Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com
On Friday, February 8, 2008 at 12:41 AM EST

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 02/07/2008

NEWS

NAWA Ring Champions returns to Rome, GA, after a three year absence tonight 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)

Great Championship Wrestling will have a show in Phenix City, AL, at the Great Skate Plex tonight. Wrestlers who will be there will be GCW champion Johnny Swinger, Bull Buchanan, David Young, Quentin Michaels, and more. Doors open at 6:45 and bell time is at 7:30. (Brian Slack)

The Georgia Pro Wrestling Association will hold a benefit show for Diana Olalde tonight at City Limits Dining & Entertainment in Tifton, GA. Bell time is 9pm and admission is $10. Matches: "Marvelous" Michael Stevens of the Marvelous Ones versus Iron Will; Leon McMicheals of the Marvelous Ones versus Q-Ball; In a stipulation from January 19, the Marvelous Ones must wrestle in dresses. K.I. Elite ("The Real Deal" Jake Slater & "Platinum Playboy" Preston Paradise) versus GPWA heavyweight champ "Insane" Mike Pain & Psych; and The Masked Nightmare versus "Golden Boy" Chic Donovan in a return match demanded by Mr. Donovan on February 2. Others advertised to appear are Tommy 2 Much and Vordell Walker. (Thomas Bugg)

Here is your official preview for Alternative Pro Wrestling this Friday February 8, at the Royston Gym in Royston, GA. Bell time is 8:15pm. The newly crowned North Georgia Champion, "Superstar" Aaron Lee undoubtedly had a career night last week and he has requested time to address his fans in Royston this Friday. The Talent Show returns with APW owner Jericho Stone as the guest. Talent obviously plans to gloat about "winning" the tag match last week with Slim J and Bo Newsom. What Talent and Jacob Ashworth don't know is that Mr. Stone has reviewed the footage from last week, and let’s just say, the door hasn't closed on Bo Newsom's championship dreams just yet. New APW Tag Team Champions, The Friday Night Franchise (Ryan Michaels & Matt Sells), will have their first title defense against ½ of the former champions, Dustin Powers and a partner of his choosing. In your main event, Don Matthews and Jeremy Vain will take on Slim J and Bo Newsom, and what will happen when both Chris Mayne and Billy Buck return from their suspension? For further information email apwroyston@yahoo.com. (Larry Goodman)

Complete Card for the February 8 United States Wrestling Organization show in Nashville, TN, at the Stadium Inn: Main Event-USWO Championship: Kid Kash (c) versus Chris Michaels versus Mitch Ryder; USWO Tag Team Championship-2/3 Falls: Gigolo Jay Phoenix & Luscious Quinton Quarisma (c) versus Cousin Jason X & LT Falk; Mark Anthony (w/Charming Charles) versus Steve O; USWO Jr. Championship: Shane Smalls (c) versus Petey Wright; Lee Cross (w/The Diva Lisa Fayzon) versus Dyronic; and Tim Renesto & J-5 (w/Charming Charles) versus Rob C & New York Gangster. (Larry Goodman)

The February 8 Southern All-Star Wrestling card in Millersville, TN, at the SAW Arena (otherwise known as The Bakery): Main Event: Gary Valiant (w/Miss Boogie) versus Rick Santel; SAW Tag Team Championship: Indian Outlaw & Lennox Lightfoot (c) versus Hammerjack & Matt Dillenger; Arrick Andrews versus Big Rig Bully; Chris Bomb (w/Cocky Cody Bomb) versus Chris Cane; Chris Eckos versus Sharp Dressed Man Lawrence; and Jason James along with other stuff. (Larry Goodman)

James Storm, Eric Young, Traci Brooks, and Crystal Louthan will make an appearance between 1-3 PM at the White Horse Flea Market in Greenville, SC, on February 9, for a photo and autograph session with fans. (Rich Tate)

