AWA 1989: A Financial Savior Is (Badly) Needed

[the autumn wind]

(NOTE: Most of the stuff on this show was already posted in my previous AWA on ESPN post. But, you still have some squash matches, interviews, an angle and open contract main event on here that's fresh.)

AWA ALL-STAR WRESTLING SYNDICATED TAPING RESULTS - STEVENS POINT, WI - QUANDT FIELDHOUSE - OCTOBER 1989

In-Studio Host: Larry Nelson

Match Commentator: Lee Marshall

Color Commentator: Lord James Blears

(4th Taping Re-cap)

Show Intro

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

Kokina Maximus wrestles his second match in the AWA

OPEN CONTRACT MATCH: Don Muraco & Wahoo McDaniel vs. ???

Super Clash 4 highlights plus post-match comments from some of the participants

NEW SEGMENT: AWA News & Notes

Badd Company sees action

And more!

Nelson then sent it to the ring in Stevens Point, WI.

'The Trooper' Del Wilkes won a squash match over Hawkeye Pierce via submission with a double trap submission hold

Before the match, Wilkes came down the face aisle handing out souvenir speeding tickets to the fans.

After the match Wilkes woke Pierece, who had passed out from the hold, with a slap to the back of the neck.

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW AT RINGSIDE:

Nelson: 'Trooper' Del Wilkes, you just continue racking up the wins here in the AWA with that devastating submission hold of yours.
What's next for 'The Trooper'?

Wilkes: Larry, I've just gotta keep going here in the AWA. Gotta keep winning and working my way up the ladder; because just like every wrestler that enters this sport, my goal is to one day be the AWA World Champion.

Fans cheered.

Nelson: You keep on winning and I think it's a safe bet to say that you'll be...

Crowd booed as Larry Zbyszko walked into the picture.

Zbyszko: I bet you think you're a real big man with that badge of yours, buddy!

Wilkes just looked at Zbyszko.

Zbyszko: You come out here and this idiot asks you what you're gonna do next and you talk about challenging for the World Championship?! Did I hear that correctly?!

Wilkes: Wait a minute! I didn't say it that way! I siad I've got to continue winning and...

Zbyszko: You stood right here and said you were deserving of a World Title match! Is that true or not?!

Wilkes: If I keep winning my matches I think I will deserve a crack at the championship!

Zbyszko: The gall of this man!

Zbyszko pointed an accusatory finger at Wilkes.

Zbyszko: You seem to think somebody should just hand you whateverr it is you want! Is it because you wear that badge, buddy?!

Wilkes: You're twisting my words! Why don't you just calm...

Zbyszko slapped Wilkes. Wilkes briefly touched his jaw and then popped Zbyszko with a slap of his own. Slap was so hard that Zbyszko stumbled and crashed to the floor as the crowd popped.

An angry Wilkes glared down at Zbyszko. Zbyszko unsteadily made it to his feet holding the side of his face.

Zbyszko stumbled off and out of the picture.

Wilkes: Larry Nelson! I don't know what Zbyszko's problem is! But if he wants a piece of...

Zbyszko charged back into the picture and nailed Wilkes from behind with a forearm smash to the back. Wilkes stumbled forward. Zbyszko pounced on Wilkes and hammered away on Wilkes. Zbyszko threw Wilkes into the ring. Zbyszko followed Wilkes in stomped Wilkes, snapped Wilkes up, whipped Wilkes into the ropes and caught Wilkes coming off with a spin kick to the chest. Wilkes crashed to the mat.

Zbyszko picked up on a mic.

Zbyszko: This clown needs to be taught a lesson!

Zbyszko left the ring, grabbed an empty folding metal chair that was sitting next to the timekeeper's table, folded it up and climbed back into the ring with it as Wilkes was getting to his feet. Wilkes up and facing away from Zbyszko and Zbyszko slammed the chair into Wilkes' back. Wilkes staggered. Zbyszko repeated the chair shot and Wilkes went down. Wilkes got to all fours and Zbyszko slammed the chair across Wilkes back twice. Wilkes back down on the mat. Zbyszko then methodically started beating Wilkes with the chair. Shots were so violent they bent the top of the chair. Crowd popped as some of the faces anbd refs charged down to the ring. Zbyszko tossed the chair and bailed to the safety of the floor as the wrestlers and refs hit the ring. Zbyszko didn't wait around and just headed back up the heel aisle as Wilkes was checked on in the ring.

Pic aired of the Super Clash 4 logo with the caption: NEXT... SUPER CLASH 4 HIGHLIGHTS!

Commercials

In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd a video package of highlights from all the matches at SC 4.

Video started with highlights from the cage match and ended with Baron Von Raschke removing his boots and placing them in the middle of the ring and then walking back up the aisle.

Musical score for the video was Going The Distance from Rocky 1.

Music:


In-Studio: Nelson then intro'd footage of the end of the match between Tom Zenk and Col. DeBeers plus comments from Tom Zenk.

VIDEO:

DeBeers moved in and went to punch Zenk but Zenk blocked the punch try and Zenk fired back on DeBeers with a series of punches that drove DeBeers into the corner. Zenk reared back and hit DeBeers with a big right hand that dropped the Colonel. DeBeers rolled out on the apron. Ref ordered Zenk to stand back. Zenk tried to grab DeBeers but the ref stood in between him and DeBeers. Zenk arguing with the ref. DeBeers made it to his feet facing the crowd.

DeBeers reached into the side pocket of his camo pants and quickly pulled out his hand.

Marshall: Wait a minute! What's that blue stuff on DeBeers' thumb?!

Blears: I have no idea.

DeBeers still facing the crowd when Zenk came up behind DeBeers and spun DeBeers around with the ref in between the pair. Zenk trying to pull DeBeers back into the ring. Ref caught in the middle. DeBeers quickly jabbed his blue thumb in Zenk's eye. Zenk stumbled back and crashed to the mat holding his eye. DeBeers calmly climbed back into the ring. Zenk in great pain and down on the mat. DeBeers reached down, grabbed Zenk, hoisted Zenk up and blasted Zenk with his face-first piledriver finisher. DeBeers rolled Zenk over on his back for the cover. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell. Pro-Apartheid crowd cheered their hero as the rest of the crowd booed. Zenk still down holding his eye. DeBeers made sure the ref raised his left hand for obvious reasons.

Marshall: What in the world did DeBeers just do to Zenk's eye?!

Blears: We don't know what that stuff is, Lee. But it's clear that it helped in giving DeBeers the victory.

DeBeers left the ring and dropped to the floor and was quickly approached by Larry Nelson.

Nelson: Col. DeBeers! What did you stick in Tom Zenk's...

DeBeers: Shut up! What the people just witnessed in that ring was a victory for decency and morality over vile, shallow American decadence!

The people in this crowd worship at the altar of chemically enhanced muscleheads like Zenk and negro athletes like those on the Green Bay Packers! It's disgusting! Shame on them!

Pic flipped and Tom Zenk was standing in front of the AWA logo in street clothes with mic in hand. Zenk was wearing sunglasses.

Zenk: The reason I'm wearing these sunglasses right now is because of doctor's orders. I have to wear them for the next few days whenever I'm in a lighted area. The only time I can take them off is when I'm in total darkness.

Thankfully, the doc told me that I'm OK. There is no permanent damage from whatever it was that DeBeers rubbed into my eye. It's just that my eye is going to be quite sensitive for a few days. It stings like hell.

But your little plan worked to perfection in our match, DeBeers. The substance you rubbed into my eye stunned me just long enough for you to be able to pin me.

You may think you've won the war, Colonel. But you really only won a battle.

This war has a long way to go before one of us has to finally wave the white flag of defeat.

Pic aired of the AWA logo with the caption: NEXT... MORE FROM SUPER CLASH 4!

Commercials/Market-Specific promos for upcoming house shows/Generic promos for non-house show cities

In-Studio: Nelson said it was former AWA World Champion Stan Hansen who locked eyes with Sarge.

Nelson said Eric Bischoff caught up with Hansen just as Hansen was about to walk out through the back of the arena.

VIDEO:

Bischoff running.

Bischoff: Stan Hansen! May I get a word with you?!

Hansen in his street clothes and trademark cowboy hat.

Hansen: Make it quick, boy! I got things to do!

Bischoff: We saw you and Sgt. Slaughter lock eyes for a brief moment as Sarge was headed back up the aisle. What was that all about?

Hansen: As things stand right now, son, that's the only thing you and all these people out here in TV land need to know!

Bischoff: So, this isn't over? You'll have more to say?

