestler of the '90s' Jonnie Stewart
Stewart took the mic before the match.
Stewart: Wahoo McDaniel! Tonight, you become the biggest notch on my belt in my young career!
Taking you down, Wahoo, will only further cement my reputation as the man to lead wrestling into the '90s!
Good back-and-forth battle between the old school vet and the rising young star.
Both men got their licks in and both came close to scoring the victory.
At the end of the match, Stewart was on the offensive. Stewart went to suplex Wahoo but Wahoo shifted his weight in mid-air and Stewart crashed to the mat with Wahoo on top of him. Wahoo for the pin. 1...2... Stewart kicked out. Both men up and Wahoo moved in with a blistering series of chest chops. Stewart on stagger street.
Wahoo grabbed Stewart and whipped Stewart into the corner. Wahoo moved in and Stewart charged out and blasted Wahoo with an axe (forearm smash to the face). Wahoo crashed to the mat. Stewart snapped up Wahoo and nailed Wahoo with a suplex. Stewart backed into the ropes and came off with a diving headbutt to the chest. Stewart for the cover. 1...2... Wahoo kicked out. Stewart picked up Wahoo and went to bodyslam the Indian legend but Wahoo stunned Stewart by catching him in a small package for the pin. 1...2... Stewart kicked out. Crowd groaned. Both men up. Stewart caught Wahoo with a quick kick to the gut followed by a knee lift to the chest. Wahoo crashed to the mat. Stewart quickly adjusted his left knee pad. Announcers pointed out that there were rumors of Stewart loading the knee pad. Stewart snapped Wahoo up, whipped Wahoo into the ropes and caught Wahoo coming off with his flying knee to the gut finisher. Stewart for the cover and hooked the leg. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell as most in the crowd booed.
WINNER: Stewart - Pinfall - 8:47
Post-Match:
Stewart had his hand raised in victory as Wahoo was still down. Suddenly, Manny Fernandez, in his ring attire, charged down the heel entrance aisle and hit the ring and started stomping away on the prone Wahoo. Stewart joined in the boot party on The Chief. Fernandez then ordered Stewart to pick Wahoo up and hold Wahoo from behind. Stewart obliged. As Stewart held Wahoo, Fernandez moved in and pounded Wahoo with head and body shots and, to add insult to injury, a few hard chest chops.
Crowd cheered as Baron Von Raschke, in his ring gear, charged down the face entrance aisle and hit the ring with a folded steel chair. Stewart let go of Wahoo and Wahoo went back down and Stewart and Fernandez bailed to the safety of the floor before feeling the sting of the chair.
Fernandez and Stewart looked on as Von Raschke gestured for Larry Nelson to come to the ring. Nelson left the broadcast position and climbed up on the apron. Wahoo painfully to his feet holding his gut.
Von Raschke: Manny Fernandez! It seems you have made a new friend! And you both have one thing in common!
You're both scum!
Crowd cheered.
Fernandez yelling from the floor.
Wahoo: Larry! I don't know what Stewart has in that knee pad of his...but it's more than just a knee! It felt like I was hit with a lead pipe in the gut!
Stewart virulently shaking his head 'no' from the floor.
Nelson: What do you think is in that knee pad, Chief?
Wahoo: I think it's steel! Pull down the pad, Jonnie!
Stewart reluctant to pull down the pad.
Crowd started chanting: Pull it down! Pull it down!
Jonnie shook his head 'no', yelled at the fans and consorted with new pal Fernandez.
Von Raschke: Tell you what! Let's have a match!
Crowd chered.
Von Raschke: Me and the Chief vs. you two SOB's!
More cheering.
The two sides were staring each other down and exchanging words.
Nelson: Here comes AWA promoter Verne Gagne!
AWA boss Verne Gagne made his way down the face aisle to the ring and climbed in.
Verne reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a documet.
Nelson: What is that you have in your hand?
Verne: Larry, I am holding a standard AWA match contract.
Verne reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and pulled out a pen.
Verne: Let's make this match happen.
Crowd cheered.
Verne: Wahoo and Baron, I need your signatures here.
Baron and Wahoo each signed the contract.
Verne: Now for Manny and Jonnie's signatures.
The heel duo remained on the floor.
Fernandez picked up on a mic.
Fernandez: Bring the contract to us down here!
Verne: You won't come in the ring?
Fernandez: Bring it here, Verne!
Verne chuckled and shook his head and left the ring and dropped to the floor. Von Raschke and Wahoo looked on from the ring.
Fernandez snapped the contract and pen out of Verne's hands and looked up at the pair still in the ring.
Fernandez then signed the contract and handed it off to Jonnie Stewart.
Stewart signed the contract and handed it back to Verne Gagne.
Nelson left the ring and went over to Verne.
Verne: It is official. It will be Wahoo and the Baron vs. Fernandez and Stewart in a tag match!
Crowd cheered.
Verne: And one more thing.
Let's see Mr. Stewart's knee pad.
Verne started to approach Stewart. Stewart was jittery and Fernandez got between Stewart and Verne. Verne went to go around Fernandez but Fernandez blocked Verne's path and Stewart started backing up into the heel entrance aisle. Baron and Wahoo dropped to the floor and started walking in Stewart's direction. Stewart turned and hauled ass to the back as Wahoo and Baron looked on from the heel aisle.
Nelson: Looks like Mr. Stewart got away.
Verne: We'll find out one day whether or not Stewart loads that knee pad for an advantage.
Baron and Wahoo walked over to Verne and Nelson.
Baron: Verne, we will be your knee pad inspectors in the tag match!
Wahoo: If a weapon's in there, the Wahoo/Baron Inspection Company will find it!
Crowd cheered.
Nelson: Verne, Wahoo and the Baron, everybody!
Pic aired of the Sarge holding the AWA World Title with the caption: NEXT... THE SARGE!
Commercials
Larry Nelson was standing center ring with mic in hand.
Nelson: We are back on AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN.
Please welcome my guest at this time...AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter!
Marine Corps Hymn played and the Sarge came down the face entrance aisle.
Announcer Blears: I notice Sgt. Slaughter isn't carrying little American flags to give out to the fans like he normally does.
Sarge made his way to the ring without handing out flags or slapping any of the fans' hands.
Sarge climbed into the ring and did not acknowledge the crowd with a military salute.
Sarge had the title cradled in his left arm.
Nelson: Sgt. Slaughter. The fans are dying to know what your response is to Jerry Lawler challenging you to a match to determine who the real AWA World Champion is.
Sarge rubbed his free hand over his mouth and was in a contemplative mood.
Sarge: It's like this. I defeated Larry Zbysko to win the AWA World Title. I know it. You know it, Larry. These fans know it. I am the true reigning AWA World Champion!
Most in the crowd cheered. Others were very soused by this time of the tapings.
Sarge: Jerry Lawler didn't show up to wrestle on some of the shows where he was scheduled to defend the title. Because of his no-shows, the decision was made by the AWA to go in another direction.
And me winning the gold was the result of that new direction.
Now Lawler shows up out of the blue and says that he's still the real AWA Champion because he never lost the belt and he wants a match with me to unify the titles so there's one undisputed AWA World Champion when all is said and done.
Nelson: Are you going to wrestle Lawler in a World Title unification match?
Sarge was silent for a moment...
Sarge: I defeated Zbysko and won this belt! That's all I have to say!
Nelson: That doesn't answer the question.
Sarge (exasperated): You know what, Larry...
Sarge bowed his head.
Nelson: Do you have an answer for Lawler?
Sarge put his hand up to silence Nelson. He looked around at the fans in the 'Boat Sports Pavilion.
Sarge then shook his head slightly like he was gesturing 'no'.
Nelson: Was that a...
Sarge then walked off, left the ring, dropped to the floor and headed back up the face aisle.
Announcer Blears: Sgt. Slaughter gave us no clear answer.
Fans were buzzing.
Nelson was confused.
Nelson: I'm not sure what's going on. We'll try and get to the bottom of it.
CLOSING CREDITS:
AWA ON ESPN TAPINGS - SHOWBOAT SPORTS PAVILION - LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 1989
(3rd Taping Re-Cap)
Match Commentator: Lee Marshall
Color Commentator: Lord James Blears
In-Ring Interviewer: Larry Nelson
Show Intro:
In-Studio - Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program:
AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter and the man who claims to be the real AWA World Champion Jerry Lawler are both back after last week's shocking turn of events after Sarge's successful title defense
TV MAIN EVENT: Wahoo McDaniel vs. Jonnie Stewart
AWA Women's Champ Wendi Richter sees action
Tom Zenk, two weeks removed from the vicious attack by Col. DeBeers, has a message for DeBeers
Tommy Jammer wrestles
Jerry Blackwell wrestles
A look back at the shocking arrest of announcer Lee Marshall on last week's program
AND MORE!
