SOUTHEASTERN WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 09/03/2008

NEWS and NOTES

World Wrestling Entertainment’s Unforgiven PPV will be broadcast live from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH, tonight at 8:00 PM ET. Advertised: Shawn Michaels versus Chris Jericho in a “non-sanctioned” match; CM Punk defends the WWE World Heavyweight Title in a scramble including Rey Mysterio, JBL, Batista, and Kane; Triple H defends the WWE Heavyweight Title in a scramble including Jeff Hardy, Shelton Benjamin, Brian Kendrick, and MVP; Mark Henry defends the WWE ECW Heavyweight Title against Matt Hardy, Chavo Guerrero, Finlay & the Miz in a scramble match; Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase, Jr., defend the WWE World Tag Team Title against Cryme Tyme; and Michelle McCool defends the Divas Title against Maryse.

Mr. Kennedy, after weeks of avoiding surgery on his torn labrum, went through with the process, and is not expected to be able to return until around the time of WrestleMania next Spring.

Peach State Pandemonium will feature former NWA World Heavyweight Champion ‘Hands of Stone’ Ron Garvin and Great Championship Wrestling’s Micah Taylor, tonight, live at 9:00 PM ET. Les Thatcher is also expected to chime in to discuss Killer Kowalski.

GCW has announced that aside from the Fred Ward Memorial show on September 4, they will also be presenting events over the next month at the Gr8 Sk8 Plex in Phenix City, AL, on the following dates: September 11, September 18, September 25, and October 2. All shows have a 7:30 PM bell time. For tickets, call (334) 664-1780.

We reported earlier that Total Nonstop Action is now the home for Mick Foley. He signed a short term deal to begin working with the company soon. In a statement released today by the Gillespie Agency, Foley confirmed his move to TNA. Within the statement, Foley announced he is a “free agent in the world of wrestling”, while mentioning that he is “grateful to WWE” for opportunities afforded him. He plans to do some film and TV work, as well as more books, including a new children’s story and a fourth volume of his memoirs.

In preparation for TNA’s upcoming DVD on Kurt Angle, an interview was conducted on Tuesday with Bruno Sammartino. The DVD is slated for a November release.

Today in Memoriam: Karl Pojello (1954).

Dave Meltzer is reporting that John Hollis of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is working with Lex Luger on his biography.

On September 16, the Wild Samoan Pro Wrestling Training Center opens a new location at the Leesburg, Armory in Leesburg, FL. For information on getting into the school, email [email protected].

NWA Anarchy returns to the NWA Arena in Cornelia, GA, on September 6 with another international television taping. The advertised card includes an NWA Anarchy Title Match: Iceberg (c) (with the Reverend) vs. Shadow Jackson, an NWA Anarchy Television Title Match: Truitt Fields (c) vs. Mr. Rob Adonis (with Jeremy Vain), Greg Hunters chats with the new NWA Anarchy Tag Team Champions, New Wave (Derrick Driver & Steven Walters), Jeff G. Bailey has vowed that the former champions, the NWA Elite (Shatter & Kimo) will make their presence known, "The Obsession" Caleb Konley vs. "The Attraction" Hayden Young, Jay Clinton & Jeff Lewis vs. Bo Newsome & Don Matthews, a Young Lion's Division Match and all of the usual suspects: NWA Anarchy owner Jerry Palmer, Ace Rockwell, Devil's Rejects with the Reverend, Chad Parham & Seth Delay, Hollywood Brunettes, The Technicians and Brodie Chase & Melissa Coates. Bell time is 8pm.

Pro Wrestling Fusion presents "Mass Destruction" on September 6 at the PAL Center, located at 1401 North 2nd St. Fort Pierce, FL 34950. Doors open at 7:30pm and bell time will be at 8:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at the PWF website at $20 ringside, $10 general admission. For any questions, please contact [email protected]. For more information, call 772.224.9332. Advertised: In the main event, The Sheik will defend the PWF Heavyweight Championship against Meng in a Falls Count Anywhere match. In the semi-main event, Chris Jones will defend the PWF Luchadore Championship against Chris Gray. In a hair versus mask match, Francisco Ciatso w/ The Double Deuce Social Club: Amy Vitale & “BIG” Pete Cannon will take on King Kong Fu. I tag team action The Lifeguards will take on the Dark City Fight Club. C.J. O’Doyle will take on Jerrelle Clark in the opening contest. Also scheduled to appear: Steve Madison, Freedom Ryder, GIANT Dante, Ring Announcer Shannon Rose & The Fusion Bombs.