Hansen: You'll know when I have something else to say because I'll just barge right in on one of your TV shows and say it!

This interview is over! I gotta tend to my cattle on my ranch in Texas!

Hansen stormed out the door as a perplexed Eric Bischoff looked on.

END VIDEO

In-Studio: Nelson discussed Stan Hansen making an unexpected appearance at SC 4 and wondering what Hansen is up to.

Nelson then sent it back to Quandt Fieldhouse.

Badd Co. won a squash match over Clutch Cargo and Johnny Quest via pinfall with the Slingshot DDT (Slingshot catapult (Diamond) transitioned into a Jumping DDT (Tanaka))

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW:

Nelson: Dallas Page, your men really looked impressive and that finisher is just devastating!

DDP: I'm gonna make this short and sweet, Nelson!

Pop Guns! We're coming for your hides! When we're through with you there will be nothing left but your carcasses for the vultures to feed on!

The Guns cost us the tag team titles and cost me $25 grand!

In the Old West, there would have been a showdown at high noon on the dusty main street of some town!

The showdown now becomes one that will happen in this ring...and elsewhere!

Nelson: What does 'elsewhere' mean?

DDP: This interview is o-v-e-r...OVER!

DDP and Badd Co. left the ring as a flustered Nelson was left wanting answers to what appeared to be a thinly veiled threat against the Guns.

Pic aired of Kokina Maximus with caption: NEXT... KOKINA!!!

Commercials/Market-Specific promos for upcoming house shows/Generic promos for non-house show cities

In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd video of Kokina's second match in the AWA.

VIDEO:

(From AWA Wrestling on ESPN)

Kokina Maximus (w/ Mgr. Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey &The Masked Doctor) vs. Jerry Allen

Allen was already in the ring and announced to little response.

Shot of a stretcher standing by at ringside just in case.

'Godzilla' by Blue Oyster Cult played over the cheap sound system at the Showboat Sports Pavilion. (And it was cheap as Hell!)

Out came Kokina Maximus in his ring gear. Kaissey was in his Arab garb and the Masked Doctor was in a suit and carrying a doctor bag. The trio made their way down the heel aisle.

Crowd booing as big Kokina stepped into the ring with his manager as the doctor stayed out on the apron.

Kaissey talked with his man briefly before leaving the ring for the floor.

Ref called for the bell.

Allen came out of his corner and fired away with head and body punches that had zero effect on Kokina. Kokina responded with a hard slap to Allen's face. Allen on stagger street. Kokina grabbed Allen, whipped Allen into the ropes and caught Allen coming off with a back elbow to the chest. Allen crashed to the mat. Kokina stomped on Allen's head. Kokina pulled Allen up by the hair and popped Allen with a monster headbutt. Allen crashed down to the mat holding his head. Kokina stood over the fallen Allen and looked out at the crowd as the crowd booed the behemoth. Kokina gestured and yelled for Allen to get to his feet. Allen, with the aid of the ropes, got up. Kokina popped him with another deliberate headbutt. Allen started to go down again but Kokina grabbed him and held him up.

Blears: Lee, Kokina loves to torture his opponents.

Marshall: It's positively frightening what this man is able to do!

Kokina whipped Allen into the ropes and caught Allen coming off with a savate kick. Allen crashed to the mat. Kokina for the cover. 1...2...thr... Kokina pulled Allen up by the hair. Ref reprimanded Kokina. Kokina shot a nasty glare at the ref. Allen all but officially defeated. Kokina let go of Allen's hair and Allen rolled over on his front. Kokina took advantage and stepped on Allen's back. Allen writhing and screaming in pain. Kokina on for three seconds before stepping off. Ref talking to Kokina and threatening the big brute with disqualification if done again. Kokina snapped up Allen, hoisted Allen across his shoulders and blasted Allen with a Samoan drop.

Marshall: A Samoan drop, with all that weight behind it, has to be devastating to the body. It might push the body to the point of breaking.

Kokina up and placed a foot on Allen's chest. Ref counted. 1...2...thr... Kokina took his foot off.

Marshall: This is just unwarranted brutality now.

Blears: Might need to call in the National Guard to put a stop to this.

Ref got up and reprimanded Kokina again and Kokina started to walk menacingly towards the ref. Ref backed up into the corner and clearly nervous. Kokina backed off and turned his attention back to Allen. Allen had unsteadily made it to his feet and Kokina moved in and caught Allen with a throat thrust. Kokina picked up the ragdoll-like Allen and popped him with a side slam. Allen flatlined. Kokina then hit Allen with a leg drop across the chest. Kokina got up and repeated the brutal move. Ref called for the bell.

Nelson jumped up on the ring apron. Ref went over and had a few words with Nelson.

Nelson: The referee has ruled that Jerry Allen cannot continue! Therefore, your winner of the match by stoppage...Kokina Maximus!

Kaissey and the masked doc climbed into the ring. Kokina up and staring down at the man he just destroyed.

Ref went back over to Nelson and said something real quick off-mic.

Nelson: Can we please get some medical...

Masked Doctor went over to Nelson, shook his head 'no', and said something off-mic to Nelson.

Nelson: But...we need...

Masked Doc: I've got this. Everything is under control. I'm a doctor.

Doc went over and told the ref to step back and the ref did so. Masked Doctor knelt down next to Allen and placed his doctor bag on the mat. Doc pulled a pen light out of his jacket pocket and shined it into Allen's eyes. He used his fingers to check for a pulse. The doctor then pulled a stethescope out of his bag and checked Alle's heartbeat. Doctor looked at Kaissey, shook his head 'yes', and said to Kaissey: He'll be okay in a week or two. Doctor then gestured for the stretcher to be wheeled over next to the ring. Two attendants did the honors. Kaissey and the Masked Doctor grabbed Allen and dragged him over by the ropes. Kaissey and the MD then dropped to the floor, pulled Allen out of the ring and placed him on the stretcher. Kokina dropped to the floor and grabbed the stretcher and pushed it back up the heel aisle as Kaissey and the MD followed behind him.

Blears: Lee... I don't really know what to say about what we just witnessed after that match.

Marshall: I think the word you might be looking for, Lord James, is surreal.

WINNER: Kokina - Ref stoppage - 5:39

END VIDEO

Video aired of Sgt. Slaughter being sprayed with champagne with the caption: NEXT... CELEBRATION!!!

Commercials

In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd footage of the post-match locker room celebration for Sgt. Slaughter winning the match to determine the undisputed AWA World Champion.

VIDEO:

Video opened with Sarge, still in his ring attire and one AWA World Title still around his waist (the other had been set down).

Eric: We're here with the undisputed AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter!

Some of the faces came into the picture and sprayed Sarge with bottles of champagne.

Eric: Whoa! Looks like the party has already begun for the Sarge!

Sarge laughing and shaking hands and receiving hugs from some of his fellow face wrestlers.

Off-camera voice: Here's some for you, Bischoff!

Bischoff doused with champagne.

Bischoff: Oh, man! It's getting crazy in here!

Off-camera voice: It's gonna get a lot crazier later tonight!

Another off-camera voice: It sure is! We're gonna celebrate the new and undisputed AWA World Champion...Sgt. Slaughter!

Whoops and hollers heard in the background.

Bischoff: Sarge, how does it feel right now?

Sarge: The feeling is indescribable, Eric! It really is!

I knew it was gonna be a tough match going in and it was that and more!

And I wanna say one thing here: Jerry Lawler proved himself to be a class act with his gesture to me after the match!

After what's gone down between us the last several months, I certainly did not see Lawler going out of his way to congratulate me on winning and becoming the undisputed AWA World Champion!

If Lawler sees this I say to him: a tip of the hat to you, Jerry! You're a great wrestler and a man of honor!

More champagne poured on Sarge.

Eric: Sarge continues to get a champagne bath here in the locker room.

What's next for the undisputed AWA World Champion?!

Sarge: Undisputed. I like the sound of that!

Right now, Eric, I'm just gonna enjoy tonight and go out and celebrate this win!

But then it's back to work! Pro wrestling doesn't have seasons! And the World Champion never rests! There will always be new challengers on the horizon!

And I promise the great fans of the AWA one thing: I will be a fighting champion that you can be proud of!

Eric: When you left the ring after your match with Lawler, we saw you lock eyes with a fan. That fan turned out to be Stan Hansen. Do you know why he's here?

Sarge: No idea why he's here! I was just stunned to see him in the crowd!