Nelson sent it to the Showboat Sports Pavilion with the following statement...
Nelson: I wonder who that handsome devil is doing interviews and calling the matches?
(Hint: It's Larry Nelson!)
Nelson and Lord James Blears opened the program. The pair were seated at the announcer's table.
Nelson said he was filling in this week because of the arrest of Lee Marshall.
Sam Houston won a squash match over Barry Hardy via pinfall with his bulldog finisher
Post-Match Interview Highlight:
Nelson asked Houston about opponents he'd like to face in the AWA.
Houston: Larry, there's so much great talent here that I'm open to facing anybody. I like being tested in the ring because it makes you a better wrestler.
No match is easy to win. And the only way to work your way up the ladder in this sport is to keep winning.
Crowd booed as Larry Zbysko, in his ring attire, made his way to the ring and climbed in.
Nelson: Larry Zbysko! What are you doing...
Zbysko: Put a sock in it, Nelson.
Houston: Nice to meet you, Mr. Zbysko.
Houston stuck out his hand to shake Zbysko's paw but Zbysko didn't return the favor.
Zbysko: I'm not shaking your hand, punk! You want to shake the hand of the 'Living Legend' then you have to beat him in a match first!
Fan yelled out that Bruno Sammartino was the real 'Living Legend'.
Zbysko turned and pointed at the fan.
Zbysko: Why don't you shut up, Commander Lardgut!
Crowd booed.
Zbysko: Don't get confused, Houston! I'm the real 'Living Legend' in wrestling! I stripped that title away from him by force!
More boos.
Zbysko: So you'll wrestle anybody, huh?
Houston: Yes, sir! I will wrestle anybody in the AWA!
Zbysko: Well, here's a golden opportunity to make a name for yourself!
I'll wrestle you! How about that?!
Houston: Wow! That would be a real honor, Mr. Zbysko! To step in the ring with someone like...
Zbysko: Blah, blah, blah! It may be an honor to wrestle me, kid!
But there's no honor in losing! And that's what is going to happen to you! You're gonna lose to me when we step in this ring!
Houston: I'm just excited for the opportunity! I'll take my chances!
Zbysko: Good! Prepared to be schooled by the 'Legend'!
Because when that bell rings...
Zbysko pointed at the ring bell.
Zbysko: ...I'm gonna ring your bell! Got it
Zbysko poked Houston in the chest
Houston got pissed and returned the chest poke and the crowd cheered.
Houston: Got it!
Zbysko: How dare you! Punks like you don't do that to legends! You've just doubled your pain factor when we fight!
Zbysko turned and stormed out of the ring and headed back up the heel aisle.
Nelson: Sam Houston, everybody!
Fans cheered as Houston briefly played to the fans.
Pic aired of announcer Lee Marshall being led away in handcuffs with the caption: NEXT... CONVICT MARSHALL?
Commercials
In-studio - Larry Nelson intro'd video footage from last week of the arrest of announcer Lee Marshall before the start of the main event.
VIDEO:
Rich: You are about to witness history tonight!
Announcer Marshall: Here it comes, Lord James! Please restrain me if I get the urge to go into the ring and attack Tommy Rich!
Announcer Blears: Will do, Lee.
Rich: I am going to take out the real GI Joe and become the new AWA World Champion and become the first NWA and AWA World Champion ever!
This will be a glorious moment in the history of this sport!
I had a legendary run as the NWA World Champion!
Announcer Blears: Calm down, Lee.
Rich: And now the legend of Tommy Rich will grow even larger when I begin my reign as AWA World Champion!
Historians like Burt Randolph Sugar and George Napalitano will write multi-volume works about my legacy as the NWA and AWA World Champion!
Announcer Marshall: That's it!
Blears tried to restrain Marshall but Marshall tore off his headset and threw it on the announcers' table, got up and quickly climbed into the ring and walked right up to Rich.
Rich seemed taken aback by Marshall getting in his face.
Marshall ripped the mic from Rich's hand.
Marshall: Tommy Rich! I've had enough with you talking about your so-called historic reign as NWA World Champion!
For those who don't know...
Marshall pointed an accusatory finger at Rich.
Marshall: ...this man held the NWA World Title for all of five days! Five damn days!
He won the title from Harley Race in Augusta, Georgia, on a Monday and lost it back to him in Atlanta at the Omni on Friday!
Five days! That's it! Yet you're out here making it sound like you had a run as NWA Champion like LouThesz or Ric Flair! Jeez!
You need to quit talking about it, Tommy! Just shut up and wrestle!
Fans cheered.
Rich grabbed the mic back from Marshall.
Rich: Lee Marshall! How dare you insult my spectacular run as NWA World Champion!
Let me make something very clear...you're just an announcer! Go back to your seat, put your little headset on and call my victory over Sgt. Slau...
Marshall lost it and shoved Rich and Rich stumbled back and dropped the mic as the fans cheered.
Marshall was ready to fight.
Rich picked up the mic.
Rich: I demand that the police take this man away! I will file an assault complaint later!
Marshall was seething.
Three members of Vegas' finest climbed into the ring and surrounded Marshall.
Marshall still super hot.
The cops talked with Marshall.
Rich: Get him out of here! I've got a date with destiny and I don't want this man calling the match!
After talking with Marshall a little more, the police had Marshall leave the ring and drop to the floor with them. They had Marshall turn around and handcuffed him to crowd boos.
Blears: This is absolutely surreal.
Police took Marshall off and the fans cheered Marshall and many chanted his name. Marshall glared at Rich one final time as he was walked past the ring.
Rich (waving): Goodbye, Lee! Goodbye jailbird! Don't drop the soap! Hahaha!
END VIDEO
Nelson pointed out that Rich failed in his attempt to become the AWA World Champion.
Said that announcer Lee Marshall will be back as the lead announcer for AWA Championship Wrestling in two weeks.
Video aired of Tommy Jammer in action with the caption: NEXT... HE'S JAMMIN'!
Commercials
IT'S THE AWA ON TOUR! We'll be at the high school/community center/county fair/used car dealership parking lot/church fellowship hall in (insert town here). THE AWA IS THE MAJOR LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!
Tommy Jammer won a squash defeating Jose Luis-Rivera via pinfall with the Jammer Slam (whip into the buckles, opponent comes out of the corner right into a powerslam)
In-studio - Larry Nelson intro'd video from last week's shocking return of Jerry Lawler and his confrontation with Sgt. Slaughter over who the real AWA World Champion is.
VIDEO:
Lawler walked up the steps to the ring apron. Sarge and Lawler locked eyes for moment and then Lawler climbed into the ring.
Nelson and Sarge speechless.
Lawler walked up to them in the middle of the ring.
Lawler: You are probably wondering why I'm here.
Sarge, puzzled, kept looking at Lawler.
Nelson: You could certainly say that.
Lawler: I came here on my own dime from Memphis to say something to you, Sgt. Slaughter.
Sarge: What is it?
Lawler: There's something in this bag I want to show you.
Lawler pulled the object out of the bag.
Lawler: This is the AWA World Title I won from Curt Hennig in May of last year. I successfully defended this belt at Super Clash 3 last December against Kerry Von Erich. I never lost the AWA World Title.
Sgt. Slaughter, you are an illegitimate World Champion.
Crowd buzzing.
Sarge: Wait a minute, Jerry. You were stripped of the title because you disappeared. Larry Zbysko won the belt in a special Battle Royal and I beat Zbysko and took the title from him. I AM the recognized AWA World Champion!
Crowd cheered.
Lawler: You may be 'recognized' as you say. But the fact remains that you never beat me for the belt. How can you be the champion if you never beat the reigning champion for the title. As I said, I never lost this.
Lawler pointed at the belt cradled in his left arm.
Lawler: And I came here for one reason. Sgt. Slaughter. I challenge you to a World Title unification match.
Crowd buzzing more (probably been drinking a lot by this time at the 'Boat).
Lawler: You can name the time and the place. I don't care if you want to wrestle in a landfill. But this matter needs to be settled once and for all.
Sarge: I won this, King! I did defeat the champion!
Lawler: You defeated a man who was not legit because he never beat me to win it.
What I'm out here calling for is for the good of the sport. This situation needs to be cleared up between you and me. There must be closure.
Sarge: As far as I'm concerned you're not the AWA Champion anymore. I am. I won this belt in an officially sanctioned match. You're the one who...
