SOUTHEASTERN WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 01/31/2009

NEWS and NOTES

World Wrestling Entertainment’s SmackDown crew will be in Dothan, AL, at the Dothan Civic Center tonight. Advertised: Triple H, Edge, Vladimir Kozlov, R-Truth, the Great Khali, Shelton Benjamin, MVP, and Carlito.Bell time is 7:30 PM.

WWE’s RAW/ECW crew will be in Hammond, IN, at the Hammond Civic Center. Advertised: Rey Mysterio, Jr., Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Kane, Ted DiBiase, Jr., Cody Rhodes, Jack Swagger, Tommy Dreamer, Cryme Tyme, Beth Phoenix, Melina, and Kofi Kingston. Bell time is 7:30 PM.

WWE results from the RAW/ECW house show at the Assembly Hall in Champaign, IL, on January 30: CM Punk over Kane; Dolph Ziggler over Jamie Noble; Melina over Beth Phoenix; Jack Swagger over Tommy Dreamer; Rey Mysterio, Jr., over Mike Knox; Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase, Jr., over Kofi Kingston & Cryme Tyme; and Shawn Michaels over Chris Jericho.

An updated lineup for WWE’s No Way Out PPV, which will be broadcast live from the Key Arena in Seattle, WA, on February 15 is as follows: John Cena defends the WWE World Heavyweight Title in an elimination chamber match against Chris Jericho, Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio, Jr., and two other opponents yet to be determined; and Edge defends the WWE Heavyweight Title in an elimination chamber match against Triple H, the Undertaker, the Big Show, and two other opponents yet to be determined.

WWE has announced the following events: March 23, RAW/ECW at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO; May 23, RAW at the E-Center of West Valley City in Salt Lake City, UT; and June 10, RAW at Helsingin Jaahalli in Helsinki, Finland. Also, the Backlash PPV will be broadcast live from the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, RI, on April 26. In addition, WWE has switched the two dates in Austria to be as follows: April 18, SmackDown/ECW at Salzburgarena in Salzburg, Austria; and April 19, SmackDown/ECW at Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria.

It appears that Mickey Rourke will indeed not be participating in WrestleMania. Although he pulled out of a possible gimmick match with Chris Jericho, WWE has extended an invitation for him to be in attendance, where it is expected he would at least be noted as being there somehow, even if not actively being involved in any of the action.

Total Nonstop Action has apparently offered a spot as “Chairman” of the Main Event Mafia to Rod Blagojevich, the former Governor of Illinois, who was ousted after being charged with trying to sell the Senate seat of then President-Elect Barack Obama. Attempts to woo several key figures have failed in the past, including basketball coach Bobby Knight and Alaska’s Governor Sarah Palin, though some have worked, a la Adam ‘Pac Man’ Jones.

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

An updated lineup for TNA’s Against All Odds PPV, which will be broadcast live from Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, on February 8 is as follows: Sting defends the TNA World Heavyweight Title against Kurt Angle, Brother Devon, and Brother Ray in a four-way match; Beer Money defends the TNA World Tag Team Title against Jay Lethal & Consequences Creed; Awesome Kong defends the TNA Women’s Title against ODB; Shane Sewell versus Booker T; Matt Morgan versus Abyss; and Scott Steiner versus Petey Williams.

Ring of Honor will be at the Frontier Fieldhouse in Chicago Ridge, IL, tonight. Advertised: Brent Albright, Erick Stevens, Roderick Strong, Jay Briscoe & another partner to be announced versus Sweet N Sour, Inc., in a caged grudge match; Nigel McGuinness defends the ROH World Heavyweight Title against El Generico; Bryan Danielson & Tyler Black versus Jimmy Jacobs & Austin Aries in a grudge match; Kevin Steen versus Claudio Castagnoli; Jerry Lynn & Necro Butcher versus Brodie Lee & Delirious; Alex Payne versus Silas Young; Rhett Titus versus Grizzly Redwood; and Deryck St. Holmes versus Egotistico Fantastico. This will be a taping for the Caged Collision PPV. Bell time is 7:30 PM.

