GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 05/15/2008

NEWS

In a special episode of Peach State Pandemonium, we have comments from Jody Hamilton, Les Thatcher, and Bobby Simmons, discussing Leo Garibaldi and Penny Banner. Click here for the archive. (Rich Tate)

NAWA Ring Champions will be at the National Guard Armory in Rome, GA, on May 15. Bell time is 7:30 PM. Advertised: the Exotic Ones (Rick Michaels & Simon Sermon) defend the NAWA Tag Team Title against Chris Ganz & Air Paris; and the first round of the NAWA Heavyweight Title tournament, featuring Bulldog Raines versus Murder One, John Arden versus Jay Clinton, Chris Lightning versus Josh Vaughn, and Jason Valentine versus Waylon Rhodes. Also advertised are Kid Ego, Chip Day, Torque, Jackie Rosedale, Mike Reed, Josh Hayes, and NAWA Commissioner Ted McGuinness. Call (706) 314-9802 for more information. (Rich Tate)

The Georgia Pro Wrestling Association returns to City Limits in Tifton, GA, tonight. Bell time is 8:00 PM and admission is $10. Advertised: Larry Zbyszko & Chasyn Rance versus K.I. Elite (Mike Stratus & Jake Slater); Tommy Rich versus the Masked Superstar; Vordell Walker versus Dagon Biggs; Jack Manley versus Big Bank Barfield; and Preston Paradise versus Chick Donovan. Mike Pain, the Marvelous Ones, Johnny Romano, Prince Murphy, Psych, and Tetchie Makuji are also advertised to appear. (Rich Tate)

Great Championship Wrestling will be at the Gr8 Sk8 Plex in Phenix City, AL, tonight. Bell time is 7:30 PM. Advertised: GCW Heavyweight Champion Johnny Swinger, GCW Interstate Heavyweight Champion Cru Jones, and GCW Tag Team Champions J-Rod & Tex Monroe. (Rich Tate)

All-State Wrestling returns to the Statum Cab Company in Shelbyville, TN, tonight. Bell time is 7:30 PM. Admission is $5, and kids 5 and under get in free. Advertised: Chris Michaels defends the ASW Heavyweight Title against Gigolo Jay in a lumberjack match; Steve O versus Big T; Tim Renesto versus Gypsy Joe in a no disqualification match; Shane Rhodes versus the Kid; and Maxx Hatter versus the New York Gangster. (Rich Tate)

The Gallatin Wrestling Alliance will be at the VFW Hall in Gallatin, TN, tonight. Matches start at 8:00 PM, and doors open at 7:00. Admission is $10 for ringside, and all other seating is $8. Advertised: Mitch Ryder versus L.T. Falk; Mike Jablonski versus Damien Payne; Richard Lowe & Otis Bass versus Steven Green & the White Tiger; Shane Smalls versus the Mexican Dragon; Justin Spade & Dyron Flynn versus Slack J & Kid Scorpion; and Lee Cross versus Se7en. (Rich Tate)

DISCLAIMER: GWH is not liable for any card changes, cancellations, etc. We can only report what is reported to us. As always, we suggest you check with the promotion within 24 hours to verify information posted here.

NOTES

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Kevin Von Erich (51) and Ron Simmons (46).

Today in Memoriam: Farmer Boy Townsend (32, 1965) and Ben Alexander (51, 2002)

NOSTALGIA

MAY 15, 1933 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – HOWELL MILL ARENA (F.P. Owens – Promoter) > Tom Malloy versus Dink Almand > Glenn Cowan versus Ambrose Cole > Roy Anderson versus John Mauldin / Notes: It was reported that Roy Anderson was a twenty-five year veteran of the mat with over 3,000 matches, and a former Farmer Burns associate, as well as being a former world middleweight champion.