Lawler: These fans out here may support you. But they know, they know, that you need to have a title unification match with me to settle this dispute. Otherwise, you're nothing more than a fake champion. People will question the validity of your claim to being the World Champion.
Mixed crowd reaction.
Lawler: So, what will it be? The ball is now in your court, Sarge. Do you have an answer for me?
Sarge thought about it and rubbed his chin.
Sarge: I won this! Won it fair and square! You weren't around! You were nowhere to be found!
And you call me a fake World Champion!
Sarge got in Lawler's face.
Sarge: Let me tell you something! There's nothing fake about me at all, King! I am the real deal and these people know it!
And that's all I have to say right now!
Dismissed!
The pair stared each other down for a few more seconds before Sarge turned and left the ring and headed back up the aisle.
Fans were confused.
Nelson: Jerry Lawler! I don't think Sgt. Slaughter gave you the answer you were looking for!
Lawler (calm): He didn't, Larry. I'll give him some time to think about it. But I won't wait long for his answer. It's up to him whether or not he wants to be remembered as an underserving, illegitimate World Champion.
END VIDEO
Pic aired of Jerry Lawler with the caption: NEXT... THE KING SPEAKS!
Commercials
In-ring Interview: Larry Nelson.
Nelson: Would you please welcome my guest at this time.
He shocked the wrestling world by coming out here and confronting AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter!
Lawler once again came through the main entrance to the Showboat Sports Pavilion. He was in street clothes and carrying his version of the AWA World Title.
Nelson: He claims to be the real AWA World Champion...Jerry 'The King' Lawler!
Mixed crowd reaction as Lawler climbed over the plastic chain barricade and made his way up the ring steps and into the ring. Lawler briefly looked around at the crowd.
Nelson: King, you came out here and challenged Sgt. Slaughter to a World Title unification match to determine who the real AWA World Champion is.
Sarge did not give you an answer as to whether or not he would agree to the match.
Lawler: Indeed. Sgt. Slaughter did not respond when I challenged him to a unification match to settle this dispute once and for all.
Nelson: AWA officials were stunned by your appearance on the last episode of AWA Championship Wrestling and your claim to be the champion since you had never lost the title.
Lawler: It sounds like the AWA brass, starting with Verne Gagne, need to hop on the unification bandwagon as quickly as possible.
This needs to happen. The fans are clamoring to see it. The wrestling press will be all over it.
Sgt. Slaughter needs to come out here and clearly state his position once and for all
If he rejects my offer of a unification match, then the AWA is stuck with a disgraced illegitimate World Champion.
Many in the crowd booed.
Nelson: Sarge will be out here later on. Do you have anything to say to him?
Lawler: Sgt. Slaughter, deep down it has to bother you. You know that you didn't defeat me to win the AWA World Title. Your title reign is flawed. You're a fake Heavyweight Champion.
You were a U.S. Marine. The Marines I know are prideful men. If you have any pride, Sarge, you will accept my challenge for a World Title unification match.
Nelson: I don't know if I would question the man's pride.
Lawler: Then he needs to stand up like the action hero he supposedly is, say 'yes' to my challenge, and let's get the contracts signed and let's face off inside the squared circle to know who the REAL AWA World Champion is!
Many in the crowd booed.
Nelson: Jerry Lawler, everybody!
Pic aired of Jerry Blackwell with the caption: NEXT... STONE MOUNTAIN STEAMROLLER!
Commercials
Jerry Blackwell won a squash over Bull Pain via pinfall with his big splash finisher. Pain gave Blackwell a bit of a battle before succumbing to Blackwell's size and power.
In-studio: Larry Nelson discussed the situation between Tom Zenk and Col. DeBeers and intro'd a pre-recorded promo from Tom Zenk.
VIDEO:
Video opened with a close-up shot of Zenk's shirtless back. Zenk was facing the AWA logo and had a mic.
Zenk: I had a shot at glory right in my grasp. I could sense my shot at Sgt. Slaughter for the AWA Title. It was right there in front of me.
And then it was stolen...
It was stolen by a man who is the lowest of the low. A man who despises certain people just because of the color of their skin. A man who simply likes to hurt people.
I was on the cusp of having my chance to become the Heavyweight Champion of the world! Tommy Rich was finished!
And then you happened, Col. DeBeers!
I can still feel the unforgiving heaviness of that coal miner's glove hitting me square in the face! And the next thing I knew I was being helped out of the ring!
I want you to know, Colonel, that I'm coming back! As a matter of fact I'm coming back in just a couple of weeks!
But damage has been done to my face...
The injuries will heal and they will heal soon.
But until they heal...I have to wear protection when I wrestle.
I want payback! And I intend to get it against you, DeBeers! You have pushed this situation between us into extremely dangerous new territory! I want you to feel the pain I felt when you hit me with that glove!
Camera panned back and Zenk slowly turned around. Shot of Zenk standing stoically with specially made face mask on.
END VIDEO
Pic aired of Wendi Richter wearing the title with the caption: NEXT... THE WOMEN'S CHAMPION!
Commercials
NON-TITLE: AWA Women's Champion Wendi Richter won a squash match over mystery masked wrestler Lady X via pinfall with a sitout DDT
Post-Match Interview Highlight:
Larry Nelson asked Wendi about being pursued by Magnificent Mimi.
Richter: Larry, Mimi is one tough cookie! But I'm the Women's Champion and that means I'm obligated to defend this belt against any worthy challengers out there! Mimi is more than worthy!
But to be the Women's Champion you've got to beat the Women's Champion!
Mimi, you want this?!
Richter held the belt up with one hand.
Richter: Then you come and take it from me!
Fans in the audience who cared about women's wrestling cheered her remarks.
Split-screen pic of Wahoo and Jonnie Stewart aired with the caption: NEXT... THE MAIN EVENT!
Commercials
TV MAIN EVENT: Wahoo McDaniel vs. 'The Wrestler of the '90s' Jonnie Stewart
Stewart took the mic before the match.
Stewart: Wahoo McDaniel! Tonight, you become the biggest notch on my belt in my young career!
Taking you down, Wahoo, will only further cement my reputation as the man to lead wrestling into the '90s!
Good back-and-forth battle between the old school vet and the rising young star.
Both men got their licks in and both came close to scoring the victory.
At the end of the match, Stewart was on the offensive. Stewart went to suplex Wahoo but Wahoo shifted his weight in mid-air and Stewart crashed to the mat with Wahoo on top of him. Wahoo for the pin. 1...2... Stewart kicked out. Both men up and Wahoo moved in with a blistering series of chest chops. Stewart on stagger street.
Wahoo grabbed Stewart and whipped Stewart into the corner. Wahoo moved in and Stewart charged out and blasted Wahoo with an axe (forearm smash to the face). Wahoo crashed to the mat. Stewart snapped up Wahoo and nailed Wahoo with a suplex. Stewart backed into the ropes and came off with a diving headbutt to the chest. Stewart for the cover. 1...2... Wahoo kicked out. Stewart picked up Wahoo and went to bodyslam the Indian legend but Wahoo stunned Stewart by catching him in a small package for the pin. 1...2... Stewart kicked out. Crowd groaned. Both men up. Stewart caught Wahoo with a quick kick to the gut followed by a knee lift to the chest. Wahoo crashed to the mat. Stewart quickly adjusted his left knee pad. Announcers pointed out that there were rumors of Stewart loading the knee pad. Stewart snapped Wahoo up, whipped Wahoo into the ropes and caught Wahoo coming off with his flying knee to the gut finisher. Stewart for the cover and hooked the leg. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell as most in the crowd booed.
WINNER: Stewart - Pinfall - 8:47
Post-Match:
Stewart had his hand raised in victory as Wahoo was still down. Suddenly, Manny Fernandez, in his ring attire, charged down the heel entrance aisle and hit the ring and started stomping away on the prone Wahoo. Stewart joined in the boot party on The Chief. Fernandez then ordered Stewart to pick Wahoo up and hold Wahoo from behind. Stewart obliged. As Stewart held Wahoo, Fernandez moved in and pounded Wahoo with head and body shots and, to add insult to injury, a few hard chest chops.
Crowd cheered as Baron Von Raschke, in his ring gear, charged down the face entrance aisle and hit the ring with a folded steel chair. Stewart let go of Wahoo and Wahoo went back down and Stewart and Fernandez bailed to the safety of the floor before feeling the sting of the chair.
Fernandez and Stewart looked on as Von Raschke gestured for Larry Nelson to come to the ring. Nelson left the broadcast position and climbed up on the apron. Wahoo painfully to his feet holding his gut.
