GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 05/18/2008

NEWS

World Wrestling Entertainment’s Judgment Day PPV broadcasts live from the Qwest Center in Omaha, NE, tonight. Advertised: Triple H defends the WWE Heavyweight Title against Randy Orton in a cage match; Edge versus the Undertaker for the WWE World Heavyweight Title; John Morrison & the Miz defend the WWE Tag Team Title against CM Punk & Kane; John Cena versus JBL; Chris Jericho versus Shawn Michaels; Mark Henry versus Big Show; and Mickie James defends the WWE Women’s Title against Beth Phoenix and Melina in a three-way. (Rich Tate)

Georgia Pro Wrestling Association results from City Limits in Tifton, GA, on May 15: Johnny Romano over Dallas Riley; Mr. Big over Tommy Dane; Brokishi over Tetchie Makuji; the Marvelous Ones over Devlin Valek & Psych; Chick Donovan won a “sharp dressed man” contest, and was attacked by Preston Paradise, with Jake Slater making the save; Tommy Rich over the Masked Superstar; Big Bank Barfield over Jack Manley; Chasyn Rance & Mister Saint Laurent over Jake Slater & Scott Cage to retain the AWA World Tag Team Title; Vordell Walker over Dagon Briggs; Chick Donovan over Preston Paradise; and Larry Zbyszko over Mike Pain to retain the AWA World Heavyweight Title. (Rich Tate)

Florida Championship Wrestling will be at the Bourbon Street Night Club in New Port Richey, FL, on May 20. Bell time is 8:30 PM and admission is $7. Advertised: the Empire defends the FCW Tag Team Title against the Canadian Bulldogs; Victoria, Daisy & Roucka versus Taryn Terrell & the Bella Twins; Bryan Kelly versus Big Rob; Tyrone Jones & Afa versus the Puerto Rican Nightmares, with Miss Angela; Gabe Tuft versus Sheamus O’Shaunessy; Jay Bradley & Mondo versus Colt Cabana & Atlas DaBone; Sinn Bowdee versus Rycklon; Jack Gabriel versus Kafu, with Andrew Vein; and SHwan Spears versus Mr. Yamamoto. (Rich Tate)

The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame will be honoring several people at its annual events in Amsterdam, NY, on Friday and Saturday. Bret Hart, Bob Backlund, Gene Kiniski, Bobo Brazil, Giant Baba, Betty Niccoli, Toots Mondt, Ray Steele, Tom Jenkins, and Ernie and Emil Dusek are being honored by the PWHF. Kiniski and Niccoli are said to be attending to receive their honors in person. Also reportedly confirmed to be in attendance for the festivities are George Steele, Killer Kowalski, Billy Graham, Paul Orndorff, Mae Young, Dick Beyer, Nick Bockwinkel, Billy Two Rivers, Johnny Rodz, Red Bastein, Lou Albano, Tony Atlas, J.J. Dillon, Manny Soto, Cousin Luke, Jay Strongbow, Don Bass, and Dory Funk, Jr., among others. Ray Apollo will be master of ceremonies for the induction dinner. (Rich Tate)

The American Fight League (MMA) presents “Bulletproof” on May 30 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA, with action starting at 8:00 PM. Tickets, ranging from $27 to $202, went on sale today, and can be purchased by clicking here. Advertised: Diego Saraiva defends the AFL World Lightweight Title against Josh Cate; Douglas Lima versus Brent Weedman for the AFL World Welterweight Title; George Lockhart versus George Allen for the vacant AFL World Middleweight Interim Title; heavyweight bouts featuring Dan Christison versus Sam Holloway and Todd Duffee versus Steve Banks; a middleweight bout featuring David Curby versus Robi Ramey; a light heavyweight bout featuring Ethan Garrison versus Willy Smalls; and a lightweight bout featuring Torrance Taylor versus Junior Assuncao. AFL is promising two marquee signings to be announced at the event, with both being present to sign autographs. (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

Since Les Thatcher is now part of the GWH family, we thought it would be appropriate to begin linking to columns he writes for Pro Wrestling Insider. His most recent work can be found here. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Gino Brito (67), Jimmy Snuka (63), and the Blue Meanie (35).