Eric: Well, Stan Hansen is not an issue tonight, fans! This is Eric Bischoff in the victorious locker room that's celebrating Sgt. Slaughter defeating Jerry Lawler to become the undisputed AWA World Champion!

Congratulations on your victory tonight at Super Clash 4, Sgt. Slaughter!

Sarge: Thank you!

More champagne-spraying and laughter and celebration as the video wrapped up.

END VIDEO

In-Studo: Nelson wondered if Hansen had come back to the AWA to challenge Sarge for the belt. Nelson pointed out that Hansen was the AWA WC in '85-'86.

Pic aired of the AWA logo with the cpation: NEXT... NEWS & NOTES!

Commercials

AWA NEWS & NOTES WITH BILL APTER

Segment opened with a newsy theme and Bill Apter sitting in the shadows at an office desk with a Smith-Carona eledctric typewriter sitting to his left on the desk.

Intro Theme:


The lights came up and showed Apter sitting at his desk in suit jacket and tie. A cigarette was burning and sitting on the edge of an ashtray and a half drunk bottle of whiskey sat behind the typewriter.

Apter: This is Bill Apter of Pro Wrestling Illustrated with AWA News & Notes.

We are finally gonna see who earns the right to face Wendi Richter for the AWA Women's World Championship.

Lelani Kai and Magnificent Mimi will square of in the #1 Contender's Match next week on AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN.

These are two very talented lady wrestlers and it should be a barn-burner of a match. Wendi Richter will have her hands full with whomever she defends the title against.

Now that Sgt. Slaughter has dispatched of Jerry Lawler to become the undisputed AWA World Champion, the burning question is now: who will be the next wrestler to step up and challenge Sgt. Slaughter for the belt?

There are several AWA wrestlers who look like worthy contenders. My sources tell me that former champion Larry Zbyszko, Col. DeBeers and even the undefeated fan favorite Sam Houston look like they might challenge the Sarge for the AWA World Title soon.

Kokina Maximus has looked postively devastating in his first two matches in the AWA. This man appears to be a one-man threat to the entire AWA. Can he destroy the structure of the promotion and have it re-built in a way that benefits himself and manager Sheik Adnan El-Kaissey?

Also, who is this doctor that comes to ringside with Kokina and Kaissey. And why is he wearing a mask? Is he even a doctor?

On a programming note: Not only will you get the Women's #1 Contender match on AWA Wrestling on ESPN next week; you'll also be seeing the match pitting Greg Valentine in his AWA debut match against Baron Von Raschke. If you missed it the first time it's worth checking out. And if you saw it live on Super Clash 4 watch it again. At the end, Baron Von Rachke bids an emotional farewell to the sport he loves so much.

You haven't heard much about the Pro Wrestling Heritage Championship Tournament lately because of the build-up to Super Clash 4. The good news is it's not been forgotten.

A tournament to decide the first-ever Pro Wrestling Heritage Champion will be held this February in Anaheim, California at the Anaheim Convention Center. It will be a one-day, two-session event. Call the Anaheim Convention Center box office at 1-(714)-555-1812 for more information.

That's it for now. I'm Bill Apter. See you next time.

Outro Music:


In-Studio: Larry Nelson talked about the debut edition of AWA News and Notes.

Pic aired of the AWA logo with the caption: NEXT... THE MAIN EVENT!
Commercials/Market-Specific promos for upcoming house shows/Generic promos for non-house show cities

TV MAIN EVENT - OPEN CONTRACT MATCH: Wahoo McDaniel & Don Muraco vs. ???

McDaniel and Muraco made their way down the face aisle to a solid ovation and climbed into the ring and were introduced by Larry Nelson.

Announcer Lee Marshall pointed out that Larry Nelson is the only one who knows who Wahoo and Muraco's opponents are and they're listed on a ring card given to him just before the match.

Nelson: And their opponents!

They hail from Anderson, South Carolina! They are Spike and Basher...The Mod Squad!

Boos from the fans as many recognized them from a rival promotion on cable.

Mod Squad came to the ring in their motorcycle police gear. They were wearing their black leather jackets, gloves and their white motorcycle helmets.

The pair climbed into the ring and removed their gloves, jackets and helmets.

Ref called for the bell.

Wahoo started for his team and Spike for his team. The two men circled one another and engaged in a collar-and-elbow tie-up. After a brief struggle, Wahoo gained the advantage and caught Spike in a side headlock. Wahoo worked over the headlock as Spike tried to free himself from the hold. Spike was finally able to shove Wahoo off into the ropes and Wahoo came off and nailed Spike with a shoulder block that dropped Spike. Spike up and charged at Wahoo and Wahoo caught Spike with an arm drag and Wahoo turned it into an armbar. Spike down on a knee. Spike to his feet as Wahoo cinched up on the hold. Spike wincing in pain but not giving up. Spike maneuvered around and got close to tagging his brother, Basher, but Wahoo yanked Spike away still locked in the armbar before he could make the tag. Spike made a fist like he was about to punch Wahoo but Wahoo further tightened his grip on the hold and Spike dropped back to a knee. Spike back up to his feet still locked in the hold. Spike maneuvered around in the ring and was finally able to drape his leg out over the middle rope to force a break in the hold. Spike shook out the effects of the hold in his left arm. Wahoo and Spike engaged in another collar-and-elbow tie-up and Spike drove Wahoo towards the Mod Squad's corner and Basher got a knee up and Wahoo slammed back-first into the knee. Ref reprimanded Basher. Spike caught Wahoo with a punch and tagged in Basher. The pair grabbed Wahoo, whipped Wahoo into the ropes and caught Wahoo coming off with a double back elbow to the chest. Wahoo crashed to the mat. Basher snatched up Wahoo and nailed Wahoo with a suplex followed by a fist drop to the head. Basher for the cover. 1... Wahoo kicked out. Basher snapped Wahoo up and slammed Wahoo's head into the top buckle three times. Wahoo spun around in the corner and was hit by a rapid-fire series of shoulder blocks to the gut. Basher whipped Wahoo into the opposite buckles. Basher charged in on Wahoo but Wahoo moved and Basher slammed front-first into the buckles, bounced back and crashed to the mat. Both men briefly shaking out the effects of the match. Basher up and moved in on Wahoo. Wahoo still feeling the effects of the shoulder blocks to the gut. Basher went to hit Wahoo with a double sledge to the back but Wahoo suddenly uncoiled and fired away on Basher with a series of rapid-fire chest shops to the delight of the crowd.

Wahoo then nailed the stunned Basher with an overhand chop to the top of the head. Basher went down. Wahoo for the cover. 1...2... Basher kicked out. Wahoo snapped up Basher and slammed Basher's head into the top buckle and Wahoo then tagged in Muraco. Muraco in and caught Basher with a series of head and body shots. Basher staggered out of the corner. Muraco grabbed Basher, whipped Basher into the ropes and caught Basher coming off with a scoop powerslam. Muraco for the cover. 1...2... Spike hit the ring and stomped Muraco in the back to break up the pin try. Wahoo hit the ring to go after Spike but the ref intercepted him and ordered Wahoo back to his corner. As the ref and Wahoo had words with one another, Muraco snapped Basher up, hoisted Basher across his shoulders and Spike charged up behind Muraco and hit him with a sideways double sledge across the lower back. Muraco lost his grip on Basher and both men were down. Ref stopped talking with Wahoo and turned his attention back to the match. Both Muraco and Basher were down in the ring. Crowd urging on Muraco. Ref started the 10-count. Both men stirred as the count grew and finally made it to their feet. Basher caught Muraco with a kick to the gut followed by an elbow to the back of the neck. Basher then caught Muraco in a side headlock and popped Muraco with a shot to the head. Basher held Muraco in the side headlock and tagged in Spike. Basher held up Muraco's left arm and Spike kicked Muraco in the side of the ribs. Spike picked up Muraco and bodyslammed Muraco and nailed Muraco with a standing leg drop. Spike for the cover. 1...2... Muraco kicked out. Crowd cheered. Spike snapped up Muraco, hoisted Muraco up and dropped Muraco throat-first across the top rope. Muraco down in the ring. Wahoo stepped in the ring to go after Spike for the illegal move but the ref intercepted Wahoo and ordered Wahoo back to his corner. As Wahoo and the ref exchanged words, Basher hit the ring and stomped Muraco in the nuts. Muraco holding the goods and now walking down Hurt Street. Basher quickly back to his corner. Ref got Wahoo out of the ring and turned his attention back to the match. Basher snapped up Muraco and went to whip Muraco into the ropes but Muraco reversed and caught Basher in the fireman's carry position and nailed Basher with a Samoan Drop. Crowd popped biggly. Both men down. Ref started the 10-count. Muraco, still in pain from the ball shot, rolled over and covered Basher. 1...2...thr... Basher got a shoulder up. Crowd booed. Both men stirred and started moving in the direction of their tag team partners. Basher lunged over and tagged in Spike just as Muraco tagged in Wahoo. Crowd popped. Wahoo unleashed a blistering series of chest chops on Spike. Spike stunned. Wahoo then hit Spike with a double underhook suplex and went for the pin. 1...2... Basher hit the ring and went to stomp Wahoo in the back but Wahoo rolled out of the way and Basher accidentally stomped his brother instead. Crowd popped. Wahoo up and fired away on Basher with open-hand chest chops that stunned Basher. Spike up and Wahoo started peppering both Spike and Basher with alternating chest chops and then grabbed the pair and butted their heads together. Basher crashed to the mat and rolled over by the ropes. Muraco had now recovered enough that he dropped to the floor, went over and pulled Basher out of the ring. Spike stayed on his feet but was unsteady to say the least. Wahoo whipped Spike into the ropes and caught Spike coming off with his big chop to the chest finisher. Wahoo for the cover. 1...2...3! Ref called for the bell as the fans roared.