Von Raschke: Manny Fernandez! It seems you have made a new friend! And you both have one thing in common!
You're both scum!
Crowd cheered.
Fernandez yelling from the floor.
Wahoo: Larry! I don't know what Stewart has in that knee pad of his...but it's more than just a knee! It felt like I was hit with a lead pipe in the gut!
Stewart virulently shaking his head 'no' from the floor.
Nelson: What do you think is in that knee pad, Chief?
Wahoo: I think it's steel! Pull down the pad, Jonnie!
Stewart reluctant to pull down the pad.
Crowd started chanting: Pull it down! Pull it down!
Jonnie shook his head 'no', yelled at the fans and consorted with new pal Fernandez.
Von Raschke: Tell you what! Let's have a match!
Crowd chered.
Von Raschke: Me and the Chief vs. you two SOB's!
More cheering.
The two sides were staring each other down and exchanging words.
Nelson: Here comes AWA promoter Verne Gagne!
AWA boss Verne Gagne made his way down the face aisle to the ring and climbed in.
Verne reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a documet.
Nelson: What is that you have in your hand?
Verne: Larry, I am holding a standard AWA match contract.
Verne reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and pulled out a pen.
Verne: Let's make this match happen.
Crowd cheered.
Verne: Wahoo and Baron, I need your signatures here.
Baron and Wahoo each signed the contract.
Verne: Now for Manny and Jonnie's signatures.
The heel duo remained on the floor.
Fernandez picked up on a mic.
Fernandez: Bring the contract to us down here!
Verne: You won't come in the ring?
Fernandez: Bring it here, Verne!
Verne chuckled and shook his head and left the ring and dropped to the floor. Von Raschke and Wahoo looked on from the ring.
Fernandez snapped the contract and pen out of Verne's hands and looked up at the pair still in the ring.
Fernandez then signed the contract and handed it off to Jonnie Stewart.
Stewart signed the contract and handed it back to Verne Gagne.
Nelson left the ring and went over to Verne.
Verne: It is official. It will be Wahoo and the Baron vs. Fernandez and Stewart in a tag match!
Crowd cheered.
Verne: And one more thing.
Let's see Mr. Stewart's knee pad.
Verne started to approach Stewart. Stewart was jittery and Fernandez got between Stewart and Verne. Verne went to go around Fernandez but Fernandez blocked Verne's path and Stewart started backing up into the heel entrance aisle. Baron and Wahoo dropped to the floor and started walking in Stewart's direction. Stewart turned and hauled ass to the back as Wahoo and Baron looked on from the heel aisle.
Nelson: Looks like Mr. Stewart got away.
Verne: We'll find out one day whether or not Stewart loads that knee pad for an advantage.
Baron and Wahoo walked over to Verne and Nelson.
Baron: Verne, we will be your knee pad inspectors in the tag match!
Wahoo: If a weapon's in there, the Wahoo/Baron Inspection Company will find it!
Crowd cheered.
Nelson: Verne, Wahoo and the Baron, everybody!
Pic aired of the Sarge holding the AWA World Title with the caption: NEXT... THE SARGE!
Commercials
Larry Nelson was standing center ring with mic in hand.
Nelson: We are back on AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN.
Please welcome my guest at this time...AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter!
Marine Corps Hymn played and the Sarge came down the face entrance aisle.
Announcer Blears: I notice Sgt. Slaughter isn't carrying little American flags to give out to the fans like he normally does.
Sarge made his way to the ring without handing out flags or slapping any of the fans' hands.
Sarge climbed into the ring and did not acknowledge the crowd with a military salute.
Sarge had the title cradled in his left arm.
Nelson: Sgt. Slaughter. The fans are dying to know what your response is to Jerry Lawler challenging you to a match to determine who the real AWA World Champion is.
Sarge rubbed his free hand over his mouth and was in a contemplative mood.
Sarge: It's like this. I defeated Larry Zbysko to win the AWA World Title. I know it. You know it, Larry. These fans know it. I am the true reigning AWA World Champion!
Most in the crowd cheered. Others were very soused by this time of the tapings.
Sarge: Jerry Lawler didn't show up to wrestle on some of the shows where he was scheduled to defend the title. Because of his no-shows, the decision was made by the AWA to go in another direction.
And me winning the gold was the result of that new direction.
Now Lawler shows up out of the blue and says that he's still the real AWA Champion because he never lost the belt and he wants a match with me to unify the titles so there's one undisputed AWA World Champion when all is said and done.
Nelson: Are you going to wrestle Lawler in a World Title unification match?
Sarge was silent for a moment...
Sarge: I defeated Zbysko and won this belt! That's all I have to say!
Nelson: That doesn't answer the question.
Sarge (exasperated): You know what, Larry...
Sarge bowed his head.
Nelson: Do you have an answer for Lawler?
Sarge put his hand up to silence Nelson. He looked around at the fans in the 'Boat Sports Pavilion.
Sarge then shook his head slightly like he was gesturing 'no'.
Nelson: Was that a...
Sarge then walked off, left the ring, dropped to the floor and headed back up the face aisle.
Announcer Blears: Sgt. Slaughter gave us no clear answer.
Fans were buzzing.
Nelson was confused.
Nelson: I'm not sure what's going on. We'll try and get to the bottom of it.
CLOSING CREDITS:
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2022
- Messages
- 483
- Reaction score
- 152
- Points
- 43
- Favorite Sports Team
-
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2022
- Messages
- 483
- Reaction score
- 152
- Points
- 43
- Favorite Sports Team
-
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2022
- Messages
- 483
- Reaction score
- 152
- Points
- 43
- Favorite Sports Team
-
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2022
- Messages
- 483
- Reaction score
- 152
- Points
- 43
- Favorite Sports Team
-
SUMMER 1989
AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN
The day after Verne Gagne had talked to his son Greg about matters concerning the Super Clash 4 show scheduled for late October, Verne held a meeting in the studio where market-specific promos were taped at AWA HQ.
In attendance: Greg Gagne, Wally Karbo, TV producer Al DeRusha and AWA ad salesman Eric Bischoff.
After the four got settled in the studio, Al blurted out the obvious question.
Al: What the hell's this guy doing here, Verne?
Al pointed right at Bischoff.
Verne: We'll get to that in a bit, Al.
Right now we need to talk about some things regarding Super Clash 4.
Karbo: What's up with Milwaukee?
Verne: As things stand right now the situation looks bleak for getting a deal done to use the Mecca for the show.
Karbo: So, does that leave just Vegas and Denver as possible sights?
Verne: No.
I mentioned this to Greg yesterday. I'm thinking of possibly booking the show in a city we've never been to.
Al shifted in his seat and Wally put his head in his hands and shook his head in disbelief. Bischoff rightly stayed out of the matter and didn't react.
Verne: What's the matter with that, Wally?
Wally: What cities are you looking at?
Verne: Right now I'm looking at Landover, MD and San Antonio.
The Capital Centre is the arena in Landover and it's just few miles outside of DC.
Wally: Are you serious?!
Verne: Hell yes, I'm serious!
Wally: Verne! We're in bad shape! Either of those cities will be a massive failure for us if we try one of them!
Verne: How do you know?!
Wally: We've never run either of those towns before! And the WWF and NWA have a stranglehold on the Mid-Atlantic region!
Verne: Well, we did send Nick (Bockwinkel) to San Antonio to defend the AWA World Title when Joe Blanchard ran Southwest Wrestling. He also defended the belt in Houston for Paul (Boesch).
Wally: And that's really all the fans in Texas know about the AWA! They don't get our syndicated TV!
Verne: They get the damned cable show on ESPN!
Al: But not everyone has cable, Verne!
Verne shot a glare at DeRusha.
Wally: And how many watch our stuff in Texas or DC?! We don't have any history whatsoever in those areas!
Keep the damn show in one of our traditional territorial cities!
Verne: I want everyone...everyone...in this room to know that all ideas will remain on the table for where to hold this event until the matter is settled!
Wally sat back and folded his arms and shook his head.
Wally: Just do whatever the hell you want.
An uneasy silence filled the studio for what seemed like forever.
Verne: So, that's where we stand right now in regards to choosing a town to book the show in.
Wally: Maybe you could hold the event at Pop's Oasis* out at Stateline, Nevada. You have the event take place behind the Bonnie and Clyde death car that's on display there. Because it's sure to be our death if you hold the show outside the territory!
Verne: Wally! Get out!
Wally sat for a moment and brooded.
Verne (seething): Go, Wally!
Wally got up and angrily left the studio and slammed the door behind him.
Verne got up and stormed over and opened the door and yelled down the hall.
