Georgia Wrestling History for 1/12-13, Championship Wrestling & more
On Monday, January 14, 2008 at 1:36 AM EST GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 01/13/2008
NEWS
Georgia Wrestling TK has released some early results for their 2007 awards, as voted on by fans as well as members of the local wrestling community. GWH was the winner for best website, and Larry Goodman was named as the best reporter. On behalf of Larry and the entire staff of contributors, we thank you very much for recognizing us and our work.
Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling, who just began promoting shows in Villa Rica about midway through the year before making a recent move to Carrollton, snagged a few top awards, including best promoter for Scott East, best fans, and best storyline, referring to the feud between Bull Buchanan and Deathrow.
Great Championship Wrestling, based in Phenix City, AL, won for best show, based on the 2007 event of the annual Fred Ward Memorial card. Though GCW is based in Alabama, it is close enough to Columbus, its original home, to be considered in-state, and they also promoted cards in Columbus as well as Macon.
NWA Anarchy got the nod for best promotion. ‘Awesome’ Austin Creed, who primarily works for Anarchy, was noted for best gimmick. Jeff G. Bailey, who works as a manager for several wrestlers under the Anarchy banner, was recognized for his mic skills. Anarchy’s feud involving the Awesome Attraction (Creed & Hayden Young), the Hollywood Brunettes (Kyle Matthews & Andrew Alexander), and the World’s Prettiest Tag Team (Adrian Hawkins & Seth Delay) resulted in the best match of the year.
The All-Star Wrestling Network was voted as most improved promotion.
Other winners in this round of results included Melissa Coates as best female wrestler, Taylor McKnight as best announcer, and Jeff McGowan as best referee. McGowan is Scrappy McGowan’s son.
More awards are expected to be released soon, including Wrestler, Heavyweight, Cruiserweight, Tag Team, Babyface, Heel, Rookie, Most Improved Wrestler, and Manager. As soon as we have those, we will post the results here. (Rich Tate)
NWA Anarchy returns to the NWA Arena in Cornelia, GA, for a television taping on January 19. In hour number one, Jeff Lewis squared off with Slim J, with the winner earning a title shot in hour number two against Anarchy Heavyweight Champion Shatter (w/ Jeff G. Bailey). Also on the card: the Devil's Rejects defend the Anarchy Tag Team Title against the Awesome Attraction; Jimmy Rave versus Sal Rinauro; Melissa Coates versus Brodie Chase; Todd Sexton versus Adrian Hawkins; Iceberg versus the Regular Guys in a handicap match; and in 8-man action, thee Hollywood Brunettes & Talent & Money versus Billy Buck, Chris King & New Wave. Nemesis, Mikal Judas, Jeremy Vain, Rob Adonis, Don Matthews, and Jerry Palmer will all be there as well. 8:00 PM bell time. (Larry Goodman)
NAWA Ring Champions returns to Rome, GA, after a three year absence on February 7 at the National Guard Armory. Matches will get underway at 7:30 PM. Call (706) 314-9802 for more info. Advertised: Tommy Rich & Jimmy Powell versus Steve Lawler & the Flame; and Jimmy Rave versus Kyle Matthews. Simon Sermon and Lamar Phillips are also scheduled to appear. (Rich Tate)
United Wrestling League has announced their lineup for their card at the Civic Center in Piedmont, AL. We will have more details as the date nears, but this will be available via live webcast through their website, for $11.95. Michael St. John and Bill Dundee will be announcing the event. Advertised: Bull Buchanan, Bulldog Raines, Patrick Bentley, Orion Bishop, Damon Taz, Derrick King, Stan Lee, the Alabama Jawjacker, Johnny Slaughter, Mike Mason, Adam Roberts, Kevin White, Yaki, and Chris Badstreet. (Mick N. Brawler)
NOTES
Canvas Chronicle’s Ric Gillespie has provided us with more info on the passing of Randy Barber. The 49 year old former wrestler died on January 1. According to Gillespie, Barber was at the Coosa Valley Medical Center in Harpersville, AL, at the time of his death. Funeral services, which took place on January 5, were handled by Curtis and Son Funeral Home in Childersburg, AL. Click here to view his obituary, and to sign the guestbook. (Rich Tate)
GWH wishes a happy birthday to Bruce Hart, who turns 58 today.
On this day in 2004, ‘Coach’ John Heath lost his battle with cancer. He was 80.
NOSTALGIA
1888: No documented results for this match have been found, but John Muhler, managed by Mr. Hopper, was scheduled to wrestle O’Connor in Augusta. The Augusta Evening News only listed the advertisement for the match between John Muhler and O’Connor (no first name given). It described O’Connor as a blacksmith from the Carolinas. Mr. Hopper managed Muhler. It is unclear as to what venue was the site of this card.