Muraco had laid out Basher on the floor. Muraco climbed back into the ring and the ref raised Wahoo's and Muraco's hands in victory as the program went off the air.

WINNER: Muraco & Wahoo - Pinfall - 10:51

END PROGRAM

ATTENDANCE: 2,408 (Near sellout)

DARK MATCHES

Jerry Lawler (AWA WC), Col. DeBeers & Larry Zbyszko vs. Sgt. Slaughter (AWA WC), Tom Zenk and Greg Gagne

WINNER: Sarge, Zenk, Gagne - Pinfall - Zenk pinned Zbyszko after DeBeers' interference attempt backfired - 14:33
AWA WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: The Destruction Crew (AWA WTTC) vs. The Guerrero Bros.

WINNER: Destruction Crew - Pinfall - Bloom pinned Mando after the Wrecking Ball (Doomsday Device) - 12:07

Sam Houston vs. Jonnie Stewart

WINNER: Houston - Pinfall - Bulldog - 9:24

Jake Milliman vs. Barry Horowitz

WINNER: Milliman - Pinfall - Pasteurizer (Flying Leg Drop) - 5:29

HOGAN vs. BOCKWINKEL FOR THE AWA WORLD TITLE ON SUPER SUNDAY - APRIL '83

The day that sealed the AWA's fate...​

 

[the autumn wind]

LATE OCTOBER 1989

AWA HQ - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

The tapings for the month were done.

Now...time for the most serious business.

In just a few short days on October 31, AWA boss Verne Gagne had to let WWF boss Vince McMahon know if he would sell the AWA to wrestling's current #1 king of the mountain for $3.5 million dollars.

Also waiting to see what Verne would do: Deborah Harry, John Waters, Bill Watts and Jim Crockett.

Everything was hinging on Vince's offer.

Then there was a frantic knock on Verne's office door.

Verne: Come in.

In walked Verne's son, Greg.

Greg: Dad, you're not going to believe this!

Verne: What?

Greg: We've got another offer for the promotion!

Verne: Really? From who?

Greg: The Tribune Media Company!

Verne leaned forward in his chair.

Verne: The guys that own the Chicago Tribune and several other papers across the country; the owners of cable station WGN and baseball's Cubs?!

Greg: That's it! Now those are some really deep pockets!

Verne whistled.

Verne: We need to see what they're offering.

With the kind of money they could pour into the AWA they could make it the top dog promotion once again!

When do they want to talk?

Greg handed his dad a slip of paper.

Greg: I wrote down the name and number of the person you'd need to call.

Verne looked at the paper.

Verne: Ron Desantis - Director of Public Relations - Tribune Media, Inc.

Seems odd to call the pr guy.

Greg: That's the name and number I was given.

Verne: I'll call Desantis first thing in the morning.

Greg: What about the other possible buyers?

Verne: I need to talk to Tribune first to see what they're looking to do; see what they're putting on the table.

Greg: What if they offer more than Vince?

Verne: Then we sell to them. I trust they would handle it more like a wrestling business than a schlocky entertainment company.

But I do have to make a decision on Vince's offer in the next few days.

Greg: Decide carefully, dad. Very carefully.

Verne nodded in agreement and then sat back in his office chair deep in thought.

The hour of decision was fast approaching.

STAY TUNED...

 

[the autumn wind]

Accidentally posted a baseball post here.

 

[the autumn wind]

LATE OCTOBER 1989

JIM CROCKETT'S HOME - CHARLOTTE, NC

The clock was ticking...

Jim Crockett picked up the phone and called Bill Watts.

The phone rang three times.

Jim: Pick up, Bill.

After ring five...

Bill: Hello.

Jim: Bill, this is Jim.

Bill: Hey, Jim! This about business?

Jim: It is. We're really up against it right now.

Bill: OK.

Jim: Just want to make sure you're in on a deal to buy the AWA.

Bill: Sure am. Let's do business if possible. Still looking at partnering with John Waters and Deborah Harry?

Jim: That would be preferred. But if we have to go it alone...

Bill: I'm all in on you contacting those two and seeing if we can set up some sort of conference call.

Jim: I'll go ahead and and contact Waters then.

Bill: Do it and get back to me.

Jim: Alright. I'm calling them today.

Bill: Talk to you later.

Jim: OK. Bye.

Bill: Bye, Jim.

LATER THAT DAY...

Crockett picked up the phone and dialed the Baltimore number of John Waters.

After two rings, a woman picked up the phone.

Woman: Hello.

Jim: Yes. May I speak to John Waters, please.

Woman: May I ask who is calling?

Jim: Name's Jim Crockett.

Woman: Oh! The wrestling guy!

Crockett chuckled.

Jim: Yes. That's me.

Woman: He's been talking about wanting to buy a wrestling promotion a lot recently.

Jim: We are looking at doing business together.

Woman: I'll get him.

After a brief pause...

Waters: Hello, Jim.

Jim: Hello, John. How are you?

Waters: Just fine. Yourself?

Jim: Can't complain. Things are going pretty good.

Waters: So, can I ask who this person is you talked to about going in on the deal to buy the AWA?

Jim: His name's Bill Watts. He used to own Mid-South Wrestling which later became the Universal Wrestling Federation.

Waters: Mid-South Wrestling sounds familiar. Wait! Didn't they air a short time on WTBS a few years ago?

Jim: They did. And they were really popular with the fans. Fans liked their style of wrestling. Bill was the anti-Vince, if you will.

Watts has a great wrestling mind. If we purchase the AWA, he's the guy who would directly run the wrestling side of things. He would put together the television shows and match-ups. He's razor sharp.

The main reason I'm calling is to see if Bill and I could set up a conference call with you and Deborah.

Waters: Sounds good to me, Jim. I'll get in touch with Deb and see when we can do the call.

Jim: Just remember that time is not on our side right now. We need to try and put something together and fast with Vince McMahon breathing down our necks.

Waters: Let me call Deb and see when we can set up the call.

Jim: Thank you, John.

Waters: I'll get back to you real soon, Jim.

Jim: Looking forward to hearing from you.

Waters: Bye, Jim.

Jim: Take care.

LATER...THAT SAME EVENING***...

Crockett called Watts once again.

After three rings.

Bill: Hello.

Jim: Hey, Bill.

Bill: Hi, Jim. What's the word?

Jim: Called Waters and he's gonna talk to Deborah Harry and look to set up a conference call with us.

Bill: Sounds good. Did you guys talk money?

Jim: No. We can do that on the call with them.

Bill: Well...hot damn! Let's see if we can put a deal together that appeals to Verne.

Jim: OK. Give you the details on the conference call when I get them from John.

Bill: Talk with you then, Jim.

Jim: Before I go, it sounds like you're eating something crunchy.

Bill: Yup! Cutting my toenails and eating pistachios.

Jim: Sounds delightful...and sanitary!

Bill (laughing): Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Crockett laughed.

Jim: Bye.

Bill: Later.

Everything was starting to come together on all fronts at a rapid pace. Which way will Verne go?

STAY TUNED...

(*** Later That Same Evening was a classic Jethro Tull song from the '80s.)

 

[the autumn wind]

LATE OCTOBER 1989

AWA HQ - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

AWA boss Verne Gagne had just arrived in his office on a chilly late October morning.