MAY 15, 1933 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – LAKEWOOD PARK FIGHT ARENA (Bill Corley – Promoter) > Curley Baker defeated Jimmy Hope > Whitey Patterson and Gene Fox wrestled to a draw > George Harben defeated Tom Malloy / Notes: It was reported that Tom Malloy had been wrestling all over Florida, Alabama, and the Carolinas, with considerable success, and that George Harben was back from an eastern tour where he met Jack Sherry and Joe Savoldi.

MAY 15, 1934 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – SUNSET ATHLETIC CLUB (Promoter – Unknown) > Eight-Round Boxing Match: Sammy Banks versus Johnny Hugh > Ten-Round Boxing Match: Hope Finley versus the Cowboy Kid > John Mauldin versus Ted Sarris > Dan Kellenger versus Gus Pappas / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 15, 1934 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – HOWELL MILL ARENA (C.W. Bennett – Promoter) > Gorilla Tucker versus Young Gotch > Bob Anderson versus Wesley Brownlee > Harry Nixon versus Gus Pappas / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 15, 1934 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – LAKEWOOD PARK FIGHT ARENA (Weyman Boyles – Promoter) > Fred Lassiter and Dan Kellenger wrestled to a draw > John Mauldin and Bill Collins wrestled to a draw > Stanley Buresch defeated Eddie Elzea (2-1) / Notes: Dan Kellenger substituted for Ted Sarris in the match with Fred Lassiter. Tiny Ruff was credited as being a referee for this card. It was reported that a Hart, Schaffner, and Marx suit was given away to a lucky fan in attendance at the matches.

MAY 15, 1935 (WEDNESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PONCE de LEON BALL PARK (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bruce Nolan and Jack Warner wrestled to a draw > George Koverly defeated Buck Weaver at 26:00 (2-0) > Roland Kirchmeyer defeated Tom Marvin at 42:00 (2-1) / Notes: Bruce Nolan substituted for Bob Savage in the match with Jack Warner.

MAY 15, 1936 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – RIVERSIDE ARENA (Frank Bettis – Promoter) > Battle Royal featuring King Kong Kashey, Eddie Elzea, Tarzan Jordan, Son Almand, and Frank Remille > Tarzan Jordan defeated Young Londos (2-0) / Notes: It is unclear as to the reason or the result for the battle royal.

MAY 15, 1948 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Pete Managoff defeated Don Lee > Jack Ross, Jr., and Babe Zaharias wrestled to a draw > Laverne Baxter & George Craig defeated Tom Mahoney & Natie Brown > Jim Coffield defeated Bobby Roberts by countout

MAY 15, 1950 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – AUGUSTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don & Red McIntyre defeated Tom Mahoney & Babe Zaharias > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: the Red Terror defeated Nick Carter* to win title / Notes: Nick Carter had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Rebel Russell on March 31, 1950, in Atlanta. He actually lost the title to the Terror on May 12, 1950, in Atlanta, and this seems to have simply been to allow the Augusta fans to see a switch.

MAY 15, 1957 (WEDNESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Argentina Rocca versus Kurt Von Brawner / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Although not mentioned, Kola Kwariani was likely in attendance, as he was charged with traveling with Argentina Rocca as a troubleshooter for him.

MAY 15, 1959 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Gypsy Joe, Freddie & Mickey Blassie defeated Don McClarty, Dickie Gunkel & Farmer Powell > Boxer versus Wrestler Match: Skull Murphy defeated Joey Maxim

MAY 15, 1961 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Robert McCoy – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ronnie Hill & Bob Rasmussen versus Jim Burke & Tiny Evans > Barbed Wire Fence Match: Jerry Graham versus Guy Mitchell / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 15, 1962 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Andre Drapp defeated Ivan Zukoff > Lenny Montana defeated Don Whittler > US Tag Team Title Match: the Assassins* versus Dick Steinborn & Chief Little Eagle wrestled to a draw at 60:00 / Notes: It is unclear as to how the Assassins came to be recognized as US Tag Team Champions. The last reference we have shows them losing the title to Ray Gunkel & Bob Ellis on May 4, 1962, in Atlanta.