Georgia Wrestling Promotions presents "Lockdown in Lafayette," Saturday, February 9 at the Lafayette Recreation Department with an 8pm bell time. For the GWP Southern Heavyweight Title, "Sleeper Cell" Shaun Tempers (with the Rev) (c) versus "Master of the Spinebuster" David Young; Regular Guys (Bobby Hill & Tyler Smith) (c) versus Hollywood Brunettes (Andrew Alexander & Kyle Matthews with Jeff G. Bailey & Lexi Pillman) for the GWP Tag Titles; In six man action, Tracy Smothers & J.T. Talent & Andrew Pendleton III versus Hellbillies (Jessco Blue & Timbo Bryant & Big Head Hanson); Iceberg (with the Rev) versus "All Star" Jay Clinton (with Aaron Voight); Slim J versus Kid Ego; and Jamar Acid versus Big Wood. Call 770-296-5290 for further info. (Larry Goodman)

The New Frontier Wrestling Association will be in Franklin, NC, at the National Guard Armory on February 16 for the Valentine’s Violence card. The venue is located at 192 Industrial Park Loop. Bell time is 8:00 PM. Admission for ages 6 and under is free, while older children get in for $5. Adult tickets are $10, and senior citizens get in for half-price. Advertised: Simon Sermon (w/ Mr. Tibbs) defends the NFWA Heavyweight Title against Brokishi, with special guest referee Jay Hartigan; NFWA Tag Team Champions Stoney Hooker & the Bounty Hunter defend their title against the A-Team (Jamar Acid & Dark Angel); Dirty defends the NFWA US Heavyweight Title against Korrupt (w/ Sebastian St. Clair); Carter Maine versus Cornbread; K.T. Hamill versus Talon Williams; Adam Logan & White Lightning versus the Finishers (David Raines & Drew Bannen); and Backdraft (w/ Damon Studd) versus Pitt. Also scheduled to appear are Jen Holbrook and NFWA officials Dee Byers and Michael Gentry. (Rich Tate)

Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling promoter Scott East has informed us that aside from the February 10 event in Carrollton, GA, they will also be running there on February 17, March 2, March 16, and March 30. (Rich Tate)

The Georgia Independent Wrestling Alliance is returning after several months off. GIWA Reloaded will be held on March 1 at the Dodge County Recreation Center in Eastman, GA. Matches will start at 7:30 PM. Next up will be their sixth anniversary card on March 22 at the Georgia College & State University Centennial Center in Milledgeville, GA. This annual event is known as March Madness. On April 26, GIWA returns to the same site for Fools Rush In. More details as they come available. (Rich Tate)

World Wrestling Entertainment will be in Orlando, FL, on March 31 for the live RAW broadcast at the Amway Arena with action starting at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available at the box office and through Ticketmaster. Call (407) 839-3900 for more info. Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, Triple H, Mr. Kennedy, and Shawn Michaels are scheduled to appear. (Rich Tate)

NOTES

The Bo Oates’ coached basketball team of Chattahoochee County lost its chance for the region title in a last second loss to Greenville, but has earned a spot in the Class A playoffs. Click here for more info. (Rich Tate)

A story posted at the website for Total Nonstop Action reports that the company has offered basketball coaching legend Bobby Knight a job as a coach. Knight resigned his position as head coach at Texas Tech earlier this week. Jeff Jarrett is quoted as saying “we’d be thrilled and honored to have him join the ranks, to further build TNA Wrestling into a national power." Click here for the article. (Rich Tate)

On February 5, it was announced that Larry Zbyszko had been awarded the American Wrestling Association’s version of the World Heavyweight Title. The way it was sold on the AWA website was that Zbyszko had never actually lost the title when he left in 1991, and he had filed some sort of appeal to get the vacant title back. Zbyszko was the reigning champion when Verne Gagne, who owned the original version of the AWA, filed for bankruptcy and shut down operations. This version of the AWA began about five years later. The title Zbyszko is now claiming had been vacant since the AWA terminated its relationship with Zero-1 MAX late last year, simultaneously stripping Masato Tanaka of the title. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Keith Steinborn, who turns 49 today.

It was sixteen years ago today that Buzz Sawyer died. He was 32.

NOSTALGIA

1933: George Zaharias defeated Jim Clinstock two falls to one in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Henry Weber. Clinstock had been suspended indefinitely by Atlanta City Boxing Commission Chairman John A. White on January 31, 1933, for failing to appear on that card. Apparently, indefinite meant one week.

1933: Jack Ross defeated Sammy Marcovich in the main event at the New Coliseum in Augusta for promoter W.K. Carswell.

