SOUTHEASTERN WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 01/17/2009

NEWS and NOTES

World Wrestling Entertainment’s RAW/ECW crew will be in La Crosse, WI, at the La Crosse Center tonight. Advertised: John Cena & Rey Mysterio versus Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase, Jr., in a handicap tag match; and Jack Swagger defends the WWE ECW Heavyweight Title against Finlay, with Hornswoggle. Also on the bill: CM Punk, Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, William Regal, John Morrison, the Miz, Cryme Tyme, Beth Phoenix, Melina, Candice Michelle, and Tommy Dreamer. Bell time is 7:30 PM.

WWE’s SmackDown crew will be in Charleston, WV, at the Charleston Civic Center. Advertised: the Undertaker versus the Big Show in a cage match; Vladimir Kozlov versus Triple H; and Edge versus the Great Khali. Bell time is 7:30 PM.

WWE results from the RAW/ECW house show at the Kolf Sports Center in Oshkosh, WI, on January 16: Tommy Dreamer over Mark Henry, with Tony Atlas; Beth Phoenix, with Santino Marella, over Melina to retain the WWE Women’s Title; Kofi Kingston over Marella; John Morrison & the Miz over Cryme Tyme to retain the WWE World Tag Team Title; Rey Mysterio over Ted DiBiase, Jr., with Cody Rhodes; Jack Swagger over Finlay, with Hornswoggle, to retain the WWE ECW Heavyweight Title; William Regal, with Layla, over CM Punk to retain the WWE Inter-Continental Heavyweight Title; and John Cena over Randy Orton to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Title.

WWE has released Bob ‘Hardcore’ Holly.

Total Nonstop Action will be at the National Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, tonight. Advertised: Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Jeff Jarrett, Kevin Nash, Beer Money, Team 3D, Consequences Creed, Sheik Abdul Bashir, ODB, Christy Hemme, the Beautiful People, Abyss, Matt Morgan, and Doug Williams.

TNA results from the house show at the National Stadium in Dublin, IE, on January 16: Alex Shelley over Eric Young and Doug Williams in a three-way match to retain the TNA X Division Title; the Beautiful People over Taylor Wilde & ODB; Samoa Joe over Sheik Abdul Bashir; Team 3D over Matt Morgan & Abyss; Beer Money over Jay Lethal & Consequences Creed to retain the TNA World Tag Team Title; and Kurt Angle over A.J. Styles.

The final overall rating for Thursday’s edition of TNA’s iMPACT was 1.2.

Ring of Honor will be at the Inman Sports Club in Edison, NJ, tonight. Advertised: Nigel McGuinness defends the ROH World Heavyweight Title against Austin Aries; Bryan Danielson versus Jerry Lynn; a grudge match featuring Jimmy Jacobs versus Tyler Black; a lumberjack match featuring Erick Stevens & Roderick Strong versus the American Wolves (Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards), with Larry Sweeney; a four-corners match featuring Necro Butcher, Delirious, Damien Wayne, and Sean Denny; Brent Albright versus Rhett Titus; and Jay Briscoe versus Chris Escobar. Bell time is 7:30 PM.

ROH results from the house show at the Sports Network and Fitness in Manassas, VA, on January 16: Brent Albright & Erick Stevens over Chris Escobar & Damien Wayne; a match featuring Sean Denny versus Rhett Titus ended in a no contest when Bison Smith charged the ring and attacked both men; Necro Butcher over Delirious; the American Wolves (Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards), with Larry Sweeney, over Jay Briscoe & Roderick Strong; Jerry Lynn over Austin Aries; Jimmy Jacobs over Bryan Danielson; and Tyler Black over Nigel McGuinness. A return to Manassas was promised for June 12.