Verne: F-uck you, Wally!
Wally's voice sounded a little distant as he shouted back.
Wally: F-uck you, Verne!
Verne was getting red faced and slammed the studio door behind him and walked back over to where the meeting was.
Verne took a moment to decompress.
Verne: Now! Where were we?
Ah! Where to hold the show.
Al: I think Wally has a point, Verne.
Verne: We're not necessarily in a position to play it safe right now, Al. Landover and San Antonio are still on the table. And I may add a few other non-AWA cities to the list just to be a prick!
Al just sat there and took it.
Verne: Al, what's the update on the ESPN situation?
Al cleared his throat.
Al: Well, you wanted to try and get a slot on Sunday October 22nd.
Verne: That's right.
Al: Well, you can't get a primetime slot on that day because ESPN carries NFL games on Sunday nights.
Verne: I forgot that. Shit!
Al: You might be able to do it earlier in the day.
Verne: That won't work because we'd be going up against the NFL then as well.
We need primetime to try and get as many eyeballs on our promotion as possible.
Al: They did mention they could possibly move some programming around and give us a more desirable slot on another day.
Verne: They mention the day?
Al: Thursday or Friday.
That wasn't what Verne wanted to hear.
Verne: See if they could swing Monday the 23rd.
Al: I'll check. But I can't guarantee anything.
Verne: Please.
Al: Wait a minute.
Verne: What?
Al: You sure you wanna go up against Monday Night Football on ABC?
Verne: What's the game on the 23rd?
Al: Let me check.
Al got up and left the office to see what game was on that date.
Eric Bischoff held up his hand to talk.
Eric: May I say something?
Verne: We're gonna get to the Team Challenge Series idea I have.
Eric: It's not about that. It's about the Mecca Arena situation.
Verne: What do you have to say about it? It's not really your business.
Eric: I know. But...
Verne waved off Bischoff's incoming comment.
Verne: We've got other stuff to deal with right now, Eric. Tell me about it later.
Eric: Yes, sir.
Verne: Greg, I'm gonna need you to get on the horn tomorrow and see how tickets are moving right now in the cities where we'll be holding the Lawler-Sarge matches to decide the AWA World Champion.
Greg: When will we start hyping that match in local markets?
Verne: As soon as our fourth taping from Vegas airs and Sarge accepts Lawler's challenge.
Eric, how are things looking with our ad budget right now?
Eric: As far as I know money's pretty tight in the ad budget.
Verne: Right now, we're gonna have to put our ad resources towards hyping the houses featuring Lawler and Sarge.
Greg: The entire budget?!
Verne: No, not the entire budget.
But we are gonna have to put the majority of it towards those house shows and hope we can generate enough revenue to back an ad blitz for Super Clash 4.
Eric, your job has never been more important. We're gonna need you and the rest of sales to sell ad time on TV, radio and print. It's gonna be a big push to try and win the fans back.
Eric: I'll get on it after this meeting, Verne.
Al came back in.
Verne: That took long enough.
Al: Had to stop and take a crap.
Verne: Did you wash your hands?
Al: Sure did.
Al stuck his hands out.
Al: Wanna inspect and see? Make sure to check under the nails.
Everyone chuckled.
Verne: The game is?
Al: The game for that night is Chicago vs. Cleveland.
Verne grimaced.
Verne: It could be a tough sell for us on that night since both teams in the game are in the upper midwest, too. Cripes!
Give me a day or two to think about it. Thursday or Friday sounds much better now.
Al: OK. You sure you don't want to sniff my fingers?
Greg laughed.
Verne: No, thanks. I just ate.
More chuckling.
Wally came back into the meeting. Things got tense again.
Verne: What is it, Wally? If you have nothing to add then you can leave right now.
Wally: You bet I have something to add!
Verne, we've been together since the AWA started in 1960.
Verne: Yes.
Wally: Just listen to reason on this matter.
Verne: Say what you gotta say.
Wally: Verne, other than the main event between Lawler and Slaughter, what marquee match-ups do you have to offer the fans? Especially those fans outside our traditional territory.
At Super Clash 4 you'll have...what...Top Guns vs. Badd Company; Zenk vs. DeBeers; Zbysko vs. Patera; Mimi vs. Richter and a few other matches?
Verne: We've got some good names on there, Wally. What the hell are you talking about?
Wally: But they're not big ticket movers, Verne! We don't have the roster of Vince or Turner! We've got the main event and that's it! Everything rises and falls on that one match!
Verne: The main event is usually what sells a show!
Wally: On house shows, Verne! Just on the houses!
A special show like Super Clash 4 needs to be loaded! We don't have the talent to put on a loaded show!
Verne: Well, we're gonna have to take that risk! This may be do or die for us! Fans following our TV will be interested!
Wally: That may be true! But this business is changing rapidly and we haven't adapted fast enough!
And those small houses we usually see now, even in once big drawing towns; the house show cancellations because we haven't even reached three figures in ticket sales...that's what speaks volumes!
You've got to try and add another name wrestler before Super Clash 4, Verne!
Verne: We've got Hansen coming in! He's a big name!
Wally: But he's only gonna be here for a short time even if you put the belt back on him! He'd be in and out of the promotion!
You've talked with some other guys! Call them back and try and make a deal with one of them! Please! Be a realist, Verne!
The room got quiet as Verne gave serious thought to what Wally was saying.
Greg: Dad, I'll check around with my contacts and see if any name wrestlers are out there who are interested in coming here.
Verne (subdued): Okay, son.
Wally: It's time for the Hail Mary. And we've got to hope someone on our team catches the ball.
Wally walked out of the studio and quietly closed the door behind him.
SIlence.
Verne (subdued): Let's wrap this up. I've got some calls to make.
Eric, we'll get to the Challenge Series idea at another time.
Eric (hiding obvious disappointment): Okay.
Verne: Meeting's over.
Al walked out of the studio.
Greg walked over and put his hand on his dad's shoulder.
Greg: Rise or fall, I want you to know I'm with you all the way, dad.
Verne gave a gentle laugh.
Verne: I know you are, son. Thanks.
Greg then left the studio.
Verne was in deep thought when a salesman walked up to him.
Eric: Verne?
Verne: Yes, Eric.
Eric: I wanted to ask if I could have a crack at trying to negotiate a deal with the Mecca Arena for the show?
Verne: You?
Eric: Yes. Sales, as you know, has been my life. Maybe I can get something done for you here.
Verne: I dunno.
Eric: Please. Just give me one chance. I think I might be able to work out a deal with them.
Verne: What do you intend to sell them on?
Eric: The AWA, it's legacy, it's future...and me.
Verne seemed surprised by the last remark.
Verne: You?
Eric: As you know, sales isn't only the product. Sales is also how you sell yourself to others. Gotta win them over, ya know.
Verne thought about it for a moment.
Eric: How about it?
Verne: Eric, I'm giving you one chance to try and make a deal with the Mecca. You got it?
Eric: I do, sir. I'll call them in the morning.
Verne: Good.
And I've got someone I need to call. Hope he's open to a deal.
Another day and the AWA saga continues to twist and turn. How will it all shake out in the end?
TO BE CONTINUED...
(* Pop's Oasis was this little casino near Stateline, NV (now known as Primm, NV) and the prison. It sat just off I-15 in the middle of nowhere and there were billboards in both Cali and Nevada hyping the Bonnie & Clyde Death Car as you got closer to Pop's.)
AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN
The day after Verne Gagne had talked to his son Greg about matters concerning the Super Clash 4 show scheduled for late October, Verne held a meeting in the studio where market-specific promos were taped at AWA HQ.
In attendance: Greg Gagne, Wally Karbo, TV producer Al DeRusha and AWA ad salesman Eric Bischoff.
After the four got settled in the studio, Al blurted out the obvious question.
Al: What the hell's this guy doing here, Verne?
Al pointed right at Bischoff.
Verne: We'll get to that in a bit, Al.
Right now we need to talk about some things regarding Super Clash 4.
Karbo: What's up with Milwaukee?
Verne: As things stand right now the situation looks bleak for getting a deal done to use the Mecca for the show.
Karbo: So, does that leave just Vegas and Denver as possible sights?
Verne: No.
I mentioned this to Greg yesterday. I'm thinking of possibly booking the show in a city we've never been to.
Al shifted in his seat and Wally put his head in his hands and shook his head in disbelief. Bischoff rightly stayed out of the matter and didn't react.
Verne: What's the matter with that, Wally?
Wally: What cities are you looking at?
Verne: Right now I'm looking at Landover, MD and San Antonio.
The Capital Centre is the arena in Landover and it's just few miles outside of DC.
