SOUTHEASTERN WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 07/31/2008

NEWS and NOTES

Peach State Pandemonium featured Curtis Hughes tonight, discussing his football and wrestling career, and his goal of getting back to World Wrestling Entertainment, as well as his work as a trainer for Atlanta-based wrestling school World Wrestling Alliance 4. Les Thatcher joined us on the Wayback Machine, discussing the northern expansion y Georgia Championship Wrestling in the 1980s and his involvement. We also covered several hot topics. Click here for the archive. Next week’s show will feature Tito Santana and a re-scheduled A.J. Styles. (Rich Tate)

The Sellersburg (IN) Police Department is investigating whether a match that took place in their town was a work or a shoot. Back on June 21, IWA Mid-South ran a show in the parking lot of a bowling alley, which featured a match between Mike Levy and Mickie Knuckles. Video of the match, which is highly graphic, has made the rounds on the Internet, and Chief Russ Whelan does not know what to think, but is clearly concerned. Levy, who was not only beaten by Knuckles but was also attacked by many other wrestlers, fans, etc., has not pressed charges. Promoter Ian Rotten spoke on camera, defending the match and the participants, saying the match was part of the show. He also believes people that brought it to the attention of the media and local authorities are competitors of his company. On Wednesday night’s episode of Peach State Pandemonium, we reported on two sources from inside the dressing room who confirmed that the match began as a work, but became a shoot when Knuckles’ head began swelling immediately following a headbutt from Levy. According to our sources, Knuckles became irate, and began shooting on him. The sources say the situation escalated when word got to the dressing room and guys were told to make him pay. (Rich Tate)

Hulk Hogan appeared on the Howard Stern show today. The highlights: Hogan scoffed at Jesse Ventura’s claim earlier this week on Stern’s program that he had never done drugs, noting that they used to smoke pot together; he says he and the Iron Sheik have patched up their differences; Hogan said Brooke is not only living in a nicer place than the apartment in which he is presently residing, but that she has had offers from Playboy; he said it is up to her if she appears in the magazine, but he said his opinion is now is not the right time; and he spent time plugging “American Gladiators” and “Celebrity Professional Wrestling”, as well as saying he would one day like to host his own radio show. (Rich Tate)

It has been confirmed that Tomko has left Total Nonstop Action. As for Kevin Nash leaving during the tapings on Tuesday night, all has been ironed out and his status is apparently fine. He was not happy when they booked him into the final match, as it was explained to him as a ten-man gauntlet match with weapons, whereas he would be eliminated during a commercial break. According to sources, Nash felt that was not logical. When he left, the match was changed to an eight-man tag match with weapons. The matches for tonight’s iMPACT broadcast includes: Robert Roode & James Storm versus Christian Cage & Rhino; Johnny Devine & the Rock & Rave Infection versus Jay Lethal, Curry Man & Shark Boy; Petey Williams versus Consequences Creed; Matt Morgan versus Sal Rinauro; and Gail Kim & Taylor Wilde versus Angelina Love & Velvet Sky. Tickets for the following TNA events go on sale tomorrow: September 13 in London, Ontario, Canada, at the John Labatt Centre; and October 12 in Hoffman Estates, IL, at the Sears Centre Arena. TNA has announced the following event, to be added to their UK tour next year: January 16 in Dublin, Ireland, at the National Stadium (Rich Tate)

Great Championship Wrestling returns to Phenix City, AL, tonight with the following advertised matches: GCW Heavyweight Champion Cru Jones defends against Bull Buchanan, and Scotty Beach vs. Shaun Banks. GCW has postponed their August 2 show in Villa Rica, GA, at the Gold Dust Recreation Center. The message we received from the company stated GCW would be announcing a make up date in Villa Rica shortly. (Larry Goodman)

