GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 04/07/2008

NEWS

In a developing story that first broke last night, it has now come to light that ECW wrestler Mike Knox owned the home in Locust Gove, GA, where Henry County officials were summoned to investigate findings of the current homeowner, who says items had been left inside the residence. Those items included anabolic steroids and a copy of the World Wrestling Entertainment dress code. Knox has told investigators the items were not his, despite the items being accompanied in a box also containing a contract signed by Knox for employment with WWE. Officials for the company have noted that three other wrestlers, none of whom are currently employed by WWE, shared the residence with Knox. (Rich Tate)

The West family has decided to suspend operations of the United Wrestling League and its internet PPV venture according to Brent West. The UWL ran their second internet PPV event Friday night drew only 115 in the West's hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee. The PPV was scheduled for a two hour webcast for $11.95, but they ended up with only 75 minutes of footage and reduced the price to $5.95. Brent, his brother Rodney and their father, Ron were all involved in the UWL venture. In addition, West said the family was giving up for good on promoting pro wrestling. He said the family planned to use their website to market DVDs of old shows and express their opinions on pro wrestling. "The West Family gloves are off for the first time ever, no one is safe. We have been kicked by many people now we start kicking back." (Larry Goodman)

High Octane Wrestling results from Centre, AL, on April 6: Stupid over Damien Phoenix; Kid Ego over Bob E. Hill; Brian Alexander & the Weapons of Mass Seduction over Kyle Matthews, Jay Clinton & Damon Taz; Lamar Phillips over Cameron Valentine; Extreme Aragon over Hell’s Henchman; and David Young & Bulldog Raines over Air Paris & Butcher Hayes. (Rich Tate)

On April 5, Southern States Championship Wrestling was back at the Enigma Gym in Enigma, GA, for live wrestling action in front of a crowd of 185. The Soviet defeats Johnny Flight w/a running powerslam. In the promo part of the show, SSCW champion Jarrod Michaels said that his competition is weak. Scotty Biggs came out and said he never got his rematch for the title, but this brought out JT Taylor. Taylor asked his title shot, but Commissioner Larry Hall said that Biggs already has a match, and that Taylor would have to put his career on the line against Michaels for a title match. Samantha Steel defeats Bobby Knightmare w/a chokeslam. Scotty Biggs defeats Ike Dudley w/a full nelson slam. "New Age Superstar" Brooks Rogers defeats Logan Stevens with a spinning RKO. In a Southern Heritage Title match, "Rock N Roll" Chris Turner defeats Florida MMA Star Ken Diesel w/a Diamond Cutter. In a career vs the SSCW title match, JT Taylor defeats Jarrod Michaels by DQ after Biggs came out and attacked Taylor. SSCW will be back in Enigma on May 3rd. (Brian Slack)

NAWA Ring Champions results from the Purks Building in Cedartown, GA, on April 4: Tyler Smith & Murder One over HCP; Johnny Slater, Bulldog Raines & the Problem Solver over Lamar Phillips, Chick Donovan & the American Patriot; a match featuring Bobby Eaton versus Ricky Morton was a no contest due to interference by the Exotic Ones (Rick Michaels & Simon Sermon), which led to Michaels & Simon going over Eaton & Morton; Bambi over Peggy Lee to win the NAWA Women’s Title; Lamar Phillips over Jason Valentine by disqualification; and Kyle Matthews, Chris Ganz & Kid Ego over the Exotic Ones (Jay Clinton, Rick Michaels & Simon Sermon). Jeff McGowan, Billy Brooks, Kyle Brock, and Jeremy Black were referees. Paid attendance was reported to be 265. Tracy Smothers was in attendance. (Rich Tate)

On April 10, Great Championship Wrestling will be having live wrestling at the Great Skate Plex in Phenix City, AL. Bell time is 7:30pm. The advertised main event will be Cru Jones and Zero Tolerance taking on Tex Monroe and David Young. (Brian Slack)

NAWA Ring Champions will be back in Rome, GA, at the National Guard Armory, on April 10. Matches start at 7:30 PM. Call (706) 314-9802 for more info. Advertised: the Exotic Ones (Rick Michaels & Simon Sermon) defend the NAWA Tag Team Title against Kyle Matthews & Chip Day; Chris Ganz versus Jason Valentine with no time limit; Tyler Smith versus Chris Lightning; and Josh Vaughn versus Jelly the Clown. (Rich Tate)