Today in Memoriam: Boyd Pierce (70, 1999)

NOSTALGIA

MAY 18, 1933 (THURSDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – NORTHWEST ARENA (Northwest Atlanta Baseball Club – Promoter) > Boxing Match: Paul Williams defeated Bingo Jenkins > Gene Fox defeated Pat Austin > Dink Almand defeated Eddie Wagner

MAY 18, 1933 (THURSDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WEST VIEW ARENA (Promoter – Unknown) > John Mauldin versus Ambrose Cole > Pat Austin versus Leon Fuller > Lloyd Brown versus Smitty Anderson / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 18, 1934 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – KEY ARENA (Jason Thompson and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Tarzan Jordan and Gus Pappas wrestled to a draw > Spike O’Brien defeated Eddie Stecher (2-1) > Ted Sarris defeated Bill Crussell (2-1) / Notes: Bill Crussell substituted for Stanley Buresch in the match with Ted Sarris.

MAY 18, 1934 (FRIDAY) – AVONDALE, GA – AVONDALE ARENA (Wesley Brownlee – Promoter) > Charlie Norman versus Young Gotch > Eddie Elzea versus Ted Sarris > Fred Lassiter versus Dan Kellenger / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 18, 1936 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – KEY ARENA (Frank Bettis – Promoter) > Joe Woods versus Frank Remille > John Mauldin versus Sammy Miller > Southern Light Heavyweight Title Match: Jack Ross* defeated Tarzan Jordan / Notes: Aside from the match between Tarzan Jordan and Jack Ross, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found. Jordan was initially declared the winner of the match with Ross, but for unstated reasons the decision was reversed. It is unclear as to how Ross became recognized as Southern Light Heavyweight Champion. The last reference we have shows Honey Boy Hackney defending the title on September 16, 1935. Incidentally, Ross was also recognized during this time frame as the Southern Lightweight Champion for promoter Bill Metzger.

MAY 18, 1938 (WEDNESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WARREN ARENA (Frank Speer – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Lou Thesz defeated Henry Piers > Frank Speer defeated Bill Bartush > Andy Rascher defeated Pete Baltram

MAY 18, 1945 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > John Mauldin defeated Ben Bennicasa by disqualification > Jack Kelly defeated the Green Hornet > Fritz Schnabel and Tarzan White wrestled to a draw > Al Massey versus Wally Greb ruled a no contest > Dick Lever defeated Dick Jackson

MAY 18, 1948 (TUESDAY) – EAST POINT, GA – EAST POINT MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Fred Ward Promotions) > Bill Collins & Red Dugan versus Joe Harben & Mr. X > Joe Estes versus Tony Mello / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Mile High Ross was the special referee for the match between Joe Estes and Tony Mello.

MAY 18, 1951 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Charley Laye versus Lou Plummer > Lozano Martinez versus Tarzan White > Man versus Animal Match: Joe Kirkland versus Um Bam the Gorilla > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Don McIntyre* versus Dan O’Connor / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Don McIntyre had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated the Golden Terror on March 30, 1951, in Atlanta.

MAY 18, 1953 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Danny Dusek defeated Dan O'Connor > Mr. Moto defeated Nick Carter (2-1) > Henry Harrell defeated Tex Riley (2-1) / Notes: Fuji managed Mr. Moto.

MAY 18, 1956 (FRIDAY) – EAST POINT, GA – EAST POINT MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Billy Blassie versus Tarzan White > Jerry Graham versus Tom Drake > Danny McShain versus Chief Big Heart / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 18, 1959 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – ARMORY HALL (Robert McCoy – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Freddie Blassie & Skull Murphy versus Ray Gunkel & Farmer Powell / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 18, 1960 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS SPORTS ARENA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Owen Henley and Prince Nero wrestled to a draw at 15:00 > Mickey Blassie & Prince Nero defeated Owen Henley & Lou Whitson > Eric Pederson defeated Bill Dromo

MAY 18, 1962 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Don McIntyre – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Women’s Match: Sweet Georgia Brown defeated Diana Beamon > Kurt & Karl Von Brauner defeated Bob Ellis & Andre Drapp > Lenny Montana and Chief Little Eagle wrestled to a draw > US Tag Team Title Texas Death Tag Team Match: the Assassins* defeated Eddie Graham & Dick Steinborn / Notes: Saul Weingeroff managed Kurt & Karl Von Brauner. The Assassins had vowed to unmask if they could not defeat Eddie Graham & Dick Steinborn. The Assassins had been billed as US Tag Team Champions since May 15, 1962. It was announced that Karl Gotch and the Great Malenko would be wrestling in Atlanta soon, and that Prince Kalani would be coming in June.