NWA Anarchy returns to the NWA Television Arena in Cornelia, GA, tonight. Advertised: NWA Anarchy Heavyweight Champion Shadow Jackson & ? vs. Jeremy Vain & Mr. Rob Adonis, the follow up to Talent & Money's heinous attack on the Anarchy Tag Team Champions New Wave, Young Lion's Title Match: Champion "Son of Satan" Azrael (with The Reverend) vs. "Too Hot for TV" Kyle Matthews, "The Sugar" Shaun Tempers vs. Tyler Smith, Alan Funk vs. "The Attraction" Hayden Young, Kimo (with Jeff G. Bailey) vs. Chris King, Adrian Hawkins vs. Malachi, "Kool" Seth Delay will be in action. Plus: An update on the severity of Slim J's concussion, Mikal Judas and Kimo are on a collision course. Could it occur on the 17th? Did Jerry Palmer send Brodie Chase packing for good? Who was the bizarre new member of Devil's Rejects that seemed to appear from thin air? After their heinous attack on New Wave, Talent & Money have everyone's attention. Now what are they going to do about it? "Merciless" Don Matthews wants Jeff Lewis, but at what price? These questions will be answered tonight. Bell time is 8pm.

Pro Wrestling Xtreme will be at the Central Florida Fairgrounds Pavilion in Orlando, FL, tonight. Advertised: Sandman vs. Sabu in a TLC match. Demolition vs. the Heartbreak Express. Tickets are $30 front row and $20 general admission. Bell time is at 8:00. For more information, call (407) 295-3247.

The Alabama Wrestling Federation will be at the Mary G. Montgomery High School Gym in Semmes, AL, tonight for “Headlocks for Hoses II”. Advertised: Heidenreich vs. Doink the Clown. Tickets are $10, and kids 6 and under get in for free. Doors open at 7:00 and bell time is at 8:00. For more information, call (251) 209-9633.

All-Star Wrestling will be at the Town Square in Spring Hill, FL, tonight for “Livin' La Vida Loca”. Advertised: Joshua Masters defends the ASW championship against Nick Fame. The Virus vs. James Morrison & Evan Starsmore. Aaron Epic vs. Nooie Lee to determine the #1 contender for the cruiserweight championship. Austin Amadeus vs. Dave Logan. Joey Cujo vs. Eddie Taurus. Tickets are $5. Doors open at 6:30 and bell time is at 7:00.

World Independent Wrestling will be at the Boys & Girls Club in Panama City, FL, tonight for “New Years Knockout”. Announced: David Young, "Pretty Boy" Donnie B, Chief Little Bear, Alexander York, and the Confederate Kid. Tickets are $7, and the disabled get in for free. Advance tickets are $5. Doors open at 6:00 and bell time is at 7:00. For more information, call (850) 819-2820.

Champions With Attitudes will be at the Community Center in Blackville, SC, tonight. The doors will open at 6:30 PM, with matches getting underway at 7:30. Tickets are $15 for ringside and $10 for general admission seating. Children 3 and under get in free of charge.

Global Championship Wrestling will be at the Homestead Community Center in Palmerdale, AL, tonight. Bell time is at 7:30.

World Xtreme Wrestling will be at the National Guard Armory in Leesburg, FL, tonight. Tickets are $10, and kids 10 and under get in for free. Doors open at 6:30 and bell time is at 7:30.

The All Pro Wrestling Alliance will be at the National Guard Armory in Tazewell, TN, tonight.

ATL Wrestling will be at the Stadium Inn in Nashville, TN, tonight.

CWF Mid-Atlantic will be at the Carolina Sports Arena in Burlington, NC, tonight.

National Championship Wrestling will be at the NCW Arena in Greenville, SC, tonight.

New Blood Wrestling will be at the Newbern Entertainment Center in Newbern, TN, tonight.

Outlaw Championship Wrestling will be at the Cell in Moulton, AL, tonight.

Pure Pro Wrestling will be at the Community Center in Pelham, NC, tonight.

Southern Championship Wrestling will be at the Community Center in Petersburg, TN, tonight.

Tennessee Championship Wrestling will be at the Old Armory in Pulaski, TN, tonight.