Wally: Are you serious?!
Verne: Hell yes, I'm serious!
Wally: Verne! We're in bad shape! Either of those cities will be a massive failure for us if we try one of them!
Verne: How do you know?!
Wally: We've never run either of those towns before! And the WWF and NWA have a stranglehold on the Mid-Atlantic region!
Verne: Well, we did send Nick (Bockwinkel) to San Antonio to defend the AWA World Title when Joe Blanchard ran Southwest Wrestling. He also defended the belt in Houston for Paul (Boesch).
Wally: And that's really all the fans in Texas know about the AWA! They don't get our syndicated TV!
Verne: They get the damned cable show on ESPN!
Al: But not everyone has cable, Verne!
Verne shot a glare at DeRusha.
Wally: And how many watch our stuff in Texas or DC?! We don't have any history whatsoever in those areas!
Keep the damn show in one of our traditional territorial cities!
Verne: I want everyone...everyone...in this room to know that all ideas will remain on the table for where to hold this event until the matter is settled!
Wally sat back and folded his arms and shook his head.
Wally: Just do whatever the hell you want.
An uneasy silence filled the studio for what seemed like forever.
Verne: So, that's where we stand right now in regards to choosing a town to book the show in.
Wally: Maybe you could hold the event at Pop's Oasis* out at Stateline, Nevada. You have the event take place behind the Bonnie and Clyde death car that's on display there. Because it's sure to be our death if you hold the show outside the territory!
Verne: Wally! Get out!
Wally sat for a moment and brooded.
Verne (seething): Go, Wally!
Wally got up and angrily left the studio and slammed the door behind him.
Verne got up and stormed over and opened the door and yelled down the hall.
Verne: F-uck you, Wally!
Wally's voice sounded a little distant as he shouted back.
Wally: F-uck you, Verne!
Verne was getting red faced and slammed the studio door behind him and walked back over to where the meeting was.
Verne took a moment to decompress.
Verne: Now! Where were we?
Ah! Where to hold the show.
Al: I think Wally has a point, Verne.
Verne: We're not necessarily in a position to play it safe right now, Al. Landover and San Antonio are still on the table. And I may add a few other non-AWA cities to the list just to be a prick!
Al just sat there and took it.
Verne: Al, what's the update on the ESPN situation?
Al cleared his throat.
Al: Well, you wanted to try and get a slot on Sunday October 22nd.
Verne: That's right.
Al: Well, you can't get a primetime slot on that day because ESPN carries NFL games on Sunday nights.
Verne: I forgot that. Shit!
Al: You might be able to do it earlier in the day.
Verne: That won't work because we'd be going up against the NFL then as well.
We need primetime to try and get as many eyeballs on our promotion as possible.
Al: They did mention they could possibly move some programming around and give us a more desirable slot on another day.
Verne: They mention the day?
Al: Thursday or Friday.
That wasn't what Verne wanted to hear.
Verne: See if they could swing Monday the 23rd.
Al: I'll check. But I can't guarantee anything.
Verne: Please.
Al: Wait a minute.
Verne: What?
Al: You sure you wanna go up against Monday Night Football on ABC?
Verne: What's the game on the 23rd?
Al: Let me check.
Al got up and left the office to see what game was on that date.
Eric Bischoff held up his hand to talk.
Eric: May I say something?
Verne: We're gonna get to the Team Challenge Series idea I have.
Eric: It's not about that. It's about the Mecca Arena situation.
Verne: What do you have to say about it? It's not really your business.
Eric: I know. But...
Verne waved off Bischoff's incoming comment.
Verne: We've got other stuff to deal with right now, Eric. Tell me about it later.
Eric: Yes, sir.
Verne: Greg, I'm gonna need you to get on the horn tomorrow and see how tickets are moving right now in the cities where we'll be holding the Lawler-Sarge matches to decide the AWA World Champion.
Greg: When will we start hyping that match in local markets?
Verne: As soon as our fourth taping from Vegas airs and Sarge accepts Lawler's challenge.
Eric, how are things looking with our ad budget right now?
Eric: As far as I know money's pretty tight in the ad budget.
Verne: Right now, we're gonna have to put our ad resources towards hyping the houses featuring Lawler and Sarge.
Greg: The entire budget?!
Verne: No, not the entire budget.
But we are gonna have to put the majority of it towards those house shows and hope we can generate enough revenue to back an ad blitz for Super Clash 4.
Eric, your job has never been more important. We're gonna need you and the rest of sales to sell ad time on TV, radio and print. It's gonna be a big push to try and win the fans back.
Eric: I'll get on it after this meeting, Verne.
Al came back in.
Verne: That took long enough.
Al: Had to stop and take a crap.
Verne: Did you wash your hands?
Al: Sure did.
Al stuck his hands out.
Al: Wanna inspect and see? Make sure to check under the nails.
Everyone chuckled.
Verne: The game is?
Al: The game for that night is Chicago vs. Cleveland.
Verne grimaced.
Verne: It could be a tough sell for us on that night since both teams in the game are in the upper midwest, too. Cripes!
Give me a day or two to think about it. Thursday or Friday sounds much better now.
Al: OK. You sure you don't want to sniff my fingers?
Greg laughed.
Verne: No, thanks. I just ate.
More chuckling.
Wally came back into the meeting. Things got tense again.
Verne: What is it, Wally? If you have nothing to add then you can leave right now.
Wally: You bet I have something to add!
Verne, we've been together since the AWA started in 1960.
Verne: Yes.
Wally: Just listen to reason on this matter.
Verne: Say what you gotta say.
Wally: Verne, other than the main event between Lawler and Slaughter, what marquee match-ups do you have to offer the fans? Especially those fans outside our traditional territory.
At Super Clash 4 you'll have...what...Top Guns vs. Badd Company; Zenk vs. DeBeers; Zbysko vs. Patera; Mimi vs. Richter and a few other matches?
Verne: We've got some good names on there, Wally. What the hell are you talking about?
Wally: But they're not big ticket movers, Verne! We don't have the roster of Vince or Turner! We've got the main event and that's it! Everything rises and falls on that one match!
Verne: The main event is usually what sells a show!
Wally: On house shows, Verne! Just on the houses!
A special show like Super Clash 4 needs to be loaded! We don't have the talent to put on a loaded show!
Verne: Well, we're gonna have to take that risk! This may be do or die for us! Fans following our TV will be interested!
Wally: That may be true! But this business is changing rapidly and we haven't adapted fast enough!
And those small houses we usually see now, even in once big drawing towns; the house show cancellations because we haven't even reached three figures in ticket sales...that's what speaks volumes!
You've got to try and add another name wrestler before Super Clash 4, Verne!
Verne: We've got Hansen coming in! He's a big name!
Wally: But he's only gonna be here for a short time even if you put the belt back on him! He'd be in and out of the promotion!
You've talked with some other guys! Call them back and try and make a deal with one of them! Please! Be a realist, Verne!
The room got quiet as Verne gave serious thought to what Wally was saying.
Greg: Dad, I'll check around with my contacts and see if any name wrestlers are out there who are interested in coming here.
Verne (subdued): Okay, son.
Wally: It's time for the Hail Mary. And we've got to hope someone on our team catches the ball.
Wally walked out of the studio and quietly closed the door behind him.
SIlence.
Verne (subdued): Let's wrap this up. I've got some calls to make.
Eric, we'll get to the Challenge Series idea at another time.
Eric (hiding obvious disappointment): Okay.
Verne: Meeting's over.
Al walked out of the studio.
Greg walked over and put his hand on his dad's shoulder.
Greg: Rise or fall, I want you to know I'm with you all the way, dad.
Verne gave a gentle laugh.
Verne: I know you are, son. Thanks.
Greg then left the studio.
Verne was in deep thought when a salesman walked up to him.
Eric: Verne?
Verne: Yes, Eric.
Eric: I wanted to ask if I could have a crack at trying to negotiate a deal with the Mecca Arena for the show?
Verne: You?
Eric: Yes. Sales, as you know, has been my life. Maybe I can get something done for you here.
Verne: I dunno.
Eric: Please. Just give me one chance. I think I might be able to work out a deal with them.
Verne: What do you intend to sell them on?
Eric: The AWA, it's legacy, it's future...and me.
Verne seemed surprised by the last remark.
Verne: You?
Eric: As you know, sales isn't only the product. Sales is also how you sell yourself to others. Gotta win them over, ya know.
Verne thought about it for a moment.
Eric: How about it?
Verne: Eric, I'm giving you one chance to try and make a deal with the Mecca. You got it?