MAY 18, 1964 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Steve Manderson – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Wildman Phillips defeated Ron Reed > Women’s Match: Ann Casey defeated Andrea Swenson > Joe Scarpa & Tex Riley defeated Kurt & Karl Von Brauner by disqualification / Notes: Saul Weingeroff managed Kurt & Karl Von Brauner.

MAY 18, 1965 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Billy Hines defeated Pedro Zapata > Kurt & Karl Von Brauner defeated the Mysterious Medics > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Lou Thesz* defeated Choo-Choo Lynn / Notes: Saul Weingeroff managed Kurt & Karl Von Brauner. The Von Brauners were billed upon arrival as World Tag Team Champions. The last reference we have for this title shows the Mysterious Medics defending it against Bill Dromo & Joe Scarpa on February 19, 1965, in Marietta. Lou Thesz had been the reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Buddy Rogers on January 24, 1963, in Toronto, ON.

MAY 18, 1968 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jim Wilson defeated Tony Nero > Dick Steinborn & Pedro Valdez defeated Hans Schmidt & El Mongol by disqualification > Tank Morgan defeated Bobby Hart / Notes: This was for the “Live Atlanta Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. Gentleman X (1) managed Hans Schmidt & El Mongol. Capral announced that Jack Crawford told him that he would have Gentleman X unmask if anyone could defeat the Big O at any time.

MAY 18, 1971 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Krusher Karlson defeated Bob Griffin > Dick Steinborn defeated Fidel Castillo > Klondike Bill defeated Gene Bobo > Bill Dromo, Bob Griffin & Dick Steinborn defeated Billy Spears, Fidel Castillo & Krusher Karlson > Southeastern Tag Team Title Match: Bob Armstrong & El Mongol defeated the Assassins* by disqualification / Notes: Choo-Choo Lynn was the special referee for the match between Bob Armstrong & El Mongol and the Assassins. The Assassins had been billed as Southeastern Tag Team Champions since May 11, 1971.

MAY 18, 1973 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Roy Lee Welch & Bob Orton, Jr., defeated Bill White & Ed Wiskowski > Bearcat Brown defeated Rocket Monroe > Tiger Conway, Jr., defeated Sputnik Monroe > Eddie & Mike Graham defeated the Medics > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Billy Spears > The Super Infernos defeated Bill Dromo & Jerry Oates > Lumberjack Match: Norvel Austin defeated Jack Crawford > US Heavyweight Title Match: the Sheik* defeated Bobo Brazil > Cadillac Tournament Finals: Bobby Shane defeated Bobby Duncum; Bob Armstrong defeated Duncum; Shane defeated Armstrong > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match (No DQ / No TL): Bill Watts* defeated Mr. Wrestling #1 / Notes: Abdullah Farouk managed the Sheik. J.C. Dykes managed the Super Infernos. This was the first professional wrestling card held at the new Omni Coliseum, which had primarily been built for the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), the Atlanta Flames (NHL), and concerts.

MAY 18, 1973 (FRIDAY) – WARNER ROBINS, GA – WARNER ROBINS CIVIC CENTER (Dick Steinborn – Promoter / All-South Wrestling Alliance) > Mixed Tag Team Match: Jesse James & Ann Smothers versus Valerie Griffin & the Masked Cougar > Georgia Brass Knucks Title Match: Rock Hunter* versus Dick Steinborn > Lumberjack Match: Assassin #2 versus Ray Candy / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2.

MAY 18, 1974 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WTCG STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Andre the Giant defeated Big Mac > Jerry Brisco defeated Steve Keirn > Gene Anderson defeated Bob Armstrong > Bob Sweetan defeated Jerry Oates / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Gordon Solie.