After checking his phone messages, reading some notes left for him and perusing the sports section of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Verne pulled the paper with the number on it out of his breast pocket.

He was about to make the call...

Verne dialed the number and waited.

After six rings...

Secretary: Tribune Media Company Public Relations. How may I direct your call?

Verne: May I speak to Ron DeSantis, please?

Secretary: One moment.

Verne was put on hold and got to enjoy some hold music.

Ron: Verne! How are you?!

Verne: Is this Ron Desantis?

Ron: It is. Nice to talk with you.

Verne: Good talking to you as well.

My son Greg gave me your number and said Tribune was interested in talking with us about buying the AWA.

Ron: They are very, very interested in buying the AWA. They feel it would be a great addition to the company portfolio.

Verne: This whole thing came out of the blue.

Does the company have an offer in mind or are we in a feeling out process right now?

Ron: Oh! The company has an offer for you.

And here it is...

Verne: I'm listening.

Ron: OK.

The offer is...for everything: any wrestler contracts, TV deals, merchandise contracts, etc.

The offer is $2.5 million!

Verne: $2.5 mil... Ron, I gotta tell ya, I've got two offers bigger than that already on the table.

Ron: Well...I haven't finished with the offer yet, Verne.

There's something else to this deal.

Verne: What?

Ron: We'd like you to stay on and run things. You'd be the President of the company. You'd still make all the wrestling decisions. You'd choose who to hire and who to fire. You'd be responsible for all AWA TV shows and arena shows.

It would be your name on the business cards.

Verne: Are we talking about this being an open checkbook situation with Tribune?

Ron: In some cases, yes. It would be your call as to what to do in certain instances.

But, some things would have to go through the Tribune Company before knowing if they would or wouldn't sign off on what you wanted to do.

For instance, if you wanted to sign a wrestler who could be a high-priced item, that would have to be discussed with some of the higher ups.

Verne: Are you talking about guaranteed contracts here? That's not how business is usually conducted in wrestling.

Ron: Verne, guaranteed contracts will become the wave of the future in wrestling. I truly believe that.

Verne: But how do you know that?

Ron: With wrestling going national thanks to the cable explosion of the last decade, that means more revenue rolls in. And with the significantly expanded revenue will come the opportunity to pay out guaranteed contracts to the wrestlers. It also means you'll have a guy for however many years you sign them for.

You sign, say, Ric Flair for three years, then you have him for three years at a guaranteed money rate!

Verne: But the wrestling business has peaks and valleys. You're not always going to be pulling in the higher amounts of revenue.

Ron: Understood. But if the AWA is owned by Tribune Media then you will have the deep pockets to survive downturns in business.

Plus, there will be other sources of revenue to tap other than the arena shows themselves. We know you do merchandise, Verne. But we can take merchandise sales to another stratosphere for you. We could get contracts to produce high end AWA videos, t-shirts, games, you name it.

The sky's the limit with Tribune, Verne. I mean that.

Verne: You paint a good picture, Ron. I like what I'm hearing. You guys see big picture and with Tribune's money and braintrust behind the AWA we could expand and really make a killing.

Ron: The bottom line is the bottom line, my friend.

And Verne, if you stayed on as President of the AWA, we'd give you a three-year guaranteed deal at $400,000 per year.

Verne: That does sound tempting.

Could I keep our base of operations in Minneapolis?

Ron: Can't see that being a problem.

Verne (sighs): Well, let me think about it for a few days. I've got some calls to make and I'll get back to you.

Ron: You do that, Verne.

And I hope you make the decision to make the AWA part of the Tribune Media Company family.

Gotta think big picture.

Verne: Thank you, Ron. Take care.

Ron: Talk to you soon, Verne.

Verne hung up the phone.

He now had another offer on the table.

And this one may be the best of all...

STAY TUNED...

 

[the autumn wind]

LATE OCTOBER 1989

CHARLOTTE, NC

The days were getting shorter and so was the time to make a decision on putting together an offer to buy the AWA from Verne.

Jim Crockett's phone rang twice.

Jim: Hello.

Waters: Hi, Jim. This is John Waters..

Jim: Hey, John. How's it hangin'?

John: As I get older it's hangin' a little lower.

Jim: What? Oh! I get it! Hahaha!

Waters: Just calling to let you know that I talked to Deb.

Jim: What did she say?

John: Can you and Bill do a conference call tomorrow afternoon?

I'm sure Bill will be OK with it. He's all in on trying to get a deal done and get back into the business.

John: Deb said she's free after 3pm tomorrow.

Jim: How about 4 o'clock then?

John: Sounds good. I'll call you tomorrow around that time or if something changes and we need to re-schedule.

Jim: Great! Talk with you then, John!

Waters: Bye, Jim.

Later that day...

Crockett called Watts and Watts was open to the conference call.

The quartet was close to putting something together to make an offer to Verne.

But would Vince or Tribune Media be too much to overcome?

The next day...

CONFERENCE CALL

The call was set up for 4pm and all parties were ready to go and on the line: Bill Watts, Jim Crockett, John Waters and Deborah Harry.

Deb: Hello, all.

The other three basically said 'hello' in unison.

Deb: Bill, nice to talk with you.

Bill: Nice to finally talk with you as well, Deborah.

John: Let's get this meeting started, shall we?

Jim: Ready to go.

John: Deborah and I have come up with an offer we wish to make to Verne. If you feel you have anything you could add to it, feel free to pipe up.

Bill: I will. Believe me. I will.

Everyone laughed.

Jim: What's the deal you've come up with?

John: You want to tell them, Deb?

Deb: Sure, John.

Well, guys, here it is.

First, John and I want to be the majority owners of the company.

Bill: What kind of a split are we looking at?

Deb: 60/40. John and I would each own 30 percent and you two would own 40 percent.

Jim: So it breaks down to you and John owning 30 percent each and Bill and I owning 20 percent each?

Deb: Yes.

And the financial deal we'll be offering is $3.2 million dollars.

Watts: Wait. Doesn't McMahon have a bigger offer on the table?

John: He does. But we're trying to appeal to Verne with the pitch that we'll keep it a wrestling-centric promotion and look to be the true alternative to the WWF. We think Vince could always outbid us. But we know Verne doesn't want the AWA turned into an entertainment comedy act. That seems to be his concern with selling to Vince McMahon. Verne thinks his entire legacy would go up in smoke if he sold the AWA to him.

Jim: Is there anything else that comes with the deal?

Deb: Yes. We'd like you two to run the company.

Bill: I like the sound of that! Really like it!

Jim: Does have a nice ring to it.

John: We would want Jim to be the president of the AWA.

Bill, you would run the wrestling side of things.

Now, we'd all have to reach a certain consenus on the purchase of talent and certain things done on TV.

But other than that it's all yours to run.

Jim: Quick question.

What's your take on blood?

Deb: Blood's a part of the sport. It needs to be used for dramatic purposes.

Just don't get carried away with it on TV.

Bill: Deborah, I like you more and more!

Deb: Hahaha!

John: We're also looking at getting the syndicated show All-Star Wrestling on a cable network to expand it's viewership on a national level.

Bill: Might be a good idea to keep Verne on even after the company has been, hopefully, turned over to us, to help with the transition.

John: I'd say we both agree with that.

Deb: Agreed. I'm all in.

Jim: Like the deal you have come up with,

Bill: I agree with Jim. Let's make the pitch to Verne as soon as possible.

John: Jim and Bill. We were wondering, since you two are the wrestling guys, if one of you could call Verne to set up a meeting.

Jim: I still have a little heat with Verne from the Pro Wrestling USA fiasco.

Bill, can you make the call?

Bill: Consider it done.

Waters: Great!

Deb: Fantastic!

Watts: Outstanding! I'll call Verne and set things up.

John: Looking forward to your call, Bill.

Deb: I think we can pull this off! I really do!

Jim: John and Deborah, your positive attitude on this has given me real optimism.

Bill: Let's get it done!

The four said their goodbyes and went their separate ways for now.

Would the offer be enough for Verne to turn down Vince or Tribune Media?

Only time would tell.

But time was running out...

STAY TUNED...

 

[the autumn wind]

LATE OCTOBER 1989

AWA HQ - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

The phone rang at the AWA offices and the secretary picked up.

Secretary: American Wrestling Association. This is Sally Hardesty speaking. How may I help you?

Male voice: May I speak to Verne Gagne, please.

Secretary: May I ask who's calling?

Male: Bill Watts.

Secretary: Please hold.

Bill: Hey! Wait a minute!

You're name is Sally Hardesty, right?

Secretary: Yes.