The Independent Wrestling Network returns to the Fishcrow Arena in Columbus, GA, on April 11. Bell time is 7:30 PM, and doors open at 6:30. Advertised: Mr. Hughes defends the IWN Heavyweight Title against A.J. Steele; Rob Adonis & Reese Royale versus the Southside Trash; Vordell Walker versus Bulldog Raines; Frankie Valentine versus Simon Sermon; Adrian Hawkins versus Thomas Britain; and Jason Cross versus Jeremy Vain. (Rich Tate)

NOTES

Monday Night Mayhem, hosted by Blade and the Big Mosh, will feature Samoa Joe and Luke Williams on its show tonight at 8:00 PM ET.

Jerkin' the Curtain, hosted by Trent Van Drisse, will feature Michael St. John on its show tonight at 11:00 PM ET. (Rich Tate)

Trash Talking Radio, hosted by Mike Trash, will feature Dickie Rodz and Mike Magnum on its show on April 8 at 7:00 PM ET.

GWH wishes a happy birthday to El Mongol (78), Rosey (38) and Sonjay Dutt (26).

NOSTALGIA

APRIL 7, 1927 (THURSDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (John Contos – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Dick Daviscourt defeated Jack McCarthy > Wladek Zbyszko defeated Jim Browning > World Heavyweight Title Match: Joe Stecher* and Jim Londos wrestled to a draw at 120:00 / Notes: Joe Stecher had been the reigning World Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Stanislaus Zbyszko in St. Louis, MO, on May 30, 1925. This version was the one linked back to George Hackenschmidt.

APRIL 7, 1931 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Glenn Cowan and Whitey Patterson wrestled to a draw > Soldier Leavitt defeated Clarence Sanders > Tiny Roebuck defeated Milo Steinborn (2-0) / Notes: Soldier Leavitt substituted for Paul Harper in the match with Clarence Sanders.

APRIL 7, 1933 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Promoter – Unknown) > Paul Hughes versus Fred Ward > B.B. White versus Tarzan Jordan > Glenn Davis versus Eddie Wagner / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. There were also amateur wrestling matches and a “nothing barred boxing match”, but no details were provided following the card. B.B. White was being billed as the Georgia Light Heavyweight Champion. It was reported that he won the title in a tournament in Columbus, GA, held in 1932, though we have not yet found any documentation of the event.

APRIL 7, 1936 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – LOEW’S GRAND THEATRE (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Warner defeated Marshall Blackstock > Orville Brown defeated Count Zarnoff > Dorv Roche defeated Pete Sauer

APRIL 7, 1950 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Red McIntyre defeated Jack LaRue by disqualification > Buddy Knox and the Red Terror wrestled to a draw > Women’s World Title Match: Mildred Burke* defeated Elvira Snodgrass > Tom Mahoney & Rebel Russell defeated Nick Carter & Don McIntyre / Notes: Mildred Burke had been the reigning Women’s World Champion since she defeated Betty Nichols in Columbus, OH, on December 1, 1938. Elmer Snodgrass managed Elvira Snodgrass.

APRIL 7, 1953 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don McIntyre & Tex Riley defeated Henry Harrell & Aldo Bogni > Carlos Guzman defeated Jack Steele

APRIL 7, 1958 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Robert McCoy – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ronnie Etchison & Rocky Columbo versus Don Lee & the Mighty Yankee > No DQ / No TL Match: Ray Gunkel & Billy Red Lyons versus Karl Heinkler & Kurt Von Brawner / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

APRIL 7, 1964 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Buddy Fuller defeated Don Carson > Joe Scarpa defeated Johnny Bruce > Don Curtis & Eddie Graham defeated Juan Sebastian & Red Roberts

APRIL 7, 1965 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jesse James versus Pancho Villa > Dick Steinborn versus Red Roberts > Mario Galento versus Jerry Miller > Billy Hines & Greg Peterson versus the Mysterious Medics / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

APRIL 7, 1965 (WEDNESDAY) – JEKYLL ISLAND, GA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Al Galento versus Pedro Zapata > Bob Dalton versus Rube Wright > Tony Marino versus Tarzan Tyler / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. It is unclear as to what venue was the site of this card.