MAY 15, 1963 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Dromo defeated George Bell > The Scufflin’ Hillbillies defeated Tito Kopa & Bulldog Lawley > World Heavyweight Title Match (No DQ): Tarzan Tyler* defeated Silento Rodriguez / Notes: Tarzan Tyler had been the reigning World Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Dick Steinborn on May 10, 1963, in Atlanta.

MAY 15, 1964 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Don McIntyre – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Wildman Phillips defeated Tex Riley > Midget Women’s Match: Darling Dagmar defeated Diamond Lil > Buddy Fuller defeated George Harris > Joe Scarpa defeated Red Steiner > Sputnik Monroe defeated Ray Gunkel > World Tag Team Title Match: the Bavarian Boys defeated Kurt & Karl Von Brauner* by disqualification / Notes: Saul Weingeroff managed Kurt & Karl Von Brauner. The Von Brauners had been billed as World Tag Team Champions since May 12, 1964. It was reported that George Harris’ leg was broken during the match with Buddy Fuller. This was the final Atlanta card promoted by Don McIntyre. Les Wolfe replaced him and began promoting immediately. McIntyre had sold his shares of stock in the office to Fuller. It is interesting to note that in the program for this card, McIntyre provided no hints in his column that this deal was happening, nor was there anything in the May 22, 1964, program explaining the change in promoters. It was announced that Freddie Blassie would be wrestling in Atlanta soon.

MAY 15, 1965 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WAII STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mario Galento defeated Bob Eisenburg > Red Roberts defeated Tony Baillargeon > Buddy Fuller & Jesse James defeated the Mysterious Medics / Notes: This was for the “Live Atlanta Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral.

MAY 15, 1965 (SATURDAY) – CARROLLTON, GA (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Billy Hines & Jerry Miller versus Charlie Carr & Tony Baillargeon > Mario Galento versus Jesse James / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. It is unclear as to what venue was the site of this card.

MAY 15, 1965 (SATURDAY) – MARIETTA, GA – LARRY BELL BALLPARK (Elmo Chappell – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Vince Gironda versus Kurt Von Steiger > Pedro Zapata versus Red Roberts > Ray Gunkel & Frankie Cain versus the Corsicans / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 15, 1970 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Armstrong defeated Bad Boy Hines > Ramon Torres defeated George Harris > Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller defeated Chati Yokuchi & Fuji > Assassin #1 and the Challenger wrestled to a draw > Nick Bockwinkel & Paul DeMarco defeated Joe Scarpa & Doug Gilbert by disqualification > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Dory Funk, Jr.,* defeated Assassin #2 / Notes: Dory Funk, Jr., had been the reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Gene Kiniski on February 11, 1969, in Tampa, FL. During the match between Funk, Jr., and Assassin #2, Assassin #1 attempted to replace his partner. It was reported an NWA official was in attendance and reported it back to NWA President Sam Muchnick, leading to a suspension the next week of both of the Assassins. Leo Garibaldi and Charlie Smith were credited as being referees for this card.

MAY 15, 1971 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ray Gunkel defeated Mr. X > Georgia Television Title Match: Klondike Bill* defeated Guillotine Gordon by disqualification > Dick Steinborn defeated Luke Graham > Assassin #1 defeated Bob Griffin by disqualification / Notes: This was taped for the “Atlanta TV Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. Klondike Bill had been the reigning Georgia Television Champion since he defeated Luke Graham on March 20, 1971, in Atlanta. Jack Crawford managed Guillotine Gordon.

MAY 15, 1973 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Ann Gunkel – Promoter / All-South Wrestling Alliance) > Ted Oates versus Bearcat Wilkerson > Koa Tiki versus the Cougar > John Black versus the Avenger > Tommy Seigler & Randy Curtis versus Bill Bowman & Joe Turner > Ox Baker versus Argentina Apollo > Ron Pritchard versus Jack Armstrong > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Rock Hunter & Assassin #2* versus Ernie Ladd & Ray Candy / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Mr. X managed Bill Bowman and Joe Turner. Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2.