Bill: You won't believe this. I knew you when you were a kid.

Secretary: You did?

Bill: Think you had a brother named Franklin.

Secretary: That's correct.

Bill: How's he doing?

Secretary: He's dead, unfortunately.

Bill: Sorry to hear that. Can I ask how he died?

Secretary (sadly): Chainsaw mishap.

Bill winced.

Secretary: Let me connect you.

Bill: OK.

Verne Gagne was sitting in his office doing some work when the intercom buzzed.

Verne: Yes.

Secretary: Bill Watts on line 2.

Verne picked up the phone.

Verne: Mr. Watts.

Bill: Mr. Gagne.

Verne: What can I do for you, Bill?

Bill: Well, Deborah Harry, John Waters, Jim Crockett and myself would like to set up a meeting with you to discuss possibly buying the AWA.

Verne: Sounds good. But it would have to happen quickly. Vince wants an answer by Halloween.

Bill: We understand that. We'd like it to be an in-person meeting. Would you like us to come to you?

Verne: We can try and meet somewhere that would be suitable for all of us.

Bill: Well, I was already thinking of a city. It's less than 1,000 miles from each of our locations. St. Louis.

Verne: That doesn't sound bad at all, Bill. We could book a conference room at a hotel and discuss business.

Bill: Hell's bells! Then let's book it! I'm sure Deborah, John and Jim would agree to it.

Verne: This thing is gonna have to take place in the next couple of days. We need to pick a day and make plans.

Bill: I'll contact the other three and get back to you later today.

Verne: Sounds real good, Bill.

Bill: Bye, Verne.

Verne never said a word to Bill about the Tribune Media Company offer. He was keeping it close to the vest.

Everything was rapidly starting to come together.

The hour of decision was much, much closer...

LATER THAT DAY...

Watts called Verne once more.

Verne was still in the office when the call came through.

Verne: Hey, Bill. What's the scoop?

Bill: St. Louis in two days, Verne. Jim, John and Deborah are all on board.

Verne: Sounds great.

You got a hotel picked out?

Bill: The Mayfair. I've already booked a conference room for us there.

Verne: Wow! Classy!

Better get to making travel arrangements.

Bill: See you in St. Louis, Verne!

Verne: See you there, Bill!

Two days...

And we're one giant step closer to the decision!

STAY TUNED...

 

[the autumn wind]

Accidentally posted another baseball post in here.

 

[the autumn wind]

LATE OCTOBER 1989

MAYFAIR HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - ST. LOUIS, MO

It was two in the afternoon and AWA boss Verne Gagne, son Greg, Jim Crockett, Bill Watts, Deborah Harry and John Waters were assembled around a big conference table.

The parties all got the formalities out of the way and settled in to talk business.

Verne: Might as well get it out in the open. What's your offer?

John: Verne, it's $3.2 million.

Verne: $3.2, huh?

Deb: That's the best offer we could put together.

When we heard about Vince's offer, we knew we had to up ours considerably.

Verne: What was going to be your original offer?

Deb: $2.5 million.

Our original limit was $3 million max. But we knew we'd have to up it past that to compete with McMahon.

Bill: Verne, if you sell to us, we'd like to keep you on to help with the transition and act as a consultant.

We don't have a dollar amount about what we'd pay you for being a consultant; but it would be fair compensation.

Verne: There's something I need to tell you guys.

John: What is it?

Verne: I've had another offer.

An uncomfortable silence filled the room.

Jim: From who?

Verne: Tribune Media Company out of Chicago.

Gasps now filled the room where silence once was.

John: The company that owns the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Cubs?

Verne: Yes.

John: Ouch.

Jim: If it comes down to a bidding war, there's no way any of us, including Vince, can compete with them financially.

Bill: Have they made you any sort of offer if I can ask?

Verne: They have. They've offered me $2.5 million for the company and a three-year position as president of the AWA, both on-screen and off.

Bill: What kind of money are they offering you to run the show?

Verne: It would be for $400 grand a year.

Waters whistled and sat back in his chair.

Jim: They're offering you more than anybody else and they can continue digging into their pockets to sweeten the pot if need be.

We're in a tough situation against that kind of financial clout, Verne.

Tribune even makes Vince look minor league.

Verne: Well, I want you guys to know that I still haven't made up my mind. There's more to this than money for me.

I've got to think carefully about who I sell to. I don't want the AWA turned into 'sports entertainment' with comedy skits and all that crap. But I also don't want it mismanaged by a large corporation.

John: We would compensate you well, Verne. But we couldn't do $400,000 a year on top of what we'd pay for the company.

Bill: Two days until Halloween. That's when McMahon wants a decision, right?

Verne: Yes.

Greg: Nothing will be decided until a decision is made on the WWF acquiring the AWA.

Jim: It's very simple, then. You sell to the WWF and it's over. You don't sell to them it comes down to us and Tribune Media.

Verne: Right. I don't forsee another offer coming. So, it would be down to Team Blondie and Tribune Media.

Everyone chuckled at the 'Team Blondie' reference.

Bill: Think of your legacy, Verne. You know what McMahon would do with the AWA. He might tell you otherwise, but his track record proves he would wreck it by WWF-ing it up.

Jim: I sold to Turner. The days of the mom and pop-owned major wrestling promotion are over. The jury is still out on what will happen with the NWA under corporate control. But I think a bureaucratic-run wrestling promotion could be problematic. Too many fingers in the pie.

I believe Deborah and John are committed to presenting AWA wrestling in a way that respects the sport. They will give the fans a true choice. Do they want the WWF style of wrestling? Or, do they want a more serious style of wrestling?

Deb: Verne, we are committed to keeping this a wrestling promotion. Fans will tune in to watch the AWA because they present a real alternative to the WWF.

John: The wrestling will be what the promotion is built around.

The fans want payoffs to feuds and title matches with good, hard-hitting wrestling action.

Bill: The WWF doesn't get very good live show reports. Fans complain the matches usually aren't very good and also most don't go more than eight or 10 minutes.

The fans want a match to tell a good, dramatic story. The AWA does that right now with Sarge-Lawler and DeBeers-Zenk. But we'll have an even bigger platform to present the AWA on if you sell to us.

John: Our goal is national expansion just like Vince and what Jim did with the NWA.

We've got the pieces in place at the top to, we believe, make this work.

Verne: Who will be the booker?

Bill: Me.

John: The booker? Explain, please.

Jim: Might as well start smartening them up since they might be in the business soon.

Bill: The booker is the guy who puts two wrestlers or tag teams together that he thinks the fans will want to pay their money to see fight.

Angles are created to generate interest in the match-ups.

Deb: Angles?

Bill: An angle is an incident or series of incidents, plus mic work, that airs on TV and attempts to make the fans want to see the match when it comes to their town. The booker puts all this together.

John: We're getting a nice little lesson in learning the inner workings.

Bill: If Verne sells to us, you'll get an even bigger wrestling education.

Verne: Well, I've said that I will be in touch with Vince in two days. Plus, we've got the Tribune Media matter as well.

Jim: Just looking into your crystal ball, Verne, do you think we have a realistic chance of buying?

Verne: All three interested parties have a chance at becoming the next owners of AWA. It's all still up in the air.

Deb: Well, that's a wrap.

Now...John and moi wanted to take you all out to dinner. How does a nice steak grab you?

Bill: Sounds great to me. I love meat!

Jim: I'm all in!

Verne: Be good to sit back and talk about something besides the wrestling business.

Jim: Are you saying you still don't want to argue over the actual gate of the first Super Clash a few years ago?

Verne: Nope. Just want to enjoy dinner.

But, the house was just over $200,000 dollars.

Jim: Looking forward to a great steak, myself.

And the house for the first Super Clash was actually around $275-280,000 dollars.

Bill: Please don't start this. Not tonight.

Let's make an agreement: all arguments about money and payouts are off the table this evening.

Jim: Agreed.

Verne hesitated.

Bill: Verne?

Verne: OK.

But it was still $200.

Jim: $280.

Verne: Oh! Shut up!

Jim: I'll shut up if you agree that it was $280.

Verne: Let's go to dinner.

Waters quickly stood up.

Waters: To the Tenderloin Room it is!

Deb: We have a limo waiting for us outside.

The group filed out of the conference room and headed down the elevator to the front entrance where a stretch limo waiting to whisk them away for exquisite steak dinners.

But would this be the last supper for Jim, Bill, Deb and John with Verne?

STAY TUNED...