Eric: I do, sir. I'll call them in the morning.
Verne: Good.
And I've got someone I need to call. Hope he's open to a deal.
Another day and the AWA saga continues to twist and turn. How will it all shake out in the end?
TO BE CONTINUED...
(* Pop's Oasis was this little casino near Stateline, NV (now known as Primm, NV) and the prison. It sat just off I-15 in the middle of nowhere and there were billboards in both Cali and Nevada hyping the Bonnie & Clyde Death Car as you got closer to Pop's.)
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SUMMER 1989
AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN
The day after Verne Gagne gave salesman Eric Bischoff permission to try and cut a deal for a two-day rental on the Mecca Arena in Milwaukee...
Bischoff was on the phone that morning to speak with Mecca management.
Verne was in his office handling other business matters.
Finally...
There was a knock on Verne's office door.
Verne: Come in.
In walked Eric Bischoff.
Verne: Have as seat, Eric.
Bischoff took a seat on the other side of the desk.
Verne: How'd it go?
Eric: Well, it went good. Quite good, actually.
Bischoff flashed that thousand watt smile of his.
Verne: Great! Details, please!
Eric: I was able to talk them down to a reduction of 20% in the rental cost of the facility for two days.
Right now, since we have no set date for Super Clash, the dates are open.
Verne: We need to try and get a deal with ESPN, pronto.
Eric: I agree.
Also, there is one thing they asked us for in exchange for the reduced rate.
Verne: What's that?
Eric: They want two to four tickets for each member of the office staff at the Mecca for Super Clash and all future AWA shows at the Mecca.
Verne pondered what Eric said.
Verne: No problem. But they won't be prime ringside seats. Those go for the highest price and we need all the cash flow we can get right now.
They'll be good seats. But not the first few rows of ringside. I think the permanent seats right in front of the ring, we can definitely swing that.
Eric: What row would you be looking at at ringside?
Verne: Did you promise them ringside?
Eric: No. But ringside seats did come up in the discussion.
Verne: Tell them two seats in the permanent section dead center in front of the ring. As for ringside, it'll be row 5 and moving back from there. Two seats only.
If they want three or more seats, then tell them they will be in less prime areas of the arena.
Do you think this is a done deal?
Eric: Let me talk to them about the seats.
Don't worry. I feel good about getting a deal done.
Verne: I like your moxie, Eric.
Eric: Thank you.
Verne: Now, go and get the deal done.
Eric: I'm on it!
Eric got up and, with a spring in his stride, left the office.
Verne (thinking to himself): He may have a future in this business. Don't know where. But there's something about him.
The Mecca deal looks like it might be saved. But can the same be said for the AWA?
TO BE CONTINUED...
AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN
The day after Verne Gagne gave salesman Eric Bischoff permission to try and cut a deal for a two-day rental on the Mecca Arena in Milwaukee...
Bischoff was on the phone that morning to speak with Mecca management.
Verne was in his office handling other business matters.
Finally...
There was a knock on Verne's office door.
Verne: Come in.
In walked Eric Bischoff.
Verne: Have as seat, Eric.
Bischoff took a seat on the other side of the desk.
Verne: How'd it go?
Eric: Well, it went good. Quite good, actually.
Bischoff flashed that thousand watt smile of his.
Verne: Great! Details, please!
Eric: I was able to talk them down to a reduction of 20% in the rental cost of the facility for two days.
Right now, since we have no set date for Super Clash, the dates are open.
Verne: We need to try and get a deal with ESPN, pronto.
Eric: I agree.
Also, there is one thing they asked us for in exchange for the reduced rate.
Verne: What's that?
Eric: They want two to four tickets for each member of the office staff at the Mecca for Super Clash and all future AWA shows at the Mecca.
Verne pondered what Eric said.
Verne: No problem. But they won't be prime ringside seats. Those go for the highest price and we need all the cash flow we can get right now.
They'll be good seats. But not the first few rows of ringside. I think the permanent seats right in front of the ring, we can definitely swing that.
Eric: What row would you be looking at at ringside?
Verne: Did you promise them ringside?
Eric: No. But ringside seats did come up in the discussion.
Verne: Tell them two seats in the permanent section dead center in front of the ring. As for ringside, it'll be row 5 and moving back from there. Two seats only.
If they want three or more seats, then tell them they will be in less prime areas of the arena.
Do you think this is a done deal?
Eric: Let me talk to them about the seats.
Don't worry. I feel good about getting a deal done.
Verne: I like your moxie, Eric.
Eric: Thank you.
Verne: Now, go and get the deal done.
Eric: I'm on it!
Eric got up and, with a spring in his stride, left the office.
Verne (thinking to himself): He may have a future in this business. Don't know where. But there's something about him.
The Mecca deal looks like it might be saved. But can the same be said for the AWA?
TO BE CONTINUED...
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SUMMER 1989
AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN
(Note: For those who wish to read the previous discussion between Verne and this WWF wrestler about coming into the sinking AWA, please go to post #83.)
Verne Gagne was in an upbeat mood after his morning meeting with salesman Eric Bischoff. The Mecca Arena in Milwaukee, which looked like a no-go for Super Clash 4 just a couple of days earlier, was now back in play and a deal to book the event there looked very strong thanks to young Mr. Bischoff.
It was now just after 2pm CST and Verne had another order of business he hoped to take care of.
Verne thumbed through his trusty Rolodex and found the number he wanted. Verne picked up the phone and dialed.
After three rings there was an answer.
Woman: Hello?
Verne: Hi. Is Greg home?
Woman: Yes, he is. May I ask who's calling?
Verne: This is Verne Gagne.
Woman: OK. I'll get him.
The woman called out for her husband as Verne impatiently tapped a pencil on his office desk waiting for Greg to pick up.
Greg took the phone.
Greg: Hello. Verne?
Verne: Yes, Greg. How are you?
Greg: I'm doing alright. How about yourself?
Verne: I'm fine.
I'm just calling to see if you remembered the deal we talked about a while back.
Greg: I do. You never got back to me on it.
Verne: At the time it didn't look like a deal that could work for us.
Greg: Heard Lawler was there now.
Verne: Yes, I brought him back.
But, I've been discussing our current situation with others and we think we need another name to help try and get the promotion turned around.
Greg: I would certainly like to be a part of that turnaround, Verne.
Verne: That's what I was hoping to hear.
Do you remember the deal we discussed last time?
Greg: Believe it was along the lines of something like $600 for TVs per month and guaranteed money for each house show worked.
Verne: The good news is we're booking more house shows right now because of the Lawler-Sarge World Title program in an effort to try and reinvigorate the house show side of things.
Oh. It was a $250 dollar minimum guarantee for the houses. More if a certain financial threshold was met on the shows.
Greg: Did we discuss how much more?
Verne: Not that I recall. We can talk about that if you come in.
Greg: So, $600 guaranteed for TVs each month and a $250 buck guaranteed minimum on the houses. Correct?
Verne: Right.
Greg: And I also want to be able to work non-televised independent shows in my spare time.
Verne: I have no problem with that.
Greg: Vince is hardly using me right now, so getting out of my deal there should not be hard.
I'll get back to you in the next day or two.
Verne: OK, Greg. Hope to see you in the AWA real soon. I think you've got a lot of gas left in the tank.
Greg: I think I do, too.
Talk with you shortly.
Verne: Bye, Greg.
Greg: Later, Verne.
Verne hung up the phone.
He was making a play for a wrestler who was still a solid worker but hadn't been a serious player for a couple of years.
Greg knew he would see his pay dive drastically if he left the WWF. But Greg was a big picture thinker. He was looking at resurrecting his stagnant career in the AWA.
Verne was gonna have to play wrestling career faith healer to try and make 'The Hammer' a star in the eyes of wrestling fans once again.
Would it work?
TO BE CONTINUED...
AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN
(Note: For those who wish to read the previous discussion between Verne and this WWF wrestler about coming into the sinking AWA, please go to post #83.)
Verne Gagne was in an upbeat mood after his morning meeting with salesman Eric Bischoff. The Mecca Arena in Milwaukee, which looked like a no-go for Super Clash 4 just a couple of days earlier, was now back in play and a deal to book the event there looked very strong thanks to young Mr. Bischoff.
It was now just after 2pm CST and Verne had another order of business he hoped to take care of.
Verne thumbed through his trusty Rolodex and found the number he wanted. Verne picked up the phone and dialed.
After three rings there was an answer.
Woman: Hello?
Verne: Hi. Is Greg home?
Woman: Yes, he is. May I ask who's calling?
Verne: This is Verne Gagne.
Woman: OK. I'll get him.