MAY 15, 1973 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Roy Lee Welch and Bob Orton, Jr., wrestled to a draw > Tiger Conway, Jr., defeated Otto Von Heller > Jerry Oates defeated Ed Wiskowski > Leon Ogle & Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Bobby Duncum & Bill White > Bill Watts defeated Bill Dromo

MAY 15, 1976 (SATURDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ervin Smith and Karl Von Steiger wrestled to a draw > The Red Devils defeated Rick Martel & Dean Ho by disqualification > Mitsu Hata defeated El Bracero > Skip Young defeated Yasu Fuji > No DQ: Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Stan Stasiak > The Spoiler defeated Dusty Rhodes by disqualification / Notes: Gary Hart managed the Spoiler.

MAY 15, 1977 (SUNDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH CIVIC CENTER (Aaron Newman – Promoter / Jim Crockett Promotions) > Tully Blanchard defeated the Blue Scorpion > Jerry Blackwell & Mr. X #1 defeated Bill Dromo & Frankie Lane > Tiger Conway, Jr., defeated Randy Savage > Bobo Brazil defeated Kim Duk > Russian Chain Match: the Mighty Igor defeated Boris Malenko / Notes: Boris Malenko managed Kim Duk.

MAY 15, 1978 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Hartford Love defeated Paul Ellering > Hartford Love & Helmut Schmidt defeated Doug Gilbert & Adrian Adonis > 1,000 Silver Dollar Match: Ole Anderson defeated Mr. Wrestling #1 > Dusty Rhodes defeated Bobby Duncum > Georgia Television Title Match: Thunderbolt Patterson* defeated Abdullah the Butcher / Notes: Hartford Love substituted for Wolfgang Schmidt to team with Helmut Schmidt in the match with Doug Gilbert & Adrian Adonis. Rock Hunter managed Abdullah the Butcher & Helmut Schmidt.

MAY 15, 1979 (TUESDAY) – DECATUR, GA – SOUTHWEST DEKALB HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ted Oates defeated Frank Dusek > Genichiro Tenryu defeated John Wolfe > Tommy Rich & Norvel Austin defeated Luke Graham & Kurt Von Hess > Mr. Wrestling #1 defeated the Masked Superstar by disqualification

MAY 15, 1979 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Howard and Genichiro Tenryu wrestled to a draw > John Wolfe defeated Frank Dusek > Ben Alexander & Norvel Austin defeated Ron Bass & Carl Fergie > The Masked Superstar defeated Tommy Rich > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff* defeated Bob Armstrong & Wahoo McDaniel / Notes: Frank Dusek substituted for Mike Stallings in the match with John Wolfe. Bobby Heenan managed Ron Bass.

MAY 15, 1980 (THURSDAY) – ROME, GA – ROME MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Sweetan versus Mike Fever > Mike Sharpe versus Charlie Fulton > Tony Atlas versus the French Angel > Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff versus Tommy Rich & Mr. Wrestling #2 / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Rock Hunter managed Ivan Koloff and Alexis Smirnoff.

MAY 15, 1983 (SUNDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Brett Wayne defeated Joe Lightfoot > Brian Blair defeated Chick Donovan > Ron Garvin defeated Bob Roop > Tommy Rich & Ray Candy defeated Destruction, Inc. > Brian Blair, Stan Hansen & Dick Murdoch versus Paul Ellering, Killer Brooks & the Iron Sheik ended in a double disqualification > Paul Orndorff defeated Larry Zbyszko > Tony Atlas defeated Killer Brooks by disqualification / Notes: Killer Brooks substituted for Buzz Sawyer in the match with Tony Atlas. Paul Ellering managed the Iron Sheik and Destruction, Inc.

– GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com