 

[the autumn wind]

OCTOBER 31, 1989

HALLOWEEN - HADDONFIELD, IL

Verne Gagne was in his office preparing to make the call that could decide the sale of the AWA once and for all.

Vince had given Verne until October 31 to accept his $3.5 million dollar offer for the company.

Verne dialed the WWF's Titan Towers HQ in Stamford, Connecticut.

After a couple of rings...

Secretary: World Wrestling Federation. How may I direct your call?

Verne: Vince McMahon, please.

Secretary: May I ask who is calling?

Verne: Verne Gagne.

Secretary: Oh! I was told to put you straight through. One moment.

Verne: Thank you.

Verne briefly listened to some phone music before Vince picked up.

Vince (upbeat): Hello, Verne.

Verne: Vince.

Vince: Well, the hour of decision is here, my friend.

Verne: It is.

Before we go any further, I do need to tell you that another potential buyer has entered the picture.

Vince: Who is it if I can ask?

Verne: It's Tribune Media Company.

Vince: The newspaper empire out of Chicago?!

Verne: That's the one. They own the Cubs and WGN, too.

Vince: Can I ask what their offer is? Is it comparable to mine?

Verne: Very comparable.

Vince: Is it more or less?

Verne: Just about the same.

Silence...

Vince: How about this? I buy the company and keep you on as a consultant?

Verne sat back in his chair. He wasn't expecting this curveball.

Verne: Can I ask what the salary would be?

Vince: Since the idea just came to me I'd need some time to think about it.

But, ballpark figure, probably $100-150,000 per.

Verne: How long would the contract be?

Suddenly there was dead silence on the phone.

Verne: Vince?

Vince: I've got a better idea!

Verne: What is it?

Vince: Get this, Verne.

Forget the consulting gig. I'll make you the on-air authority figure on AWA broadcasts and you will also run the wrestling side of things over there!

You'll be the booker!

Verne: What about when the promotions finally start crossing over with each other?

Vince: We'll work together on it, Verne.

I can see it now: The sports entertainment WWF vs. the traditional wrestling company the AWA!

The angles and match-ups we could create; all the wrestler intrigue! I bet we could get at least...at least...two years out of this and make a nice chunk of change in the process.

So, you'd be getting $3.5 million for the sale of company to me. And then who knows how much more on top of that, Verne.

Verne: You have one hell of a sales pitch, Vince.

Vince (conciliatory tone): Verne, I know you don't care for my presentation of pro wrestling. But this...this has the chance to be something really special.

Let me make you more money than you ever dreamed of, Verne. It would set you up for one hell of a retirement.

Verne was suddenly even more intrigued (beguiled?) by the Vince sales pitch.

Verne: I can't give you an answer today then, Vince.

Vince: I know this is a lot to put on you. Tell you what. November 5th will be the drop-dead date for a sale.

Think about it, Verne.

Tribune Media did not acquire all that wealth by reckless spending. And they're not going to spend any more on the AWA than they feel is necessary.

There's millions sitting on the table waiting for you, Verne.

All you have to do is shake my hand and sign the contract.

Verne: November 5th, right?

Vince: That is correct.

Verne: I will talk with you then, Vince.

Vince: Bye, Verne.

Verne hung up the phone and breathed a heavy sigh.

When he called, Verne was prepared to reject Vince's offer.

But Vince may have made Verne an offer the old man couldn't refuse.

Verne knew he couldn't trust McMahon when it came what Vince would do with the AWA once he bought it. Nor did Verne truly know what Vince would do with him.

But Vince's proposition was tempting.

Tempting like when the serpent beguiled Eve in the Garden and told her eating the fruit from the forbidden tree would make her like God but instead made her a fallen being and a mere mortal.

Would Verne heed the offer of the serpent and eat the apple from the forbidden tree? If so, would Verne's eyes then be opened to a harsh reality of what Vince really intended to do with the AWA?

STAY TUNED...

 

[the autumn wind]

NOVEMBER 1-4, 1989

A TIME TO BE FRANTIC

AWA head cheese Verne Gagne had informed Deborah Harry, John Waters, Jim Crockett and Bill Watts about the extended deadline to make a deal with Vince McMahon.

Verne also informed the quartet of Vince's upgraded offer.

The quartet was now beginning to believe that buying the AWA was slipping from their grasp.

Things also took an interesting turn in Verne's dealings with Tribune Media Company.

Verne spoke with Ron DeSantis, the point man for Tribune on dealing with the AWA.

DeSantis dropped this little surprise on the Vernester.

Ron: Verne, when does your deal run out with ESPN?

Verne: Next year.

Ron: We here at Tribune Media have been discussing it.

Verne, we'd like to give you a weekly prime slot on WGN for a 90-minute version of AWA Championship Wrestling. The show would air exclusively on WGN and you, or whomever you chose, would be the producer of it.

The wrestling end of things would be 100% in your hands.

This would also increase revenue for the AWA substantially as we would pay you for airing the program on our network.

Verne: Wow! Gotta admit that sounds tempting.

I would have to sever ties with ESPN, correct?

Ron: Yes. You would be dealing strictly with Tribune Media.

Verne: Can I ask what we are looking at in terms of payment for the program.

Ron: Right now. $30,000 a month.

Verne took notice.

Ron: And we would re-negotiate the TV contract annually.

Verne: That's $360,000 dollars a year. Not a bad start.

Ron: And get this. We'll cover the cost of the TV tapings in Las Vegas!

And...we'll cover all airfare and room expenses in Vegas.

Verne: That's a hell of an offer, Ron.

Ron: Uh-huh.

Verne: But I've got two other potential buyers that I still am dealing with. Can I give you an answer in a few days?

Ron: Take your time, Verne.

But we would love to have the AWA as part of the Tribune family.

Verne: I appreciate the offer.

Later that night...

Verne had a discussion with wife Mary and son Greg at the kitchen table in Verne's home.

Mary: So, what is Tribune Media offering you now?

Verne: The world.

Mary: Explain.

Verne: The original deal still stands. But on top of that, they want to move AWA Championship Wrestling to WGN and make it a 90-minute program. The show will be their exclusive property.

And they're willing to pay us to air the program on WGN.

Mary: How much?

Verne: $30 grand a month.

Greg: A month?! That's almost $400 grand of extra revenue!

Verne: And they said we'd re-negotiate the TV contract annually.

Greg: So, it's $2.5 million for the company plus $400 thousand a year for three years for you to stay on; and now another almost $400 grand per year to air the ESPN show exclusively on WGN?!

Verne: That's right.

Greg: The TV deal alone will go up and up and up over the next few years.

There's no way even Vince McMahon could compete with Tribune Media.

Dad, take the Tribune offer! Plus, they'll cover the production costs for the show as well as airfare and room expenses for everybody traveling to Vegas.

Verne: It's tempting to pull the trigger. But I gave my word I'd talk to the other two potential buyers again before making a decision.

And I have trouble with the thought of the AWA becoming part of a major corporation.

Mary: But you'll still be in charge of the AWA.

Verne: Will I, Mary?

When I ran the AWA, the buck stopped with me.

If I sell, I'd have to do some corporate ass kissing.

Mary: How do you know that?

Verne: Because it's a big corporation. That's how I know.

I worry the temptation by my bosses to meddle would be too great to resist. They could screw up the promotion beyond repair. They're a bunch of dumbf-uck outsiders who think they know wrestling because it's showbiz and they watched it on TV when they were kids. They'll want to stick their greasy paws in and make a big mess with their directives and whatnot.

Greg: Dad, think of the money. Think of your future. Think of the family.

They may trainwreck the AWA. But once it's out of your hands it's not your problem anymore.

Your legacy, no matter what happens to the AWA, is secured. You had a great run as a wrestler and a promoter. Not too many people can say that. The AWA under you will always be remembered fondly by those who were there, dad.

Greg: At the end of the day it's a business like everything else.

Mary: I say take the deal, hon. But I'll support you no matter what you decide to do.

Verne: You'll support me, huh?

Mary: I've loved you this long while you've been in the wild and crazy wrestling business. I'll still love you no matter what you do.

A silence fell over the table.

Verne had one hell of a tough decision on his hands.

NOVEMBER 4, 1989...

Verne had talked to John Waters, Deborah Harry, Bill Watts and Jim Crockett and told them about the Tribune Media updated offer.

Later, John Waters called Deborah Harry.

Deb: Hello.

John: Hi, Deb.

Deb: Hey.

Well, things don't look too good.

John: They don't. We've ridden this horse about as far as we could ride it.

When Vince McMahon got involved that was bad enough. But Tribune Media...