1905: M.J. Dwyer defeated Joe Dabney at the Piedmont Athletic Club in Atlanta.
1921: Strangler Lewis, managed by Billy Sandow, defeated Rolando Heracle in two straight falls that took just over an hour at the Savannah Municipal Auditorium for promoter Max Bauman.
1922: Strangler Lewis, managed by Billy Sandow, defeated Rolando Heracle in two straight falls that took thirty-two minutes at the Savannah Municipal Auditorium for promoter Max Bauman.
1931: Paul Harper defeated Jack Washburn in two straight falls in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Henry Weber.
1939: A card was held at the Warren Arena in Atlanta for promoters Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby. However, in an odd twist, no results were reported, but it was reported that 4,000 were in attendance. The main event was scheduled to be John Mauldin versus the Red Devil.
1950: Johnny Long defeated Jack LaRue by disqualification in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Also, Nick Carter & Bibber McCoy defeated Earl Wampler & the Blimp by countout in the semi-main event. In addition, Don McIntyre defeated Babe Sharkey. Before the match, police had to stop a brawl in the aisle when Jim Coffield attacked McIntyre on his way to the ring. Bob Shipp was credited as being a referee on this card. Councilman Joe Allen was reportedly in attendance at this card.
1960: Freddie Blassie defeated Johnny Weaver in the main event at the Columbus Sports Arena for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Joey Maxim was the special referee for the match.
1967: Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon defeated Enrique & Alberto Torres to win the World Tag Team Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Also, Lou Thesz defeated Gorilla Marconi in the semi-main event. In addition, Ramon Torres, substituting for Mario Galento, defeated Louie Tillet by disqualification.
1970: Homer O’Dell & Buddy Colt defeated Roberto & Cyclone Soto to win the Macon Tag Team Title at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. In the semi-main event, Doug Gilbert defeated Paul DeMarco, managed by O’Dell, to retain the Georgia Heavyweight Title.
1976: Dusty Rhodes defeated Abdullah the Butcher in the main event at the Macon Coliseum for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Also, Bob Armstrong defeated the Georgia Heavyweight Champion Spoiler, managed by Gary Hart, by disqualification in a semi-main event title match.
1978: Dusty Rhodes defeated Georgia Heavyweight Champion Stan Hansen by disqualification in a title match at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Also, Dick Slater defeated Ole Anderson in the semi-main event. In addition, Pak Song, managed by Rock Hunter, defeated Abdullah the Butcher by disqualification.
1979: We do not have results for this card, but Mr. Wrestling #2 was scheduled to wrestle the Masked Superstar in a main event no disqualification match at the William Bell Auditorium in Augusta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Charlie Harben. The semi-main event was to be Thunderbolt Patterson defending the Georgia Television Title against Gene Anderson.
1980: A main event title match between the Georgia Heavyweight Champion Masked Superstar and Mr. Wrestling #2 was ruled a no contest at the Omni Auditorium in Atlanta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Also, a match between Dusty Rhodes and Abdullah the Butcher was ruled a no contest in the semi-main event. Tommy Rich & Wahoo McDaniel defeated Georgia Tag Team Champions Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff by disqualification in a title match. Terry Funk defeated Bob Armstrong, and Toru Tanaka & Killer Khan, managed by Gorgeous George, Jr., defeated Ole & Lars Anderson. A match between Dick Slater and the Sheik was ruled a no contest. In other matches, Kevin Sullivan & Steve Travis defeated Eddy Mansfield & Austin Idol, while Tony Atlas and Ken Patera wrestled to a draw. Ray Candy defeated Tom Shaft in the opener.
2007: Jason Cross defeated Vordell Walker in the main event in Macon for Dropkick Pro Wrestling. Also, A.J. Steele defeated the Professor in the semi-main event. Adrenaline Rush (Chris Giles & Velvet Jones) defeated Matt Black & Scott Cage, and Sean Logan defeated J-Rod. In other matches, Jonathan Davis defeated Amien Rios, and the In Crowd (Jason Stone & Eric Steele) defeated the Three Amigos in the opener.
– GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com
GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 01/12/2008
NEWS
Flatline Championship Wrestling is in Grovetown, GA, at Patriots Park tonight, beginning at 7:00 PM. Admission is $7, but kids five and under get in free. (Thomas Bugg)
Total Championship Wrestling has informed us that their previously advertised show in Douglasville, GA, tonight has been cancelled due to an emergency. No other details were provided, but they are scheduled to be back on February 9. We will have more details on the next show as we get them. (Rich Tate)
As announced on Thursday, Ultimate Christian Wrestling has canceled tonight’s previously advertised event at the Canton National Guard Armory due a scheduling conflict. UCW's next show will be on January 26 in LaGrange at Tabernacle Baptist Church. More details on that event will be forthcoming. (Larry Goodman)
Great Championship Wrestling will be in Phenix City, AL, on January 17 at the GR8 SK8plex, starting at 7:30 PM. Call (334) 297-2223 for more info. Advertised: Johnny Swinger (w/ Quentin Michaels) will defend the GCW Heavyweight Title against David Young; and the Hooligans versus A.J. Steele (w/ the Intern) & Deathrow. (Brian Slack)
NOTES
Richard Berger’s Perspectives on Wrestling has been updated. Click here for the full article at the Fight Network. This is a must read for all independent wrestlers and promoters. (Rich Tate)
We were contacted by relatives of Randy Barber, whose passing was announced on January 1. At that time, all we knew was that he died early in the afternoon, and no other details surfaced. We now know that he had a fatal heart attack, and that he would have turned 50 in March. (Rich Tate)
Slam! Wrestling has published an article trying to piece together the life and career of Arman Hussein, who passed away last week. Although not an easy task, Greg Oliver did a nice job. Click here for the article. (Rich Tate)
Jerkin' the Curtin', hosted by Trent Van Drisse, debuts on January 14 at 11:00 PM. The guests will be Scott Hudson and Steven Prazak. I will be co-hosting the first show. Listeners are welcome to call in at (347) 945-5503.
GWH wishes a happy birthday to Luna Vachon (46) and Krissy Vaine (27) today.
Following a match on this day in 1969, Jim Hady had a fatal heart attack. He was only 36.
NOSTALGIA
1932: Blue Sun Jennings defeated Floyd Marshall in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Henry Weber.
1945: Mildred Burke defeated Mae Young to retain the Women’s World Title in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Also, Al Massey defeated Jack Dillon in the semi-main event.
1951: Don McIntyre, Nick Carter & Farmer Jones defeated Bobby Lane, Jack Steele & Art Nelson in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones.
1952: Lou Newman & Jack Dillon defeated Don McIntyre & Sonny Kurgis in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones.
1953: Aldo Bogni defeated Don McIntyre two falls to one in the main event at the William Bell Auditorium in Augusta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Tom Mahoney.
1960: Freddie Blassie defeated Chief Little Eagle by disqualification in the main event at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward.
1962: Eddie Graham defeated Assassin #2 in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones.
1968: Gene Kiniski defeated Mr. Wrestling to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Referee Leo Garibaldi stopped the match when Kiniski took advantage of his opponent’s finger injury. Mr. Wrestling had promised he would unmask and reveal his identity if he won the match. Also, Enrique & Alberto Torres defeated Stan Vachon & Louie Tillet in the semi-main event.
1971: Bob Armstrong & El Mongol defeated the Assassins to win the Macon Tag Team Title at the Macon Coliseum for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Also, a semi-main event match between Paul DeMarco and Luke Graham was ruled a no contest. There were two referees for the match.
1973: Jack Brisco defeated Mad Dog Vachon in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Also, Eddie & Mike Graham defeated Jimmy & Jerry Valentine (Jimmy & Jerry Valiant) in the semi-main event.
1976: Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated the Spoiler, managed by Gary Hart, in the main event at the William Bell Auditorium in Augusta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Charlie Harben. Also, Dick Slater & Dusty Rhodes defeated Moondog Mayne & Abdullah the Butcher in the semi-main event.
1979: Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Terry Funk & Dory Funk, Jr., in a Texas death match to retain the Georgia Tag Team Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Also, Dusty Rhodes defeated Ole Anderson in the semi-main event, and Wahoo McDaniel defeated Stan Hansen.
1980: On the “Georgia Championship Wrestling" television program hosted by Gordon Solie, Austin Idol defeated Steve Travis to win the Georgia Television Title.
1985: Ole Anderson & Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Bill & Scott Irwin in the main event at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus for Championship Wrestling from Georgia. Also, Brian Adidas & Ron Ritchie won a tag team battle royal.
– GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com
Championship Wrestling sent this in:
Championshp Wrestling returns to the Civic Auditorium in Kingsport, TN on a special Friday Night, February 8 with Rage in the Cage... The 3 year long War between The People's Army (G1 and Beau James) and John Hawkins Promotions will finally come to a head in a 4 on 4 War Games Steel Cage Match.
Bell Time is 8:00 PM... Here's the card:
War Games Steel Cage Match
People's Army
National Heavyweight Champion, Robbie Cassidy
Tony "The Dragon" Givens
Moe Jenkins
& "Handsome" Beau James
vs.