1945: Roland Kirchmeyer defeated Otto Schnabel in the main event at the Savannah Municipal Auditorium for promoters Lou Masters, Dick Leonard, and Buster White.

1958: Ray Gunkel defeated Boris & Nicoli Volkoff in a main event handicap match at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Billy Red Lyons and the Mighty Yankee (Roger Mackay) wrestled to a draw in the semi-main event.

1961: Gypsy Joe & Skull Murphy defeated Bill Dromo & Chief Little Eagle in the main event at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Cowboy Bradley & Lord Littlebrook defeated Beau Brummell & Tiny Roe in a midget match.

1962: Tito Carreon defeated Assassin #1 by disqualification in the main event at the Columbus Sports Arena for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Assassin #2 defeated Rito Carreon by disqualification in the semi-main event.

1964: Fritz Von Erich defeated Lorenzo Parente in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Don McIntyre. Joe Scarpa and Stan Stasiak wrestled to a draw in the semi-main event. It was announced that Dick the Bruiser and Kurt & Karl Von Stroheim would be wrestling in Atlanta soon.

1967: Enrique & Ramon Torres and Lars & Gene Anderson wrestled to a draw in the main event at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward.

1969: El Mongol defeated Dale Lewis, managed by Jack Crawford, to win the Georgia Heavyweight Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Hans Schmidt was the special referee for the match. In the semi-main event, Assassin #2 & the Professional defeated Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller to retain the Georgia Tag Team Title. Fans protested that the Assassins pulled a switch during the match. Assassin #2 had limped to the ring prior to the match. Assassin #1, who had come to ringside during the bout with no limp at all, and both Assassins were limping to the dressing room following the match.

1973: We do not have results for this match, but Bob Armstrong was scheduled to defend the Columbus Heavyweight Title against Gene Kiniski at the Columbus Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. The advertised semi-main event was Jack Crawford & Tarzan Tyler versus Norvel Austin & Mr. Wrestling #2.

1975: We do not have results for this match, but Bill Watts was to wrestle Abdullah the Butcher in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Andre the Giant defeated Roger Kirby & Assassin #2 in the semi-main event. Also, Jerry Brisco defeated Buddy Colt, and Toru Tanaka defeated Bill Dromo. Don Muraco defeated Don Greene, and Robert Fuller defeated Joe Tomayo in the opener. Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2 and Tanaka.

1976: Abdullah the Butcher defeated Bob Armstrong in the main event at the Griffin-Barnesville Sports Palace for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Stan Stasiak in the semi-main event. In other matches, Ted & Jerry Oates defeated Mitsu Hata & Taru Hayashi, while Skandor Akbar and Ervin Smith wrestled to a draw. Leon Ogle defeated Wildman Davis in the opener. Ron West was credited as being a referee for this card.

1977: Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Georgia Heavyweight Champion Dick Slater by countout in a title match at the William Bell Auditorium in Augusta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Charlie Harben. A semi-main event match featuring Ole & Gene Anderson versus Thunderbolt Patterson & Mr. Wrestling #1 ended in a double countout. In other matches, Abdullah the Butcher defeated Dean Ho, and Ricky Steamboat defeated Scott Irwin. Charlie Fulton defeated Randy Colley in the opener.

1978: We do not have results for this card, but Stan Hansen was scheduled to defend the Georgia Heavyweight Title against Dick Slater in the main event at the Macon Coliseum for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Ole Anderson & Jacques Goulet were also on the bill, as defending the Georgia Tag Team Title against Tony Atlas & Mr. Wrestling #2. Also, Bob Armstrong was to defend the Georgia Television Title against Abdullah the Butcher.

1979: We do not have results for this card, but Andre the Giant was to wrestle the Masked Superstar in the main event at the Columbus Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. The advertised semi-main event was a handcuff match between Ole Anderson and Thunderbolt Patterson. Also scheduled for the bill was Stan Hansen versus Wahoo McDaniel, and King Kong Mosca versus Mr. Wrestling #2.

1980: We do not have results for this card, but Kevin Sullivan was to wrestle Austin Idol in a main event Boston street fight match at the Rome Memorial Gymnasium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Charlie Harben. Also advertised was Mr. Wrestling #2 versus Killer Khan, managed by the Great Mephisto, and Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff versus Lars Anderson & Charles Buffong. Rock Hunter managed Koloff and Smirnoff. Bill Dromo versus Steve Travis was to be the opener.