Deb: I know. I thought we had a pretty good shot against Vince. But Tribune Media is a completely different animal.

If I was Verne I'd take their deal.

John: The odds of us owning this now are pretty slim. But, we'll just have to wait and see how things unfold.

Verne's due to talk to Vince tomorrow. Who knows? It could be over 24 hours from now

Deb: We'll just have to wait and see.

John: Also talked with Jim Crockett. He thinks us buying the AWA is a longshot now, too.

Deb (sighs): I'm already starting to mentally prepare for the bad news.

John: Me, too.

I was getting pretty excited about the prospect of owning a wrestling promotion.

But, the best laid plans...

Deb: I'll talk with you tomorrow, dearest. Hopefully we're somehow still in the hunt.

John: I know how you feel, Deb. We'll talk tomorrow.

Tomorrow was November 5th...

And Vince was getting an answer from Verne one way or another.

STAY TUNED...

 

[the autumn wind]

NOVEMBER 5, 1989

VERNE VS. VINCE

AWA HQ - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

Verne Gagne picked up the phone and dialed.

After three rings...

Secretary: World Wrestling Federation. How may I direct your call?

Verne: May I speak to Vince McMahon? This is Verne Gagne.

Secretary: I'll put you through right away. Mr. McMahon says you're the top priority today.

Verne: Thank you.

Verne was put on hold and listened to some hold music while he waited.

Vince (upbeat): Hello, Verne.

Verne: Hi, Vince.

Vince: It is decision day. This is the drop-dead date. There will be no exceptions.

Verne: Understood. I have made a decision.

Vince: What is it?

Verne: It was tough...but I have decided not to sell to you.

Momentary silence that felt like forever.

Vince: Can I ask why?

Verne: Frankly, Vince, I don't trust how you'd handle the legacy of the AWA.

I still remember what happened a few years ago when you picked off a bunch of my guys.

Vince: Oh! That was then Verne! This is just a piece of business!

Trust me! I will retain your legacy!

Verne: Last call, you told me that you would make me more money than I ever dreamed of.

Vince: I meant it. Still do. Sell to me and you'll be hitting blackjack all the time.

Verne: Money's important. But there are some things that are just more important than money.

Vince: Verne, let's say that I did do something different with the AWA than originally planned.

So what?! Once you sell it's out of your hands.

Verne: My legacy and the legacy of the AWA are important to me, Vince.

You've just come in and steamrolled the territories right down the memory hole.

You present a campy product that makes a mockery of the business in my opinion.

Vince: The results speak for themselves, Verne. My 'mockery of the business', as you call it, seems to do very well at the box office.

And the WWF is not a 'mockery'. We just present wrestling in a somewhat different fashion. We put a heavier emphasis on the entertainment aspect. And that's what this is, Verne. Entertainment.

Verne: I still think that one day your business model will come back and bite you in the ass.

Vince (sarcastic): Well, before that happens you should sell to me, make scads of money and retire a wealthy man.

Verne: If it was just about greed I'd probably do it.

Vince: Greed is good.

Verne: I'm 63 now. I have a pretty darn good life.

Vince (exasperated): Verne, take my deal, please! It is the best one you'll get. Remember, you'll be in charge of the AWA leading up to the inter-promotional angle.

Verne: How do I know you won't fire me a few weeks into this whole thing if I sell to you?

Vince: You'll just have to trust me, Verne.

Verne: Would I be in it for the long haul until the completion of the inter-promotional feud?

Vince: You would be a part of it. I can only ask you to trust me.

Verne: Would I get a guaranteed contract?

Vince: You would. With a downside guarantee.

Verne: In other words, you could let me go at anytime for any reason and I would get a low-end payout?

Vince: If it happened you would get a good payout.

Verne: I just can't pull the trigger with you, Vince.

I still have two other possible buyers out there. I think they will protect the AWA's sports-centered presentation of pro wrestling.

Vince: Suit yourself.

But know this...

I'm gonna raid some of your wrestlers just like I did back in '83.

I offered you a wonderful deal, Verne, and you rejected it. Now, you'll suffer for that decision.

Verne: The only reason you want to buy the promotion is because you're worried about someone with deep pockets buying it.

You don't want another competitor like the NWA is now because Turner bought it. You're worried as hell.

Vince: Well...f-uck you then, Verne!

Your business is gonna go down the toilet!

You're in such bad shape that no one but me could salavge your business!

I'll sit back and watch the AWA crumble to dust!

Keep presenting your 'pro wrestling as sport' model!

Watch the fans come to your shows disguised as thousands of empty seats!

Our success and your failure proves that we have a winning formula!

Verne: You're right...for now. But I am not selling to you.

Vince (calm): Last chance, Verne. Let's make this happen. Just say 'yes'.

Verne thought for a moment...

Verne: Not gonna do it.

Vince: Then don't ever contact me again!

And if your son Greg needs a job when the AWA goes under, well I'll give him one!

He can be the night janitor here at Titan Tower!

Verne (calm): Bye, Vince.

Vince, showing true class, slammed down the phone.

Vince McMahon was now officially out of the running to buy the AWA.

And then there were two...

STAY TUNED...

 

[the autumn wind]

I DID IT AGAIN!

Accidentally posted my baseball post in here!

Sorry about that.

 

[the autumn wind]

NOVEMBER 1989

AWA boss Verne Gagne contacted all interested buyers and let them know that Vince was out of the running.

This made 'Team Blondie' and Tribune Media very happy.

Now, it was time for those two parties to make a final pitch to Verne.

If he sells, who does he sell to?

Verne was thinking that business, while not spectacular, was on the rise.

Could he keep the company and try to turn it around by himself?

A final decision was coming...and quickly.

STAY TUNED...

 

[the autumn wind]

NOVEMBER 1989

AWA HQ - ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

(*The November tapings would have already taken place by now. I'll post the show results after THE DECISION!)

Verne Gagne called his son Greg into his office along with TV producer Al DeRusha (Wally Karbo had retired).

The two men made their way to the office together. Verne left the door open for them. (Or left the light on for them if it was a Motel 6.)

Al and Greg took their seats in the chairs in front of Verne's desk.

Greg: What's the scoop, dad?

Verne: Well, as you know, Vince is out of the picture. I just couldn't sell to him because I think I know what he would have done with the AWA.


Al: I can see it now. Your new AWA World Champion...Hillbilly Jim!


The trio shared a laugh.

Verne: So, we're down to 'Team Blondie' and Tribune Media.


Greg: Which way are you leaning?


Verne: Well, I've been thinking. I think there's a third option.


Greg and Al shifted nervously in their chairs.

Al: What is this third option?


Verne: Business is better than it's been since mid-1986.


Greg: Oh no! No!


Verne: You know, I think I might have one more good run left in me as the boss of the AWA.


Al: God, Verne...


Greg (flustered): Have you talked to mom about this?


Verne: No.


Greg threw up his hands.

Greg: You're a lot closer to 70 that you are to 35. You've got a couple of nice offers on the table. And with how cyclical this business is, you know things could go bust at any moment.


You walk away from these offers just remember you may never get another one.


The AWA isn't exactly the hottest property on the block right now.


Al: It's late in the game, Verne. Take one of those deals and you're set. You reject them and you don't know what the future will hold for you and Mary.


Sometimes the safest bet is the smartest bet. Standing on 16 can be a winning hand, too.


Verne: You make a good point, Al.


But I firmly believe we're headed in the right direction.


Greg: Now that the Lawler-Sarge program is over, how do you know business won't drop again and soon?


Verne: I don't. But sometimes we just have to roll the dice.


Suddenly, it all came pouring out of Greg.

Greg: Dammit, dad! For the last three years before you hit on Lawler-Sarge, you had been rolling nothing but snake eyes!


Do you really want to risk it?! Do you really want everything to go up in smoke now?!


Two great offers out there! Pick one and be done with it! You'll still be working for whichever group buys the damn thing!


Keeping the business and hoping...HOPING...that things turn around for the better long-term is just your ego talking!


You've had a great run! Now do the right thing and sell!


Uneasy silence.

Verne (low-key): Al?


Al (softly): It's time to sell, Verne.


Greg: Dad. Please. For mom.


She's tired. She's had enough of being a wrestling wife and mother.


She's had enough of you being on the road or in the office.


It's time to think about your golden years together.


Do the right thing, dad.


A silence once again filled the room as all three men sat contemplating the matter at hand.

Would Verne really take one last crack at trying to run the AWA with all the risks involved?

Or would he sell?

It was all up to the 10-time AWA World Champion.

STAY TUNED...​