ROH results from the house show at the Michigan State Fairgrounds & Expo Center in Detroit, MI, on January 30: Ernie Osiris over Ninja Pink; Kenny King over Alex Payne; Alex Ridge & Grizzly Redwood versus Irish Airborne ended in a no contest when Bison Smith charged the ring, attacking everyone; Bryan Danielson over Rhett Titus; Austin Aries over Silas Young; Brodie Lee versus Necro Butcher ended in a double countout; Erick Stevens & Roderick Strong over Jimmy Jacobs & Delirious; Claudio Castagnoli over Brent Albright by disqualification; Jerry Lynn and Tyler Black went to a draw; Nigel McGuinness over Jay Briscoe; and Kevin Steen & El Generico over the American Wolves (Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards).

Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling will be at the VFW Fairgrounds Building in Carrollton, GA, tonight. Advertised: There will be a battle royal to determine the #1 contender for the heavyweight championship. Josh Stone & Bulldog Raines vs. SECW champion Colt Derringer & Rob Adonis. In a loser leaves town tables match, Frankie Valentine vs. Billy Knight. Cru Jones vs. Micah Taylor. "Hawaiian Princess" Tracy Taylor vs. Melissa Coates. "Local Scene" Josh Storm vs. Rick "the Kick" King. Sal Rinauro is also scheduled to be wrestling, while "Golden Boy" Chick Donovan is scheduled to be a special guest referee. Tickets are $8, and kids 6 and under get in for free. Doors open at 6:30 and bell time is at 7:30. For more information, call (678) 651-0144.

Pro Wrestling Fusion will be at the JCC in Boynton Beach, FL, tonight for “Fusion II-2 Fast 2 Furious”. Advertised: Tommy Taylor vs. Francisco Ciatso. King Kong Fu vs. DAGON. Prince Iaukea vs. Nick Primo. Chris Gray vs. Jon Davis. The Heartbreak Express vs. the Sons of Tonga. Chris Jones vs. Jack Manley. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 6:00 and bell time is at 6:30.

!BANG! presents "Genesis I" tonight at the Funking Conservatory in Ocala, FL. Announced: Dory Funk Jr., Osamu Nishimura, NOSAWA Rongai, Johnny Magnum, "The Claw" Claudia Reiff, Shane Chung, "Jumbo" Elvis Sharp, and the Wasilla Wrecking Crew. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 and bell time is at 7:00. For more information, call (352) 895-4658. “Genesis II” takes place at the same place and time tomorrow night.

[url=http://www. acwevents.com]Alternative Championship Wrestling[/url] and Gimmicks Only Underground Grappling Entertainment team up to present “the 7th Annual Seagrove Supershow – A Night with the King” at Seagrove Elementary School in Seagrove, NC, tonight. Bell time is 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15 gold circle VIP (Rows 1&2), $12 ringside, and $10 general admission. Advertised: WWE Hall of Famer & RAW Commentator, Jerry "the King" Lawler versus “German Beef” Otto Schwanz. Malia Hosaka takes on Brandy Wine. Rink Link battles the Scrapyard Dog in a Dog Collar Match for the Brass Knuckles title. The Lumbee Warrior goes head to head against Ric Converse in an IronMan Match. Rob Killjoy, Leroy Green, Dick Foley, and Seymour Snott compete in a Gauntlet Match. Ernie Nord & Corey Edsel, Less & Jimmy Parker, the Watts Brothers, and Jimmy Jack Funk, Jr. & Bo Bo Brazil, Jr. square off in a Four-Way Tag Match. Plus the Jerry McNeill Memorial Battle Royal featuring ACW originals.

Outlaw Championship Wrestling will be at the Cell in Moulton, AL, tonight. Bell time is at 8:00.

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

High Velocity Wrestling will be at the New HVW Arena in Hendersonville, 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.

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.

Tennessee Xtreme Wrestling will be at the South Knoxville Recreation Center in Knoxville, TN, 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: Giant Gonzalez (1966).

Today In Memoriam: Dutch Mantell (59, 1941) and Shohei ‘Giant’ Baba (61, 1999).