Championship Wrestling returns home to Kingsport, TN, on September 6 at 8:00 PM. The event has been moved from the Civic Auditorium to the National Guard Armory on West Stone Drive due to the Civic Auditorium being used as a Red Cross shelter for Hurricane Gustav victims from Louisiana. The advertised lineup is as follows: In a $10,000 Bounty Match, Tony "The Dragon" Givens & Ricky Morton vs. The 420 Hit Squad (Adam York & The Jin) (AWA Heavyweight Champion Brian Logan has put a $10K bounty up for anyone that can take Givens out by November 1), Tag Team Challenge: "High Risk" Robbie Cassidy & "Young Gun" Cody Ices vs. National Heavyweight Champion, Alyx Winters & Mr. Bolo (with John Hawkins), US Tag Team Title Match: The Hick Hop Express (Beau James & Moe Jenkins with Misty James) (c) vs. KMF Inc. (Big Steve Fury & Chris Richards with John Hawkins), CW Television Title Match: Wayne Adkins (c) vs. "The Real Deal" Chase Owens (with John Hawkins). Tickets are $10 for front row and $8 general admission.

Flatline Championship Wrestling, Old School Championship Wrestling, and Ring Warriors Elite present “Crossroads: A Benefit for Jon Malus” at Element Nightlife in Columbia, SC, on September 7. Doors open at 6 PM. Tickets are $8. This event is all-ages. Advertised: Brandon Paradise takes on Nick Kismet. Hexxon battles Big Game James. The Internationals square off against RWE tag champs Darkness and Ethan Case. Chris Mayne defends the FCW Rage title against Italian Ice. Hallowicked and Johnny Blaze take on Tank Lewis and Sgt. Solitude. Cali Casanova versus Malachi. Josh Magnum challenges “The American Nightmare” Sixx for the Universal title in a ladder match. Also in action will be: Matt Crosby, Rufio Rush, Big Hoss, Killian, Rick Jacobs, and many more, including an appearance by Jon Malus.

Full Impact Pro presents "Impact Of Honor II" on October 12 at the National Guard Armory, 8551 W. Venable St., Crystal River, FL 34429. Doors open at 7:30 pm and show starts at 8 pm. Advance tickets - $12 GA & Kids 13 and under $8 GA. To purchase advance tickets call (352) 422-4582. Advertised so far: FIP Tag Team Championship: Kenny King & Jason Blade (c) vs. Jay & Mark Briscoe. Also scheduled to appear: FIP World Heavyweight Champion Go Shiozaki with Sean & Phil Davis, FIP Florida Heritage Champion Sal Rinauro of The YRR, Roderick Strong, Erick Stevens, Tyler Black, The Dark City Fight Club of Kory Chavis & Jon Davis, Damien Wayne & Rex Sterling of Heartbreak Enterprises, Chasyn Rance of The YRR, The British Lions and others.

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

SEPTEMBER 3, 1935 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – KEY ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > John Dameron defeated Charlie Norman (2-1) > Young Londos defeated John Mauldin by disqualification (2-0) > Jack Ross defeated Emilio Firpo (2-1)

SEPTEMBER 3, 1936 (THURSDAY) – AVONDALE, GA – AVONDALE ARENA (Nat Jones – Promoter) > Bill Ward versus Whitey Patterson > Chippewa Charlie and Honey Boy Hackney wrestled to a draw > Bill Collins versus Ted Taylor / Notes: Aside from the match between Chippewa Charlie and Honey Boy Hackney, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1937 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WEST END ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Son Almand defeated Joe Ferona > Jack Layden versus Doc Poole > NWA World Middleweight Title Match: Gus Kallio* versus Buck Lawson / Notes: Aside from the match between Son Almand and Joe Ferona, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found. Gus Kallio had been recognized as the NWA World Middleweight Champion multiple times, but it is unclear at this time how he came to be recognized during this time frame.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1941 (WEDNESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – NORTHSIDE TENNIS CLUB (Abe Simon – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Lee Wyckoff versus John Grandovich > Rudy Strongberg versus Jack Kennedy > Dick Lever versus Dobie Osborne / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1943 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Sammy Friedman – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Roland Kirchmeyer defeated Albert Mills by disqualification > John Mauldin defeated Joe Vitale > Tiny Ruff defeated Babe Zaharias by disqualification / Notes: John Mauldin substituted for Carlos Rodriguez in the match with Joe Vitale. Vitale was credited as being a referee on this card.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1945 (MONDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Lou Masters, Dick Leonard, and Buster White – Promoters) > The Bat defeated the Green Hornet > Roland Kirchmeyer defeated Wally Greb > George Romanoff defeated Bill Collins