APRIL 7, 1967 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PAUL JONES SPORTS ARENA (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bad Boy Hines defeated Pancho Rosario > Ike Eakins defeated Tom Bradley > Corsica Jean defeated Oki Shikina > Mr. Wrestling, Enrique & Ramon Torres defeated Bobby Graham, Lars & Gene Anderson > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: El Mongol defeated Nick Kozak* to win title / Notes: Jack Crawford managed El Mongol. Nick Kozak had been the reigning Georgia Heavyweight Champion since he defeated El Mongol on March 18, 1967, in Atlanta.

APRIL 7, 1970 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Oki Shikina defeated Cousin Alfred > Chati Yokuchi & Fuji defeated Robert Fuller & Tim Geohagen > Joe Scarpa, Bill Dromo & El Mongol defeated Homer O’Dell, Buddy Colt & Karl Von Stroheim / Notes: Homer O’Dell managed Buddy Colt & Karl Von Stroheim.

APRIL 7, 1972 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Billy Spears defeated Cisco Grimaldo > John Sullivan defeated Ox Baker > Women’s Match: Lilly Thomas defeated Sandy Parker > Koa Tiki defeated Assassin #1 > Roberto Soto & L.D. Lewis defeated Rocket & Flash Monroe > Dick Steinborn defeated Assassin #2 > El Mongol defeated Bepo Mongol / Notes: Assassin #1 managed Bepo Mongol. Charlie Smith was credited as being a referee for this card. Dick Steinborn participated in an autograph session for fans. It was announced that Haystacks Calhoun, Mike Burns, and Tarzan Tyler would be wrestling in Atlanta soon.

APRIL 7, 1973 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WTCG STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Cadillac Tournament Match: Sputnik Monroe defeated Jerry Oates / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Gordon Solie.

APRIL 7, 1975 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Lorenzo Parente versus Danny Little Bear > Tommy Gilbert versus Ricky Gibson > Roberto Soto versus Dudley Clements > Don Muraco versus Toru Tanaka > Assassin #2 versus Mr. Wrestling #2 > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Abdullah the Butcher* versus Rocky Johnson / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2, Toru Tanaka, and Abdullah the Butcher.

APRIL 7, 1977 (THURSDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH CIVIC CENTER (Aaron Newman – Promoter / Jim Crockett Promotions) > Two-Ton Harris defeated Joey Rossi > Tony Russo and Francisco Flores wrestled to a draw > Johnny Eagle defeated Butch Malone > Ricky Steamboat defeated Scott Irwin > World Tag Team Title Match: Ric Flair & Greg Valentine* defeated Johnny Weaver & Rufus R. Jones

APRIL 7, 1978 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Pez Whatley defeated John Ruggers > Adrian Adonis defeated Jacques Goulet > Tommy Rich and Helmut Schmidt wrestled to a draw > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Stan Hansen > Dusty Rhodes defeated Ole Anderson > Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Lars Anderson > Tony Atlas defeated Billy Graham / Notes: Rock Hunter managed Helmut Schmidt.

APRIL 7, 1979 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WTCG STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ric Flair defeated Mike Stallings / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Gordon Solie.

APRIL 7, 1980 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mike Sharpe defeated Charlie Fulton > The French Angel defeated Chick Donovan > Jay Strongbow defeated Genichiro Tenryu > Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff and Kevin Sullivan & Lars Anderson wrestled to a draw > Baron Von Raschke versus Mr. Wrestling #2 ended in a double disqualification > Tommy Rich defeated Austin Idol / Notes: Rock Hunter managed Ivan Koloff and Alexis Smirnoff.

APRIL 7, 1983 (THURSDAY) – HUNTINGTON, WV – HUNTINGTON MEMORIAL FIELD HOUSE (Les Thatcher – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Ric Flair* defeated Tony Atlas

APRIL 7, 1984 (SATURDAY) – BALTIMORE, MD (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ernie Ladd defeated the Mystery Man > Tim Horner defeated Jerry Brisco > Sweet Brown Sugar defeated the Spoiler > Brad Armstrong defeated Larry Zbyszko > Wahoo McDaniel & King Kong Bundy defeated the Road Warriors by disqualification > Ric Flair defeated Jack Brisco > NWA World Television Title Match: Ron Garvin defeated Jake Roberts* to win title / Notes: Paul Ellering managed Jake Roberts, the Spoiler, and the Road Warriors.

– GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com