Cleveland Rome Christian, who wrestled on the independent circuit around Georgia as Psycho Man, passed away on Thursday at the age of 43. He apparently had a sinus infection and developed bacterial meningitis, which led to a coma in which he was deemed he had suffered irreparable brain damage. He was taken off life support and died a short time later. Services will be held on February 1 in Winder, GA. Thanks to T.A. Stanton for bringing this to our attention. Click here for more information. GWH passes along its condolences to friends and family.

Lex Luger spoke today at Victory Independent Baptist Church, in Columbus, GA. According to the church’s website Luger was to “share his personal testimony of God's mercy and saving grace. His pastor, Bro. Steve Baskin, of Western Hills Baptist Church in Kennesaw, GA, will preach a message from the Word of God."

The Wrestling Observer recently held a poll among its readers, asking for their thoughts on best announcer. Jim Ross won handily, receiving 45.9% of the votes, but Gordon Solie came in second at 26.5%. Finishing a distant third place was Jesse Ventura with 10.5, followed by Lance Russell, who snagged 5.2%. Les Thatcher, who co-hosts Peach State Pandemonium each Wednesday night, finished 11th, with less than 1%.

Nick Mitchell, a former developmental trainee for WWE, is making his MMA debut, on February 6, as part of the “Young Guns’ event at the Verizon Wireless Center in Houston, TX. Click here for the story from the Courier.

Showtime All-Star Wrestling results for January 30 from the SAW Mill in Millersville, TN, with a reported attendance of 160: Drew Haskins beat Chris Eckos; Jesse Emerson beat Bad Boy Dixon; Lightning Bolt Kid beat Phil Wilson; Sigmon beat Chrisjen Hayme by DQ; Gary Valiant & Harold Knight beat Rick Santel & Hammerjack; Arrick Andrews beat Chris Michaels. The next TV Taping will be February 13.

Great Championship Wrestling results for January 29 from the Gr8 Sk8 Plex in Phenix City, AL: With no evidence of tickets being given away, attendance was down to 135. It was announced that Wicked Nemesis had to miss the show and Quentin Michaels was out sick. That meant the Trinity of Terror was down to Princeton Gainey. Frankie Valentine beat Bobby Moore. Moore was said not to make a very convincing heel in his debut. Scotty Beach beat Bill the Butcher (with Princeton Gainey). Butcher was formerly known as The Bruiser. Beach foiled Gainey's interference and rolled Butcher up for the three count. Ron Stalker (with Princeton Gainey) beat the debuting Christian Hayme. Gainey got knocked down by Hayme, but Hayme came off the top rope and got caught with a superkick by Stalker, which lead to the victory. Rob Adonis (with J. P Money) beat Murder One. Better than anticipated. M-1 was connecting with the crowd to where there were points he was more over than Adonis. Finish saw Money intervene when M-1 tried to block Adonis' slingshot sunset flip by grabbing the ropes. Steele thwarted a post match beatdown by Murder. Hot Like Lava (with Princeton Gainey) beat J-Team (Kareem Abdul Jamar & Joey Lightning with John Bogie). Pre-match: Lightning danced while Jamar provided the beat box. Bogie chased after Gainey and in the ensuing confusion, Jamar was taken out by HLL. Jones pinned Lightning after a Hot Like Lava double team. J-Rod retained the GCW Heavyweight Title over Orion Bishop via DQ when Murder One interfered. Valentine got involved to set up J-Rod & Valentine vs. Merchants of Death for next week.

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 31, 1931 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – GEORGIA POWER ATHLETIC AND SOCIAL CLUB (F.P. McGee – Promoter) > Jack McAdams versus Big Boy Bell / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. There were also boxing matches, but no details were provided following the card.

JANUARY 31, 1933 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jim Clinstock versus Whitey Hewitt > Jack Zarnas defeated Ralph DeLeon (2-1) / Notes: Jim Clinstock failed to appear for his match with Whitey Hewitt, prompting Atlanta City Boxing Commission Chairman John A. White to suspend Clinstock indefinitely. As a result, Henry Weber asked that anyone bringing a ticket stub from this card would be admitted into the card on February 7, 1933.