SEPTEMBER 3, 1948 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Al Massey defeated Tom Mahoney > One-Night Women’s Tournament: June Byers defeated Therese Theis; Mae Young defeated Juanita Coffman; Byers defeated Young to win tournament > Al Lovelock and Don McIntyre wrestled to a draw > Sky Hi Lee defeated Jim Coffield / Notes: It is unclear as to the reason for the tournament.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1951 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Art Nelson, Eddie Gossett & Gorgeous Gilpin versus Al Massey, Jack Steele & Finis Hall / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1954 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Nick Carter defeated Jack O’Reilly > Pierre DeGaulle defeated Jerry Graham by disqualification > Tokyo Joe defeated Tex Riley > World Tag Team Title Match: Reggie Lisowski & Art Nelson* and Don & Red McIntyre wrestled to a draw / Notes: Reggie Lisowski & Art Nelson had been the reigning World Tag Team Champions as recognized by the Chicago, IL, office since they defeated Bill Melby & Jack Witzig on February 13, 1954. The program we have for this card continues to reference Bill Hartman (Ticket Sales) and Simon Davis (Timekeeper) as part of the office staff in Atlanta. It was announced that Allan Garfield would be wrestling on the card on September 10, 1954. It was also announced that Primo Carnera, Nell Stewart, and wrestling bear Gorgeous Gus would be appearing in Atlanta soon. It was mentioned that Freddie Blassie had been scheduled for this card, but had to delay his return to Atlanta.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1963 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Fred Ward Promotions) > Bob Eisenburg and Joe McCarthy went to a 20:00 draw > Marco Polo defeated Chris Averoff by disqualification > Choo-Choo Lynn defeated Dick Barkley at 6:00 > Bob Eisenburg, Choo-Choo Lynn & Marco Polo defeated Chris Averoff, Joe McCarthy & Dick Barkley

SEPTEMBER 3, 1965 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Benny Matta and Wildman Phillips wrestled to a draw > Dale Lewis defeated Jesse James > Negro Men’s Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Matt Jewell* defeated Nate Smith > Mario Galento & Dutch Savage defeated Nick Kozak & Bob Boyer > Freddie Blassie defeated Chief Little Eagle > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Bob Orton* defeated Buddy Fuller by disqualification / Notes: Bob Boyer substituted for Dick Steinborn to team with Nick Kozak in the match with Mario Galento & Dutch Savage. Matt Jewell had been the reigning Negro Men’s Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Rocky Storm on June 19, 1964, in Atlanta. Bob Orton had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion as recognized by the Tampa, FL, office since he won a tournament on June 17, 1965, in Jacksonville, FL.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1966 (SATURDAY) – MARIETTA, GA – LARRY BELL BALLPARK (Elmo Chappell – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Armstrong versus Chico Cortez > Greg Peterson & Mario Galento versus the Red Raiders / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1968 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Pepe Gomez and Bozo Brown wrestled to a draw > Bill Dromo defeated Oki Shikina > Alberto & Ramon Torres defeated Stan & Butcher Vachon