United Wrestling Association results from the Hardwarium in Seymour, TN, with a reported attendance of approximately 60: UWA owner Chris Dalton once again apologized for what happened two weeks ago at No Return. He also apologized for what Chase Stevens did last week and announced that Stevens had been suspended for two weeks. Aaron Cross came out and yelled at Dalton for letting the fans run the promotion. Cross said the fans were trash. He said Chase shouldn't have to apologize, and no wrestler should have to apologize to the fans. Dalton challenged Cross to face him. Chris Dalton vs. Aaron Cross ended in a DQ when Billy Marshall came out to save Dalton but then busted him over the head with a steel chair. Marshall said he was promised a tag team title shot after No Return and never got it. He accused Dalton of always going back on his bookings. Justin Nobody and "The Prodigal Son" Allen Shepard fought to a No Contest when Travis Sawyer attacked Shepard. Sawyer told Shepard that he's destroyed everybody since coming back to UWA and Shepard will be next. Billy Marshall & Aaron Cross defeated Chris Dalton & Bodacious Nick Taylor. Marshall vs. Nick was signed for next week. Marshall told Nick that he will chop his chest until it bleeds and called him a maggot. David Young beat Mike Ogle. Travis Sawyer defeated Allen Shepard. (Larry Goodman)

Ring of Honor has announced the final card, to take place at the Manhattan Center’s Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, NY, on August 2. Advertised: Nigel McGuinness defends the ROH World Heavyweight Title in a four-man elimination match against Bryan Danielson, Tyler Black, and Claudio Castagnoli; Adam Pearce defends the NWA World Heavyweight Title against Brent Albright; Kevin Steen & El Generico versus the Motor City Machine Guns; a three-way featuring Jimmy Jacobs, Austin Aries, and Necro Butcher; Naomichi Marufuji versus Go Shiozaki; Eddie Edwards versus Roderick Strong; Chris Hero versus Delirious; and Jigsaw & Ruckus versus Mark & Jay Briscoe. Also advertised: Larry Sweeney, Shane Hagadorn, Bobby Dempsey, and Sara Del Rey. ROH has also released the card for their event at Differ Ariake in Tokyo, Japan, on September 13. Advertised: Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black defend the ROH World Tag Team Title against Mark & Jay Briscoe; Bryan Danielson versus Nigel McGuinness; Davey Richards, with Larry Sweeney, versus Roderick Strong; a Dragon Gate Rules match featuring Masato Yoshino, Naruki Doi & BxB Hulk versus El Generico, the Dragon Kid & a partner to be named; Austin Aries versus Ryo Saito; and Eddie Edwards versus Yamato. The September 14 event at the same location is advertising Nigel McGuinness, Austin Aries, Bryan Danielson, Jimmy Jacobs, Tyler Black, Sweet & Sour, Inc., Larry Sweeney, Kensuke Sasaki, Katsuhiko Nakajima, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, KENTA, Naomichi Marufuji, Kota Ibushi, and Mark & Jay Briscoe. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to John Laurinaitis (43) and Kid Kash (39). Today in Memoriam: Bull Martin (34, 1979) and Yuel Lovett (28, 1999). Mike Norris has passed along a message that Art Dominguez, also known as Salvadore Dominguez, passed away on July 24. A big star on the west coast, Dominguez wrestled in Georgia and around the southeast as well. Also, Alfonso Dantes died yesterday at 65. Dantes was a major star in Mexico, holding the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title five times. He was also big in southern California, and was a member of the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. GWH sends its condolences to friends and family of Dominguez and Dantes. (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.

NOSTALGIA

JULY 31, 1933 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – FAIR STREET ARENA (Jason Thompson – Promoter) > Boxer versus Wrestler Match: Jack McAdams and Frankie Allen ended in a draw > Whitey Patterson defeated Young Gotch > Ripper Reeves defeated Tarzan Jordan / Notes: No attendance was reported, but it was said to have been the “biggest crowd of the season”.