JANUARY 31, 1933 (TUESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – NEW COLISEUM (W.K. Carswell – Promoter) > Tom Mahoney versus Teddy Betts > Jim Hesslyn versus Jimmy Lott > George Harben versus Yusef Hussane / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JANUARY 31, 1934 (WEDNESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – BELLWOOD ARENA (Bellwood Athletic Club – Promoters) > Bill Collins versus Tarzan Jordan > Benny O’Rourke versus John Mauldin > George Harben versus Chief Lakeside / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JANUARY 31, 1935 (THURSDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – LAKEWOOD HEIGHTS ARENA (Frank Bettis – Promoter) > Glenn Cowan versus Red Dugan > Eddie Wagner versus Young Londos > Jim Zbyszko versus John Mauldin / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JANUARY 31, 1945 (WEDNESDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Lou Masters, Dick Leonard, and Buster White – Promoters) > Tarzan White defeated Otto Schnabel > Roland Kirchmeyer defeated Tom George > George Romanoff defeated Mr. X (2) by disqualification

JANUARY 31, 1950 (TUESDAY) – DALTON, GA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Fred Ward Promotions) > Women’s Tag Team Match: Nell Stewart & Cora Combs defeated Mae Young & Eva Lee > Red Dugan defeated Maurice Roberre / Notes: It is unclear as to what venue was the site of this card.

JANUARY 31, 1955 (MONDAY) – VALDOSTA, GA – VALDOSTA LIVESTOCK ARENA (Gordon Walker – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Johnny Harmon versus Charlie Keene > Jerry Graham versus Harry Smith / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JANUARY 31, 1958 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Boris Volkoff and Billy Red Lyons wrestled to a draw > Marco Polo defeated Nicoli Volkoff > Ray Gunkel defeated Mike Paidousis > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: the Mighty Yankee* and Don McIntyre wrestled to a draw / Notes: The Mighty Yankee had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Ray Gunkel on January 10, 1958, in Atlanta.

JANUARY 31, 1961 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Derrell Cochran defeated Gypsy Joe by disqualification > Bill Dromo & Derrell Cochran defeated Danny Miller & Gypsy Joe > Skull Murphy and Chief Little Eagle wrestled to a draw

JANUARY 31, 1962 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Miller defeated the Masked Marvel at 22:00 > Women’s Tag Team Match: Ramona Isbell & Lula Provo defeated Virginia Franklin & Babs Wingo > Southern Tag Team Title Match: the Assassins* and Rito & Tito Carreon wrestled to a draw at 60:00 / Notes: During the match between Jerry Miller and the Masked Marvel, Miller removed the Marvel’s mask to identify him as Jack Vansky. The Assassins had been the reigning Southern Tag Team Champions since they defeated Ray Gunkel & Don McIntyre on December 1, 1961, in Atlanta.

JANUARY 31, 1964 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Don McIntyre – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tim Geohagen and Red Steiner wrestled to a draw > Buddy Fuller defeated Rube Wright > Joe Scarpa, Tim Geohagen & Chief Little Eagle defeated Stan Stasiak, Red Steiner & Corsica Joe > Lorenzo Parente defeated Taro Myaki > No DQ / No TL / No CO Match: Fritz Von Erich defeated the Mighty Hercules / Notes: The program for this card announces that “Live Atlanta Wrestling” will be seen from 7:00 to 8:00 PM on February 1 and February 8, 1964, before returning to it’s regularly scheduled time period. It was announced that Bob Ellis, Red Roberts, and Lou Thesz would be wrestling in Atlanta soon.

JANUARY 31, 1967 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bobby Hart defeated Jack Armstrong > Greg Peterson defeated Pancho Rosario by disqualification > Enrique & Ramon Torres defeated Butcher Vachon & Gorilla Marconi

JANUARY 31, 1969 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Ramstad defeated Pepe Gomez > Jim Wilson defeated Tony Barbetta > Alberto Torres and Seiji Sakaguchi wrestled to a draw > Ramon Torres defeated Paul DeMarco by disqualification > Dale Lewis defeated Hans Schmidt > Ray Gunkel, Buddy Fuller & El Mongol versus the Professional & the Assassins ruled a no contest / Notes: Jack Crawford managed Dale Lewis & Seiji Sakaguchi. It was reported that the NWA was investigating claims that the Professional had used a foreign object inside his mask against El Mongol on January 24, 1969.