The Tennessee Independent Wrestling Federation will be at the Showplex Arena in Trenton, TN, tonight.

Xtreme World Wrestling will be at the Albemarle Rec. Center in Charlotte, NC, tonight.

The following information in regard to birthdays and memoriams has been compiled from various sources. In the event you can let us know of any omissions or corrections, please email to [email protected].

Today’s Birthdays: Corsica Joe (1920), Kevin Thorn (1977), Chase Stevens (1979), and Mark Briscoe (1985).

It is being reported that Paul E. Normous, a northeastern U.S. based wrestler, died in his sleep Thursday night. There are no more details available at this time. He has a small role in the Wrestler.

Click here for Larry Goodman’s report from the Showtime All-Star Wrestling television tapings in Millersville, TN, on January 16.

United States Wrestling Organization results from the Stadium Inn in Nashville, TN, for January 16, where the reported attendance was 59: Psycho Medic & Shawn Hoodrich beat Trakan Mathias & Dominator when Medic pinned Dominator. Derrick Neal beat Chris Norte. USWO Jr. Champion Lee Cross beat Travis Starr. Shane Eden & Steven Green beat Saint & Tim Renesto to win the USWO Tag Team Championship when Green pinned Saint. Chuck Taylor beat L.T. Falk and Damien Payne in a 3-way when Taylor pinned Falk. USWO Champion Mitch Ryder beat Michael Jablonski.

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.

NOSTALGIA

JANUARY 17, 1933 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Collins defeated Whitey Patterson > Paul Harper and Jack Zarnas wrestled to a draw at 60:00 > Dick Daviscourt defeated Blue Sun Jennings at 40:00 (2-1)

JANUARY 17, 1933 (TUESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – NEW COLISEUM (W.K. Carswell – Promoter) > Eddie Elzea versus Jack Hollenback > Tom Mahoney versus Sammy Marcovich > Southern Lightweight Title Match: Jack Ross* versus Joe Ricco / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Jack Ross had been billed as the Southern Lightweight Champion since May 2, 1932.

JANUARY 17, 1935 (THURSDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – LAKEWOOD HEIGHTS ARENA (Frank Bettis – Promoter) > Southern Lightweight Title Match: Pat O’Brien* versus Young Simmons > Bob Anderson versus Glenn Cowan > Hugh Winn versus Charlie Norman / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. The origin of the Southern Lightweight Title is unclear to us at this time. There was a different version also being used elsewhere in Georgia that does not seem to have any lineage to this one.

JANUARY 17, 1936 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PIEDMONT-ELLIS ARENA (Frank Bettis – Promoter) > Ted Sloan versus Happy Yarn > Lee Folsom versus Young Americus > Joe Wolfe versus Joe Santell / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JANUARY 17, 1948 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Paul Stanlee defeated Bobby Roberts > The Blimp defeated Al Galento by disqualification > Jack Hader defeated Roland Kirchmeyer > Al Massey & Bibber McCoy defeated Gene Blakely & Tom Mahoney

JANUARY 17, 1950 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Fred Ward Promotions) > Eddie Gossett & Maurice Roberre defeated George Arena & Red Dugan > Gorgeous Gilpin defeated Jack Bloomfield

JANUARY 17, 1955 (MONDAY) – VALDOSTA, GA – VALDOSTA LIVESTOCK ARENA (Gordon Walker – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Bowers versus Charlie Keene > Boxing Match: Jerry Graham versus Harry Smith / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JANUARY 17, 1958 (FRIDAY) – MARIETTA, GA – LARRY BELL AUDITORIUM (Elmo Chappell – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The Mighty Yankee defeated Billy Red Lyons > Boris & Nicoli Volkoff defeated Ray Gunkel & Jackie Nichols

JANUARY 17, 1961 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Dromo defeated Mitsu Arakawa by disqualification > Tiny Evans and Skull Murphy wrestled to a draw > Texas Cyclone Tag Team Match: Adrien Baillargeon & Chief Little Eagle defeated Danny Miller & Gypsy Joe

JANUARY 17, 1962 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS SPORTS ARENA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Rito Carreon defeated Jack Vansky by disqualification > Rito & Tito Carreon defeated Jack Steele & Jack Vansky > Southern Tag Team Title Match: the Assassins* defeated Jean & Paul Gaullois / Notes: The Assassins had been the reigning Southern Tag Team Champions since they defeated Ray Gunkel & Don McIntyre on December 1, 1961, in Atlanta.