The woman called out for her husband as Verne impatiently tapped a pencil on his office desk waiting for Greg to pick up.
Greg took the phone.
Greg: Hello. Verne?
Verne: Yes, Greg. How are you?
Greg: I'm doing alright. How about yourself?
Verne: I'm fine.
I'm just calling to see if you remembered the deal we talked about a while back.
Greg: I do. You never got back to me on it.
Verne: At the time it didn't look like a deal that could work for us.
Greg: Heard Lawler was there now.
Verne: Yes, I brought him back.
But, I've been discussing our current situation with others and we think we need another name to help try and get the promotion turned around.
Greg: I would certainly like to be a part of that turnaround, Verne.
Verne: That's what I was hoping to hear.
Do you remember the deal we discussed last time?
Greg: Believe it was along the lines of something like $600 for TVs per month and guaranteed money for each house show worked.
Verne: The good news is we're booking more house shows right now because of the Lawler-Sarge World Title program in an effort to try and reinvigorate the house show side of things.
Oh. It was a $250 dollar minimum guarantee for the houses. More if a certain financial threshold was met on the shows.
Greg: Did we discuss how much more?
Verne: Not that I recall. We can talk about that if you come in.
Greg: So, $600 guaranteed for TVs each month and a $250 buck guaranteed minimum on the houses. Correct?
Verne: Right.
Greg: And I also want to be able to work non-televised independent shows in my spare time.
Verne: I have no problem with that.
Greg: Vince is hardly using me right now, so getting out of my deal there should not be hard.
I'll get back to you in the next day or two.
Verne: OK, Greg. Hope to see you in the AWA real soon. I think you've got a lot of gas left in the tank.
Greg: I think I do, too.
Talk with you shortly.
Verne: Bye, Greg.
Greg: Later, Verne.
Verne hung up the phone.
He was making a play for a wrestler who was still a solid worker but hadn't been a serious player for a couple of years.
Greg knew he would see his pay dive drastically if he left the WWF. But Greg was a big picture thinker. He was looking at resurrecting his stagnant career in the AWA.
Verne was gonna have to play wrestling career faith healer to try and make 'The Hammer' a star in the eyes of wrestling fans once again.
Would it work?
TO BE CONTINUED...
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SUMMER 1989
AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN
A day after Verne Gagne talked on the phone with Greg Valentine, the AWA boss was out in the hall talking with AWA TV director Mike Shields when Verne's secretary walked up to him.
Secretary: You have a call. It's Greg Valentine.
Verne: Great.
Verne strolled down the hall to his office and closed the door behind him. Verne plopped himself down at his desk and picked up the phone.
Verne: Greg?
Greg: Hello, Verne.
Verne: Good hearing from you. What's the verdict?
Greg: I talked with Vince and we agreed to part company. I'm gonna finish up my dates for him and I'll be available to come in in September.
Verne: That's great. And the timing could not be better.
We can build up your AWA debut match for Super Clash 4.
Greg: I like it.
So the deal is what we agreed upon?
Verne: That's correct.
Also, you wanted to work non-televised independent dates when not booked by us.
Greg: Yeah.
Verne: I'll allow you to also work for any promotion except for Tuner or Vince and it must be non-televised.
Greg: Like where this is heading.
Verne: Good. Good.
I'm excited you're coming in. I really believe we're going to start seeing things turn around this fall.
Greg: Looking forward to it.
Verne: Talk with you soon.
Greg: OK. Bye, Verne.
Verne: Bye, Greg.
Verne hung up the phone and seemed satisfied. He was stretching himself to the brink financially but he knew he had to do it to try and save his company.
That is, unless SF Giants' owner Bob Lurie makes Verne an offer for the AWA he can't refuse.
TO BE CONTINUED...
AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN
A day after Verne Gagne talked on the phone with Greg Valentine, the AWA boss was out in the hall talking with AWA TV director Mike Shields when Verne's secretary walked up to him.
Secretary: You have a call. It's Greg Valentine.
Verne: Great.
Verne strolled down the hall to his office and closed the door behind him. Verne plopped himself down at his desk and picked up the phone.
Verne: Greg?
Greg: Hello, Verne.
Verne: Good hearing from you. What's the verdict?
Greg: I talked with Vince and we agreed to part company. I'm gonna finish up my dates for him and I'll be available to come in in September.
Verne: That's great. And the timing could not be better.
We can build up your AWA debut match for Super Clash 4.
Greg: I like it.
So the deal is what we agreed upon?
Verne: That's correct.
Also, you wanted to work non-televised independent dates when not booked by us.
Greg: Yeah.
Verne: I'll allow you to also work for any promotion except for Tuner or Vince and it must be non-televised.
Greg: Like where this is heading.
Verne: Good. Good.
I'm excited you're coming in. I really believe we're going to start seeing things turn around this fall.
Greg: Looking forward to it.
Verne: Talk with you soon.
Greg: OK. Bye, Verne.
Verne: Bye, Greg.
Verne hung up the phone and seemed satisfied. He was stretching himself to the brink financially but he knew he had to do it to try and save his company.
That is, unless SF Giants' owner Bob Lurie makes Verne an offer for the AWA he can't refuse.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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- Joined
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- Joined
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SUMMER 1989
AWA HEADQUARTERS - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN
THE CALL
Verne Gagne was sitting at his office desk and looking up at the clock.
It was 4:01.
Verne anxiously awaited the call from Bob Lurie, owner of baseball's SF Giants.
At 4:05, Verne was nervously tapping a pen on his desk. The Call still had not come.
4:10
4:15
No call yet. Verne wondered if it was gonna come at all.
4:18
Finally...
Verne's secretary buzzed him and let him know Bob Lurie was on line one.
Verne picked up the phone.
Verne: Bob Lurie. Nice to finally talk to you.
Lurie: Good to talk with you, Verne.
Sorry I'm late with this call.
Verne: That's OK.
Lurie: I've heard the AWA is on the market. I'm interested in getting involved in the wrestling business.
Verne: So I've heard. You a wrestling fan?
Lurie: I really enjoy it.
Used to go to shows promoted by Roy Shire at the Cow Palace. I fondly remember guys like Pat Patterson, Ray Stevens, Pepper Gomez, The Brute. Fond memories.
Been to some AWA shows at the Cow Palace as well in '83, '84 and '85. Really enjoyed them. Liked your shows better than the WWF one I saw.
Verne was beaming.
Lurie: But I see the promotion's hit hard times.
Verne: It has. It has. But we're working on trying to dig ourselves out of the hole we're in.
Lurie: Well, Verne, I think I could give the AWA the financial shot in the arm it needs to get back on track.
Verne: It will take some time for a turnaround.
Lurie: I know. Got to be patient with it. Wrestling's a unique business.
Verne: Are you looking to be a financial investor or buy the promotion outright.
Lurie: I'd like to buy it.
What's your asking price right now?
Verne: $3 million dollars.
Lurie: That sounds reasonable all things considered.
Let me just explain my vision for the AWA should I make the purchase.
I want to be the main competitor to the WWF by being different. I want fans to have a true alternative to the WWF. When they see the AWA, they'll know it means a more serious wrestling product and not a lot of cartoonish stuff.
Verne liked Lurie even more.
Verne: That sounds good to me, Bob. I'm hoping to sell to someone who appreciates the sporting side of the business.
Lurie: To compete, you've got to be different.
Verne: That's right.
Lurie: Watching some tapes of the promotion, I can see that the roster is pretty thin right now. I think I could bolster it by bringing in some name talent that might be out there looking for a new home.
Verne: Sounds great.
Lurie: Well, I've got a dinner engagement to get to.
I'll send someone up to Minnesota to go over the books.
Verne: Great! When do you think that will happen?
Lurie: I can have someone up there next week.
Verne: Sounds good. We'll have the books in order for when he arrives.
Lurie: Here's hoping we can get a deal done.
Verne: I think we can, Bob. I think we can do it.
Lurie: OK, Verne. Take care.
Verne: Bye.
Verne hung up the phone. The day got even better for him.
The Mecca. Greg Valentine. A possible sale of the AWA to Bob Lurie.
Verne's slot machine was hitting all 7's on this one particular day.
But how long before the wheels on the machine would stop hitting in his favor?
TO BE CONTINUED...
AWA VIDEO OF THE WEEK!
From 1986, Col. DeBeers vs. Pete Sanchez.
This is a squash. But I'm posting it because the commentary by the late Rod Trongard (really underrated as an announcer) could not be used to get a heel wrestler like DeBeers over today.
ENJOY!
When I was a kid this was a free country. - G. Gordon Liddy