JULY 31, 1933 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – AMERICAN LEGION (Max Stewart – Promoter) > Brooks Clayton versus Tommy Daniels > Jim Hesslyn versus Dick Lever / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JULY 31, 1934 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – BUCKHEAD ARENA (Promoter – Unknown) > Eddie Elzea versus Gene Marston > Wayne Coleman versus Tiger Moore / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. This card also featured two preliminary boxing matches, but no details were provided following the card.

JULY 31, 1934 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – RIVERSIDE ARENA (Frank Bettis – Promoter) > Six-Round Boxing Match: Henry Tidwell versus Red Wooten > Benson Baker versus Chief Ping Pong > Bill Collins versus Son Almand > Eddie Elzea versus Jack Higgs / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JULY 31, 1935 (WEDNESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PONCE de LEON BALL PARK (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Joe Cox and Roland Kirchmeyer wrestled to a draw at 30:00 > Frank Speer defeated Karl Davis by disqualification (2-0) > Orville Brown defeated Darna Ostapovich at 34:00 (2-1)

JULY 31, 1942 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Abe Simon – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Kennedy defeated Jack Dillon > Cowboy Luttrall defeated Ronnie Etchison > The Golden Terror defeated Rudy Strongberg / Notes: The Masked Manager managed the Golden Terror.

JULY 31, 1946 (WEDNESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – AUGUSTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Thurman Copley – Promoter) > Joe Marsh versus Charlie Harben > Jack Dillon versus Dick Lever > Nick Carter versus Jack Hader / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JULY 31, 1950 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – AUGUSTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don McIntyre and Buddy Knox wrestled to a draw > Women’s Match: Mae Young & Beverly Lehmer defeated Jean Holland & Eva Lee (2-0) > Bibber McCoy defeated Don McIntyre (2-1)

JULY 31, 1950 (MONDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS SPORTS ARENA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Fred Ward Promotions) > Benny Becker defeated the Green Hornet by disqualification > Danny Dusek defeated Elmer the Rocket > Karl Kowalski defeated Jack Coulter > Pat Murphy defeated Pearshape Powell

JULY 31, 1953 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jackie Fargo defeated Joe Kirkland > Johnny Valentine defeated Mayes McLain > Don & Red McIntyre defeated Danny Dusek & Wild Man Zimm

JULY 31, 1957 (WEDNESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WRDW STUDIOS (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Freddie Blassie defeated Nelson Royal (2-1)

JULY 31, 1959 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – SPORTS ARENA (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ray Gunkel & Adrien Baillargeon defeated Skull Murphy & Gypsy Joe > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Dickie Gunkel defeated Freddie Blassie* to win title / Notes: Freddie Blassie had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Dickie Gunkel on June 19, 1959, in Atlanta.

JULY 31, 1961 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Robert McCoy – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Women’s Tag Team Match: Judy Grable & Fran Gravette versus Dot Carter & Jean Perez > Ricky Storm versus Gypsy Joe / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JULY 31, 1962 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Gene Murphy versus Rito Carreon > Jack Dalton versus Chief Little Eagle > Red Roberts versus Chief Crazy Horse > World Tag Team Title Match: Joe Scarpa & Don Curtis* versus Pedro Godoy & the Russian Crusher / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Joe Scarpa & Don Curtis had been billed as World Tag Team Champions since June 29, 1962.

JULY 31, 1963 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Fred Ward Promotions) > Johnny Sevelle defeated Bob Shipp by disqualification > Choo-Choo Lynn and the Green Hornet wrestled to a draw at 15:00 > Randy Curtis, Johnny Sevelle & Choo-Choo Lynn defeated Bob Shipp, Red Dugan & the Green Hornet by disqualification > Mixed Tag Team Match: Tarzan White & Gladys Sasser defeated Honey Boy Hannigan & Bette Boucher / Notes: It was reported that 1,100 were in attendance for this card.