JANUARY 17, 1964 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Don McIntyre – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tim Geohagen and Corsica Joe wrestled to a draw > Taro Myaki defeated Chief Big Heart > Joe Scarpa defeated Red Steiner > Lorenzo Parente defeated the Mighty Hercules > Stan Stasiak defeated Derrell Cochran > Eastern Heavyweight Title versus Hair Match: Ray Gunkel* defeated Tarzan Tyler / Notes: As part of the stipulation, Tarzan Tyler was forced to have his head shaved following the match with Ray Gunkel. It is unclear as to how Gunkel came to be recognized as Eastern Heavyweight Champion. The last reference we have shows Eddie Graham defending the title against the Mighty Hercules on December 6, 1963, in Atlanta. It was announced that Rip Hawk would be wrestling in Atlanta soon.

JANUARY 17, 1967 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Greg Peterson defeated El Mongol > Oki Shikina defeated Jack Bence > Jack Bence, Bill Dromo & Greg Peterson defeated Butcher Vachon, Oki Shikina & El Mongol by disqualification > US Junior Heavyweight Title Match (DQ Rule Waived): Louie Tillet defeated Bobby Hart* to win title / Notes: Jack Crawford managed El Mongol. Bobby Hart had been the reigning US Junior Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Louie Tillet on January 10, 1967, in Macon.

JANUARY 17, 1969 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jim Wilson defeated Jim Benedetti > Paul DeMarco & the Professional defeated Bob Armstrong & Tim Geohagen > Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller defeated Dale Lewis & Seiji Sakaguchi > World Tag Team Title Match: the Assassins* defeated Alberto & Ramon Torres > El Mongol defeated Gene Kiniski / Notes: Jack Crawford managed Dale Lewis & Seiji Sakaguchi. Stu Schwartz was the special referee for the match between El Mongol and Gene Kiniski. Mongol earned the match with Kiniski after defeating the Professional on January 11, 1969, where the Professional said Mongol could take his place in the match if Mongol could defeat him. However, what was to be a match for Kiniski’s NWA World Heavyweight Title became a non-title match when the NWA said Kiniski could not defend the title against Mongol since no contract had been signed between the two men. The Assassins had been the reigning World Tag Team Champions since they defeated Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller on December 20, 1968, in Atlanta. It was reported that the Assassins were refusing to defend the title against Gunkel and Fuller, demanding they prove themselves to be worthy contenders. It was announced that Bob Ramstad would be wrestling on the card on January 24, 1969. He was being billed as the 1968 NWA Rookie of the Year.

JANUARY 17, 1970 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Nick Bockwinkel defeated Bob Nandor > Les Wolff and Assassin #1 wrestled to a draw > Bill Kane versus Alberto Torres / Notes: This was taped for the “Atlanta TV Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. Bill Kane and Alberto Torres were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card.

JANUARY 17, 1973 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Orton, Jr., versus Red Dupree > Derrell Cochran versus the Zodiac > Tank Morgan versus Koa Tiki > Jack Evans & Sputnik Monroe versus Billy Hines & Roy Lee Welch > Columbus Heavyweight Title Match: Bob Armstrong* versus Hiro Matsuda > Jack Crawford, Norvel Austin & Rocket Monroe versus Jerry Oates, Bill Dromo & Leon Ogle / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Jack Crawford managed Norvel Austin. The program we have for this card is the first mention of Ralph Freed, who is on staff in charge of Ticket Sales. It also listed the 1973 Georgia “official wrestling rules”. It was announced that Joyce Grable would be wrestling in Columbus on the January 24, 1973.