John Hawkins Promotions
"Tennessee Redneck" Chris Richards
"Mr. Happy" Bryan Wayne
"The Cold" Alyx Winters
& The Disciple
John Hawkins will be handcuffed to CW Commissioner Chuck Roberts and
Mr. Bolo will be barred from Ringside during this match!
The Rules:
1 Man from each team will start the match.
After 5 minutes, A coin toss will be held between the 2 teams, the team that wins the coin toss will then send another person into the cage, making it 2 on 1 for next 2 minute period.
At the end of those 2 minutes, the team who lost the coin toss will send a member into the cage evening the odds at 2 on 2.
Wrestlers will continue to enter the cage every 2 minutes following the same pattern until all 8 wrestlers are in the ring.
The match can only end when 1 wrestle submits or surrenders.
The Stakes:
If John Hawkins Promotions wins, then the losing member of the People's Army will have to leave Championship Wrestling forever!
If The People's Army wins, then the member of the team that score the decision will get 5 minutes in the cage 1 on 1 with John Hawkins!
Due to the graphic nature of this match, NO portions of this match will air on Championship Wrestling TV. The only way to see this match is to be there LIVE!
Race to the Top Challenge
There will be 4 Qualifying Matches earlier in the night... The Winners of those matches will compete in a 4 Way Cage Match... The Only way to win this match is to Race to the Top and escape from the Cage.
The Winner of this Match will receive an open contract for any match, at any time, with any stipulation against anybody on the CW Roster!
Race to the Top Qualifying Match # 1
"X-Rated" Wayne Daniels
w/ Barbie
vs.
"Power House" Ray Idol
Race to the Top Qualifying Match # 2
TV Champion, Thorn w/ Kandy
vs.
"Young Guns" Cody Ices
Race to the Top Qualifying Match # 3
"Mister Wrestling" Adam York
vs.
Matt Howitzer
Race to the Top Qualifying Match # 4
"Notorious" Nick Hammonds
vs.
Mike Blade
*Card Subject to Change*
_________________________________________________
Ticket Information
Front Row: $10
General Admission: $8
Front Row Tickets go on Sale this Wednesday at:
Great American Tattoo Co.
2309 Ft. Henry Dr. (Across from McDonalds)
Kingsport, TN 37664
(423) 288-TATO
_________________________________________________
Venue Information
Civic Auditorium
1550 Fort Henry Dr
Kingsport, TN 37664
(423) 229-9457
_________________________________________________
Watch Champinoship Wrestling on TV every Saturday Afternoon on Tri-Cities CW 4
For more information on Championship Wrestling, visit us at http://www.championshipwrestlingtv.com.
Dory Funk Jr. sent this in:
Funk's Corner - Spinning Toe Hold
Dory Funk Sr. was wrestling ad shows in the carnivals earning ten dollars if he won and nothing if he lost. Funk, a former Hammond High Indiana State amateur wrestling champion now on the Indiana University wrestling team won all his matches but ten dollars every once in awhile was not enough to provide for his family.
Dory Funk Sr. spoke to the local wrestling promoter at the Hammond Civic Center, Balk Estes about turning professional wrestler. It was tough to break into the wrestling business in 1941. Dory Funk Sr. wrestled shoot matches on the bottom of the card as local promoter, Balk Estes tried to discourage Dory Funk Sr. from getting into the wrestling business. Main event wrestlers at the time were Lou Thesz, Billy Goelz, Bobby Managolf and Mike Mazurki.
Funk Sr. Kept winning on the first match so Balk Estes called in a famous shooter, Walter Palmer to finish Dory Funk Sr. off. Walter Palmer was the inventor of the Spinning Toe Hold. Not only did Dory Funk Sr. beat Walter Palmer but Dory Funk Sr. watched and learned Walter Palmer's Spinning Toe Hold even refining it further.
The Spinning Toe Hold became the trademark finishing hold perfected only by the Funk Family and was the finishing hold I used in my most famous wrestling match of all, February 11, 1969 in winning the NWA World Championship from Gene Kiniski.
The Funk's Spinning Toe Hold became so established in Japan that a music group, The Creations recorded an instrumental, "Spinning Toe Hold" that went to the top of the charts in Japan. Spinning Toe, by the Creations, is the music that will be played for my ring entrance on my upcoming trip to Japan culminating in my final wrestling match in Sumo Hall on March 1st 2008.
Now featured on our website a wrestling highlight video of my career set to the music of Spinning Toe Hold by the Creations.
A demonstration of exactly how to apply the Spinning Toe Hold is featured in our Funking Conservatory instructional DVD, The "Dory Funk Method" of professional wrestling.
Dory Funk Jr. - http://www.dory-funk.com
Coach of the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School
Historical source for this story, my mother, Dorothy Funk Culver of Amarillo, Texas.