JULY 31, 1964 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > John & Chris Tolos defeated Bruce Austin & Greg Peterson > Women’s Match: Princess Little Cloud defeated Toni Rose > The Scufflin’ Hillbillies defeated Dick Dunn & Red Roberts > Buddy Fuller defeated George Harris > Joe Scarpa defeated Randy Roper > Sputnik Monroe defeated the Destroyer

JULY 31, 1965 (SATURDAY) – CARROLLTON, GA (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bad Boy Hines versus Wildman Phillips > Joe Scarpa versus Corsica Joe > Dutch Savage versus Chief Little Eagle / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. It is unclear as to what venue was the site of this card.

JULY 31, 1965 (SATURDAY) – MARIETTA, GA – LARRY BELL BALLPARK (Elmo Chappell – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Wildman Phillips defeated Benny Matta > Dutch Savage defeated Bob Boyer > Nick Kozak defeated Mario Galento by disqualification > Joe Scarpa & Chief Little Eagle defeated Jack Vansky & Roy Mulkey

JULY 31, 1970 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Robert Fuller versus Karl Von Stroheim > Paul DeMarco versus Bill Dromo > Buddy Colt versus Buddy Fuller > NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title Match: Danny Hodge* defeated Bobby Shane > Ray Gunkel & El Mongol versus the Assassins > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Nick Bockwinkel* defeated Doug Gilbert / Notes: No documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found. Danny Hodge had been the reigning NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion since May 1965. Nick Bockwinkel had been the reigning Georgia Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Paul DeMarco on July 24, 1970, in Atlanta. Homer O’Dell managed Buddy Colt & Karl Von Stroheim. It was announced that Tim Tyler, Skandor Akbar, and Dory Funk, Jr., would be wrestling in Atlanta soon. Ron & Robert Fuller participated in an autograph session for fans.

JULY 31, 1971 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > El Mongol defeated Krusher Karlson > Kubla Khan defeated Big John by disqualification > George Scott defeated Mr. X / Notes: This was taped for the “Atlanta TV Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral.

JULY 31, 1973 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Ann Gunkel – Promoter / All-South Wrestling Alliance) > El Diablo versus the Avenger > John Black & Goliath versus Koa Tiki & Chief Little Eagle > Randy Curtis versus Bull Zomar > John Foley versus Argentina Apollo > Ray Candy & El Mongol versus Jack Armstrong & Ox Baker > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Tommy Seigler & the Super Gladiator defeated Rock Hunter & Assassin #2* to win title > Cage Match (No DQ / No TL): Ernie Ladd defeated Tarzan Tyler / Notes: No documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found. Tom Shaft was the special referee for the match between Ernie Ladd and Tarzan Tyler. Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2.

JULY 31, 1973 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Oates and Billy Spears wrestled to a draw > Ricky Gibson defeated Bill White > Tom Jones & Roberto Soto defeated Bobby Shane & Gorgeous George, Jr. > Bill Dromo defeated Super Inferno #2 > Bobby Duncum & Bill Watts defeated Mr. Kleen & Mr. Wrestling #2 / Notes: J.C. Dykes managed the Super Infernos.

JULY 31, 1976 (SATURDAY) – GRIFFIN, GA – GRIFFIN-BARNESVILLE SPORTS PALACE (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mitsu Hata defeated Randy Alls > Stan Stasiak defeated Yasu Fuji > Jimmy & Johnny Valiant defeated Ken Mantell & Dean Ho > Mr. Wrestling #2 versus Abdullah the Butcher ended in a double disqualification / Notes: Rock Hunter managed Abdullah the Butcher.

JULY 31, 1977 (SUNDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA-FULTON COUNTY STADIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Richard Blood defeated Ken Dillinger > Jerry Stubbs defeated Randy Savage > Don Kernodle defeated Bill White > Tony Atlas defeated Roger Smith / Notes: This card was for the second annual “Headlock and Wedlock” promotion whereas couples married prior to a Major League Baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Little information is available regarding the pre-game nuptials, but there were four matches immediately following the game. The ring was set up along the first base line. Incidentally, the Braves defeated the Pirates 8-3, before an audience of 12,467. However, it is unclear as to how many people witnessed the passing of rings prior to the game, or how many watched the action in the ring afterward.