JANUARY 17, 1975 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Steve Keirn and Ron Garvin wrestled to a draw > Ricky Gibson defeated Bob Orton, Jr. > Abdullah the Butcher defeated Danny Little Bear > Jerry Brisco & Rocky Johnson defeated the Mighty Yankees > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Assassin #2 > Lights Out Texas Death Match: Roberto Soto defeated Billy Spears / Notes: Jimmy Garvin managed Ron Garvin. Rock Hunter was suspended above the ring in a cage during the match between Mr. Wrestling #2 and Assassin #2. Hunter managed Assassin #2. J.C. Dykes managed the Mighty Yankees. The program we have for this card states that starting January 18, 1975, “Georgia Championship Wrestling” can now be seen from 6:00 to 8:00 PM each Saturday on Channel 17.

JANUARY 17, 1977 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Charlie Fulton defeated Randy Colley > Bob Backlund & Raymond Rougeau defeated Jack Evans & El Gaucho > The French Angel defeated Dean Ho > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Gene Anderson > Lumberjack Match: Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Dick Slater / Notes: J.J. Dillon managed the French Angel.

JANUARY 17, 1978 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Charlie Cook defeated Jim Dalton > Tommy Rich defeated Butch Malone > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Jacques Goulet > Macon Heavyweight Title Match: Dick Slater* defeated Stan Hansen > No TL Match: Bob Armstrong & Pak Song defeated Rock Hunter & Abdullah the Butcher / Notes: Butch Malone substituted for Randy Savage in the match with Tommy Rich. Rock Hunter managed Abdullah the Butcher.

JANUARY 17, 1980 (THURSDAY) – ROME, GA – ROME MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Chick Donovan versus the Grappler > Steve Travis & Kevin Sullivan versus Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff > Tony Atlas versus Abdullah the Butcher > Mr. Wrestling #2 versus the Masked Superstar / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JANUARY 17, 1982 (SUNDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Oates defeated Bill Dromo > El Gran Apollo defeated the French Angel > Ron Fuller defeated Ricky Harris > Kevin Sullivan versus Jimmy Garvin ruled a no contest > Leroy Brown & Big Red versus Ole Anderson & Buzz Sawyer ruled a no contest > Dusty Rhodes defeated the Great Kabuki > Bob & Brad Armstrong defeated Ron Bass & the Super Destroyer > National Heavyweight Title Cage Match: Tommy Rich defeated the Masked Superstar* to win title / Notes: Gary Hart, who managed the Great Kabuki, was barred from ringside during the match between Dusty Rhodes and Kabuki. Roddy Piper managed Kabuki during the match.

JANUARY 17, 1985 (THURSDAY) – PITTSBURGH, PA (Ole Anderson – Promoter / Championship Wrestling from Georgia) > Magnum T.A. defeated Kareem Muhammad > Dusty Rhodes defeated Joel Deaton > Billy Graham defeated Mike Davis > Ric Flair defeated Tommy Rich > Ron Garvin and Tully Blanchard wrestled to a draw > Dick Slater defeated Ken Jugan > Don Kernodle & Manny Fernandez defeated Ivan & Nikita Koloff

The information compiled within our daily reports are through the efforts of various contributors, including, but not limited to, Rich Tate, Larry Goodman, Chuck Thornton, Brian Waits, Don Luce, Brian Slack, Fred Hornby, Thomas Bugg, J Michael Kenyon, Steve Yohe, David Williamson, Becky Taylor, John Cannon, Mike Norris, Bobby Simmons, Les Thatcher, Crimson Mask, Dan Masters, Tim Dix, Tim Dills, Jimmie Daniel, Gene Restaino, Shannon Rose, Alan Wojcik, Devin Cutting, and Richard O’Sullivan.

– GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com