1981: Robert Fuller & Ted DiBiase defeated the Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) by disqualification in the main event at the VFW Fairgrounds in Carrollton for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Kevin Sullivan defeated Stan Frazier by countout in the semi-main event, and Buddy Roberts defeated Bill Dromo. Also, Ted Oates defeated Ron Cheatham, while Jerry Oates and Alexis Smirnoff wrestled to a draw in the opener.

1981: Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race by disqualification in a title match at the Chattanooga (TN) Memorial Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Andre the Giant defeated the National Heavyweight Champion Mongolian Stomper, managed by Don Carson, by disqualification in a title match. Also, Steve Keirn defeated Ole Anderson by disqualification, and Steve O defeated National Television Champion Bobby Eaton by disqualification in a title match. Charlie Cook and Jim Duggan wrestled to a draw in the opener.

1982: Tommy Rich defeated Harley Race by disqualification in the main event at the Omni Auditorium in Atlanta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. A semi-main event match between Bob Armstrong and Roddy Piper was ruled a no contest. A match featuring Ron Fuller & Leroy Brown versus the Masked Superstar & the Super Destroyer was ruled a no contest. Also, Blackjack Mulligan defeated Big Red, and Brad Armstrong defeated Ron Bass. A title match between NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion Les Thornton and Jerry Brisco ended in a double countout. In other matches, Kevin Sullivan defeated Ted Oates, and Buzz Sawyer defeated Jimmy Garvin. Jerry Oates and Ricky Harris wrestled to a draw, and the French Angel defeated Tommy Rogers in the opener.

1983: Paul Orndorff defeated Ivan Koloff by disqualification in the main event at the Charleston (WV) Civic Center for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Les Thatcher. Butch Reed defeated the Super Destroyer in the semi-main event. Also, Stan Hansen & Tommy Rich and Buzz Sawyer & Bruiser Brody wrestled to a draw. In other matches, Paul Ellering defeated Brad Armstrong, while Bob Roop defeated Tito Santana. Buck Robley defeated Tom Prichard in the opener.

2002: Dustin Rhodes defeated Steve Corino in the main event at the VFW Fairgrounds in Carrollton for Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling. Barry Windham & Ron Studd defeated Jason Sugarman & Scotty Riggs in the semi-main event.

– GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com

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Dory Funk Jr. sent this in:

Funking Conservatory Press Release - Dory Funk Jr. / Antonio Inoki to Meet Again

From Masanori Horie - News from the Rising Sun

Dory Funk Jr. will be making a special appearance for the IGF (Inoke Genome Federation) on Saturday February 16th at 6:00pm at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo for the Naoya Ogawa vs Josh Barnett match.
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This will be a rare occasion for Antonio Inoki and Dory Funk Jr. to meet. In 1969, Dory Funk Jr. wrestled Antonio Inoki to a one hour time limit draw. There was a return match in 1970 that also went to a one hour time limit draw.

In 1972 a return match was scheduled however just prior to the match taking place, Antonio Inoki announced he was quitting the company (Japan Pro Wrestling) and forming his own company, New Japan Pro Wrestling. Japan Judo Champion, Seiji Sakaguchi replaced Mr. Inoki in the match for the NWA World Championship against Dory Funk Jr.

Shortly thereafter, the old company, Japan Pro Wrestling ceased doing business and Giant Baba formed his own company, All Japan Pro Wrestling.

The 2008 Excite Series starting February 17 at Korakuen Hall and finishing with Dory Funk's Final Match in Wrestling March 1st at Tokyo's Sumo Hall will mark the 35th anniversary of All Japan Pro Wrestling.

The Funking Conservatory's Flyin' Ryan "Air" Mitchell has signed a contract with All Japan Pro Wrestling to wrestle on the 2008 Excite Series, Dory Funk's Sayonara Series.

Funking Conservatory Wrestling School - fuanku@dory-funk.com. Includes special direct link to All Japan Pro Wrestling's Website where tickets are available for purchase to Dory's Sayanora Tour and Dory Funk's Final wrestling match at Tokyo's Sumo Hall.

For training schedules at the Funking Conservatory wrestling school E-mail fuanku@dory-funk.com.