JULY 31, 1978 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ken Dillinger defeated Barry Orton > The Challenger defeated Roger Howell > Rick Martel & Rick McGraw defeated Hartford Love & Ken Dillinger > No DQ / No TL Match: Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff defeated Stan Hansen & Tommy Rich > Texas Death Match: Thunderbolt Patterson defeated King Kong Mosca / Notes: Ken Dillinger substituted for the French Angel to team with Hartford Love in the match with Rick Martel & Rick McGraw

JULY 31, 1979 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mike Stallings and Carl Fergie wrestled to a draw at 15:00 > Doug Somers defeated Jerry Stubbs > Stan Hansen & Ray Candy defeated Killer Karl Kox & the Masked Superstar > Georgia Television Title Match (No DQ): Blackjack Lanza* defeated Bob Armstrong > Coal Miner’s Glove Tag Team Match: Tommy Rich & Wahoo McDaniel defeated Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff / Notes: Bobby Heenan was barred from ringside during the match between Blackjack Lanza and Bob Armstrong. Heenan managed Blackjack Lanza, Killer Karl Kox and the Masked Superstar.

JULY 31, 1980 (THURSDAY) – KNOXVILLE, TN – CHILHOWEE PARK (Bob Polk – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Sweetan versus Steve Keirn > Tony Atlas versus Baron Von Raschke > Tommy Rich versus Dennis Condrey > Boston Street Fight Match: Mark Lewin versus Kevin Sullivan > Cage Match: Stan Hansen & Mr. Wrestling #2 versus the Assassins / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. The Great Mephisto managed Mark Lewin.

JULY 31, 1981 (FRIDAY) – HIAWASSEE, GA – GEORGIA MOUNTAINS FAIRGROUNDS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bruno Sammartino, Jr., versus Bryan St. John > Jim Duggan versus Mr. Wrestling #2 > Ted DiBiase & Steve O versus Terry Gordy & Jimmy Snuka > Ken Patera versus Tommy Rich / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

JULY 31, 1982 (SATURDAY) – CHATTANOOGA, TN – CHATTANOOGA MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Roy Rogers defeated Dale Veasey > The Super Destroyer defeated Terry Gibbs > Tom Prichard defeated Luke Graham > Battle Royal: Tito Santana (Winner) > The Wild Samoans defeated Luke Graham & Tito Santana > Coal Miner’s Glove Match: Tommy Rich defeated Buzz Sawyer by disqualification / Notes: Luke Graham substituted for Leroy Brown to team with Tito Santana in the match with the Wild Samoans. Sonny King managed the Samoans. It was reported that the purse for the battle royal was $2,500.

JULY 31, 1982 (SATURDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – RICHMOND COUNTY CIVIC CENTER (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ole Anderson & Stan Hansen versus the Freebirds > Don Muraco versus Mr. Wrestling #2 > Paul Orndorff versus the Masked Superstar / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Roddy Piper managed Don Muraco.

JULY 31, 1983 – ATLANTA, GA (SUNDAY) – OMNI COLISEUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Rick Rood defeated Pat Rose > Mr. Wrestling defeated Joe Lightfoot > Ron Garvin and Brett Wayne wrestled to a draw > Mr. Wrestling #2 versus the Iron Sheik > The Road Warriors defeated Jack & Jerry Brisco > Tommy Rich defeated Bill Irwin by disqualification > Pez Whatley defeated Greg Valentine > Roddy Piper defeated Buzz Sawyer by disqualification / Notes: It was reported that 9,000 were in attendance for this card. Joe Lightfoot replaced Rick Rood in the match with Mr. Wrestling, as Rood substituted for Arn Anderson in the match with Pat Rose. Mr. Wrestling #2 and the Iron Sheik were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card. Paul Ellering managed Buzz Sawyer, the Iron Sheik, and the Road Warriors.

– GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com