MAY 18, 1974 (SATURDAY) – DOUGLASVILLE, GA – NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Derrell Cochran defeated Big Mac > Steve Keirn defeated the Zebra Kid > Jerry Oates & Earl Maynard defeated Gene Anderson & the Zebra Kid > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Art Nelson

MAY 18, 1977 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Abe Jacobs versus Roberto Soto > Richard Blood versus Waldo Von Erich > Paul Jones & Mr. Wrestling #1 versus Gene Anderson & the French Angel > Ole Anderson versus Thunderbolt Patterson > Columbus Heavyweight Title Match (DQ Rule Waived): Lars Anderson versus Mr. Wrestling #2 / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 18, 1978 (THURSDAY) – ROME, GA – ROME MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Doug Gilbert versus Hartford Love > Ken Dillinger versus Pez Whatley > Mr. Wrestling #2 versus the French Angel > Ole Anderson & Stan Hansen versus Tommy Rich & Thunderbolt Patterson / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MAY 18, 1979 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Double Cadillac Georgia Tag Team Title One-Night Tournament: Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff defeated Ray Candy & Norvel Austin; Mr. Wrestling #1 & #2 defeated the Masked Superstars; Dick Slater & Dusty Rhodes defeated Pak Song & Kim Duk; Tommy Rich & Wahoo McDaniel defeated Jack & Jerry Brisco; Ron Bass & Blackjack Lanza defeated Bob Armstrong & Robert Fuller; Anderson & Koloff defeated Wrestling #1 & #2; Bass & Lanza defeated Slater & Rhodes by disqualification; Rich & McDaniel defeated Bass & Lanza; Rich & McDaniel defeated Anderson & Koloff to win Cadillacs and title > Lou Thesz defeated Luke Graham / Notes: Norvel Austin substituted for Tony Atlas to team with Ray Candy in the match with Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff. Bobby Heenan managed Ron Bass and Blackjack Lanza. In the card for this program, there is an advertisement for L. P. Pipps, a “unique and relaxing lounge” located at I-85 at Stewart Avenue and Cleveland Avenue. This lounge was owned by Tim Woods, and boasted of a large screen television and an atmosphere where you could meet “famous sports personalities”.

MAY 18, 1980 (SUNDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The French Angel defeated Mike Davis > Mike Sharpe defeated Charlie Fulton > Kevin Sullivan & Eddie Gilbert defeated the Manchurians > Bob Sweetan defeated Jerry Stubbs > Champion of Champions Cup Match: Mr. Wrestling #2* defeated Abdullah the Butcher by disqualification > Tommy Rich defeated Kurt Von Hess > Tony Atlas defeated Ernie Ladd > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Austin Idol* defeated Baron Von Raschke > Ole & Lars Anderson defeated Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff / Notes: Mike Davis replaced Eddie Gilbert in the match with the French Angel, as Gilbert replaced Tony Atlas to team with Kevin Sullivan in the match with the Manchurians, whereas Atlas substituted for Wahoo McDaniel in the match with Ernie Ladd. Charlie Fulton substituted for David Shults in the match with Mike Sharpe, Jerry Stubbs substituted for Steve Travis in the match with Bob Sweetan, and Kurt Von Hess substituted for Killer Karl Kox in the match with Tommy Rich. Rock Hunter managed Ivan Koloff and Alexis Smirnoff.

MAY 18, 1981 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mike Sharpe defeated the French Angel > Steve O defeated Bryan St. John > Ken Patera defeated Bill Irwin > Wahoo McDaniel defeated Jim Duggan > Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts defeated Tommy Rich & Ted DiBiase / Notes: Michael Hayes joined Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts at the ring during their match with Tommy Rich & Ted DiBiase.

MAY 18, 1984 (FRIDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Paul Ellering defeated Dale Veasey > Brad Armstrong defeated Ted DiBiase > King Kong Bundy & King Konga defeated the Road Warriors > Les Thornton defeated Tim Horner by disqualification > Ron Garvin defeated the Spoiler / Notes: Paul Ellering managed Ted DiBiase, the Spoiler, and the Road Warriors.

– GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com