JANUARY 31, 1970 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Buddy Fuller defeated Bill Kane > Georgia Television Title Match: Nick Bockwinkel* and Joe Scarpa wrestled to a draw > Assassin #2 and El Mongol wrestled to a draw / Notes: This was taped for the “Atlanta TV Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. Nick Bockwinkel had been the reigning Georgia Television Champion since he defeated Joe Scarpa on January 3, 1970, in Atlanta. It was reported that the Assassins had purchased the contract of Paul DeMarco from Homer O’Dell, and were willing to allow DeMarco out of the contract and become a free agent if he agreed to pay them a fee to do so.

JANUARY 31, 1973 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > El Sicodelico defeated Treach Phillips > Pat O’Brien defeated Jack Evans > The Zodiac defeated Johnny Eagle > Bill Dromo & Jerry Oates defeated Butcher Brannigan & Tank Morgan > Sputnik & Rocket Monroe defeated Pantera Negra & Mr. Wrestling #2 > Koa Tiki defeated Norvel Austin by disqualification > Columbus Heavyweight Title Match (No TL / DQ Rule Waived): Bob Armstrong defeated Hiro Matsuda* to win title / Notes: Jack Crawford managed Norvel Austin. Austin took exception to Crawford interfering in the match against Koa Tiki, and they almost came to blows.

JANUARY 31, 1975 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ricky Gibson defeated Dennis O’Brien > Robert Fuller defeated Bob Orton, Jr., by disqualification > Toru Tanaka defeated Jimmy Golden > Mask versus Hair Match: Jerry Brisco & Rocky Johnson defeated the Mighty Yankees > Buddy Colt defeated Lou Thesz > Bill Watts defeated Abdullah the Butcher / Notes: Lou Thesz substituted for Mr. Wrestling #2 in the match with Buddy Colt. Bearcat Wright managed Colt. J.C. Dykes managed the Mighty Yankees. Rock Hunter managed Toru Tanaka.

JANUARY 31, 1977 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Howard and Raymond Rougeau wrestled to a draw > Ricky Steamboat defeated El Gaucho > Gene Anderson defeated Bob Backlund > Black Atlas defeated the French Angel by disqualification > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Mr. Wrestling #1 & #2* defeated Dick Slater & Harley Race > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Terry Funk* defeated Mr. Wrestling #2 / Notes: J.J. Dillon managed the French Angel.

JANUARY 31, 1978 (TUESDAY) – WARNER ROBINS, GA – WARNER ROBINS CIVIC CENTER (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Adrian Adonis defeated Abdul Zataar > The Bounty Hunter defeated Raymond Rougeau > Georgia Television Title Match: Abdullah the Butcher defeated Bob Armstrong* by disqualification > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Ole Anderson & Jacques Goulet* defeated Dick Slater & Mr. Wrestling #2

JANUARY 31, 1980 (THURSDAY) – ROME, GA – ROME MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Gerald Finley versus Bobby Garrett > Steve Travis versus Troy Graham > Kevin Sullivan versus Eddy Mansfield > Mr. Wrestling #2 & Andre the Giant versus Killer Khan & the Masked Superstar / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. The Great Mephisto managed Killer Khan and the Masked Superstar.

JANUARY 31, 1981 (SATURDAY) – CHATTANOOGA, TN – CHATTANOOGA MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ron Fuller defeated the Turk > Luke Graham versus Mr. Wrestling #2 > National Heavyweight Title Match: Dick Slater defeated the Mongolian Stomper* by disqualification > Robert Fuller & Ted DiBiase defeated Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts > Boston Street Fight Match: Steve Keirn defeated Kevin Sullivan / Notes: Luke Graham and Mr. Wrestling #2 were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card. Michael Hayes joined Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts at the ring during their match with Robert Fuller & Ted DiBiase. Don Carson managed the Mongolian Stomper.

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