SEPTEMBER 3, 1969 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Robert Fuller defeated Salvadore Dominguez > Vincent Lopez defeated Billy Spears > Super Assailant #2 defeated Derrell Cochran > Joe Scarpa defeated Super Assailant #1 > Lumberjack Ten-Round Boxing Match: Bill Dromo defeated Paul DeMarco / Notes: Mario Galento managed the Super Assailants. Despite the fact Paul DeMarco defeated Bill Dromo in a Loser Leaves Match on August 27, 1969, DeMarco wanted to face Dromo in a boxing match and Fred Ward quickly signed the match. The program we have for this card mentioned that Ward attended the NWA Convention in St. Louis, MO, over the previous weekend. It is also the first program to mention the “Columbus Championship Wrestling” program, hosted by Jim Koger, which was broadcast live each Saturday afternoon on WTVM Channel 9. It was announced that Dory Funk, Jr., would be wrestling in Columbus soon.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1971 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Alex Medina defeated Cisco Grimaldo > Bill White versus Roberto Soto ended in a double countout > Bill Dromo & Klondike Bill defeated Ken Russell & Guillotine Gordon > Dick Steinborn and Flash Monroe wrestled to a draw > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: the Assassins* defeated El Mongol & Kubla Khan > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Buddy Colt* and George Scott wrestled to a draw > Ray Gunkel defeated Big John by countout / Notes: Homer O’Dell did not appear at ringside with Buddy Colt. Colt had been billed as the Georgia Heavyweight Champion since June 18, 1971. The Assassins had been billed as Georgia Tag Team Champions since August 13, 1971. When Ed Capral attempted to interview Big John, John shoved him, knocking him to the floor, and then walked away. Paul Jones broke a story in the program for this card that there may be a split between O’Dell and Colt, with Colt reportedly blaming O’Dell for his loss to Dory Funk, Jr., on August 20, 1971. Eddie Smith was credited as being a referee for this card. It was announced that Bobo Brazil would be wrestling in Atlanta on September 10, 1971. George Scott participated in an autograph session for fans.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1973 (MONDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA (Aaron Newman – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) Notes: A card was scheduled for this date, but no information is available. It was reported that the Super Infernos were stripped of the Georgia Tag Team Title, for deliberately getting themselves disqualified to retain the title. The reports did not name their opponents. J.C. Dykes managed the Super Infernos.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1974 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Ann Gunkel – Promoter / All-South Wrestling Alliance) > Crusher Verdu versus El Mongol > Ray Candy & Charlie Cook versus the Royal Kangaroos > Carlos Colon & the Missouri Mauler defeated Rock Hunter & Super Soul Davis > Loser Leaves Cage Match (No DQ): Ernie Ladd defeated Ox Baker / Notes: No documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found. Rock Hunter managed Crusher Verdu.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1974 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Oates defeated Sonny Rogers > Ron & Terry Garvin defeated Dennis Stamp & the Professional > Harley Race defeated Roberto Soto > Macon Heavyweight Title Match: Mr. Wrestling #2* defeated Roger Kirby > Bill Dromo, Mike McCord & Andre the Giant defeated Buddy Colt, Ole & Gene Anderson / Notes: Jimmy Garvin managed Ron & Terry Garvin.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1976 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ricky Steamboat and Killer Brooks wrestled to a draw > Gino Hernandez defeated Wayne Cowan > Ray Stevens defeated Roberto Soto > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: the Black Bombers defeated Jimmy & Johnny Valiant* to win title > Jos LeDuc versus Pak Song ruled a no contest > No DQ / No TL Match: Dick Slater defeated Dusty Rhodes / Notes: Roberto Soto substituted for Dean Ho in the match with Ray Stevens. Rock Hunter managed Pak Song.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1977 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WTCG STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Nelson Royal defeated Raul Mata > Tommy Rich & Tony Atlas defeated Jim Kent & Bill White > Jacques Goulet defeated Jim Cooke > Steven Little Bear defeated Gary Austin > Ole & Gene Anderson defeated Randy Alls & Raul Mata / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Gordon Solie.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1979 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Carl Fergie defeated Chick Donovan > Bob Armstrong defeated Jonathan Boyd > Bob Armstrong & Stan Hansen defeated Ernie Ladd & Ray Stevens > Tommy Rich defeated Ole Anderson > Stan Hansen defeated Killer Karl Kox / Notes: Bobby Heenan managed Killer Karl Kox.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1979 (MONDAY) – CEDARTOWN, GA (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ray Candy versus Ivan Koloff / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. A battle royal for a reported purse of $1,000 was advertised.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1980 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Oates defeated Charlie Fulton > Steve O defeated Assassin #2 > National Television Title Match: Terry Taylor* and Dennis Condrey wrestled to a draw > Georgia Junior Heavyweight Title Match: Stan Lane defeated Kevin Sullivan* to win title > Steve Keirn defeated Assassin #1 by disqualification > Lars Anderson & Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Ole Anderson & Terry Funk

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