Chad's AWA

[Chad Olson]

stephenvegas said:

Good card Chad.

I like the tag team of Race and Orton Jr taking on the Road Warriors. Any LOW promoter who hasn't yet had a series of matches between the Valentines and the Midnight Express should set them up because chances are they will have some great matches against each other just like they did in both my fed and obviously in your fed.

I like matching up teams with lower finisher ratings against each other (aside from the MX's VEG-O-MATIC) because they usually rack up the tokens pretty fast. The MX-Valentines series reminds me of the match I had 15 years ago between the Greek Gods and TitanPower. Since their finishers are low, there's lots of near falls and excitement!

[Chad Olson]

AWA CARD #42
5/27/07
McNichols Arena, Denver, CO

1. Hacksaw Duggan b. Nikita Breznikov **
2. Ivan Koloff b. George South *
3. SD & ST Jones b. Larry Sharpe & Buddy Rose **
4. B. Brian Blair b. Larry Hennig ** ¾
5. Don Leo Jonathan & Bobo Brazil b. Komrade Red & Ox Baker – DQ ***
6. Jimmy Valiant b. Bobby Eaton – DQ *** ½
7. Harley Race & Bob Orton, Jr. b. Nick Bockwinkel & Ted DiBiase DUD
8. AMERICAS CHAMPIONSHIP – Giant Baba b. Mil Mascaras to win title *

Summary: Hacksaw Duggan made his AWA debut against the hated Nikita Breznikov. Komrade Red came to ringside during the match to distract Duggan, but it didn’t help, as Duggan got the pinfall with his flying spear finisher. Following the bout, Duggan blasted Breznikov with his 2x4, sending him out on a stretcher! Red’s new partner Ivan Koloff had little trouble with George South, easily winning with a top rope clothesline.

Two new tag teams debuted in the next match. Soul Train Jones introduced his cousin Special Delivery Jones, or SD to his friends. They went up against Larry Sharpe, and his new partner, the returning Playboy Buddy Rose. Rose didn’t return to the AWA alone, as he was accompanied by his new valet, Sherri Martel. Sharpe and Rose are going by the name of the Riviera Playboys, “Pretty Boy” Larry and “Playboy” Buddy. It seems like the cousins have seen more ring time together, as they were able to dominate Sharpe and keep Rose out for much of the bout. ST grabbed Sharpe in his cobra clutch for the victory.

B. Brian Blair upset Larry Hennig. Hennig couldn’t put together any offense, and Blair took him out with the sleeper. It seems that Hennig hasn’t be able to find a regular partner yet, and is still looking to find his place in the AWA.

Don Leo Jonathan and Bobo Brazil took on Komrade Red and Ox Baker in our next bout. This was a great back and forth tag match. DLJ used the Mormon Swing on both men, but he couldn’t get the pinfall. Bobo hit a Coco Butt on Komrade, but Baker grabbed referee Gary DeRusha and pitched him out of the ring during the pin count. The teams started brawling all over the ringside area. Once DeRusha regained his senses, he DQ’d Baker & Red.

Bobby Eaton sought revenge against Jimmy Valiant for costing him and Stan Lane the world tag team titles. Eaton dominated the early part of the match, but Valiant made a comeback with his infamous chain. He hit 3 consecutive Super Elbows on Eaton and went for the pin attempt. Jim Cornette jumped in the ring and popped him with his racquet, giving Valiant the DQ victory. This feud is far from settled, AWA fans!

What’s going on with Nick Bockwinkel & Ted DiBiase? They took on Harley Race & Bob Orton, Jr., but hardly looked like the cohesive unit fans were accustomed to. It could be that Bockwinkel is listening more to Bobby Heenan than his partner. Orton was able to take DiBiase down quickly, and stunned him with two piledrivers while Race and Bockwinkel brawled at ringside. Orton then hit the Superplex on DiBiase for the win. It looked like Bockwinkel was going to try to save DiBiase, but Heenan grabbed his arm and shook his head “no”. Bockwinkel later stated he needed to “conserve his energy” for his upcoming title defense against Don Leo Jonathan. DiBiase had no comment.

The second WrestleRock rematch of the month saw Mil Mascaras defend his Americas title against former champion Giant Baba. When Mascaras won the title, the Destroyer served as an “unbiased” special referee, although he seemed to show favoritism to Giant Baba. Tonight, there was no doubt where the Destroyer’s allegiances lied, as he accompanied Baba to ringside. Instead of being dressed in his normal wrestling attire, he was dressed in a sharp suit to go with his mask! He grabbed the microphone from Marty O’Neill, and announced he was going into “semi-retirement” so he could manage the affairs of his friend Baba more closely. He showed referee Larry Lisowski his manager’s license, so he was allowed to stay at ringside.

Mascaras seemed distracted, but not surprised, but these developments. He went after Baba right away, trying to keep an eye on the Destroyer as well. He dropkicked Baba near the ropes, causing him to tumble to the floor. He blasted Baba with a plancha, and tossed him back into the ring. Mascaras climbed to the top rope, preparing to hit Baba with his trademark flying body press. Baba reached out and grabbed Lisowski, temporarily distracting the official. That was all the opportunity the Destroyer needed! He jumped on the apron and shook the ropes, causing Mascaras to crotch himself on the top rope and then fall into the ring. As Mascaras staggered to his feet, Baba let go of Lisowski and leveled the champion with his neckbreaker drop. Mascaras was easy pickings for the three count, and Baba regained the Americas title for the third time. The Denver fans erupted in a chorus of boos after witnessing the treacherous acts.

[Chad Olson]

I've added my title histories in the Legends Fed News area. Check them out if you're interested.

[Cory Olson]

Great results, brother! I like Baba as an EVIL giant!

I'm predicting that the Joneses win the AWA belts in '08.

[stephenvegas]

After reading your latest results Chad, I agree with Cory that Baba should make a great evil giant-especially as your champion. Now I'm actually thinking of someday turning Giant Baba heel in my own fed.

[Chad Olson]

I'm excited to see how Giant Baba as the big foreign menace with the Destroyer as his mouthpiece turns out. I was hoping the match at WrestleRock would have been more competitive so he could have turned there, but my plans and the dice's plans don't always agree!

Perhaps a Baba/Komrade Red/Ivan Koloff six man tag team is waiting in the wings....

[TDalton]

Now we have the EVIL dreaded Neckbreaker Drop! I'm assuming that the striping on Destroyer's mask matched his suit (much like the Mistico mask I wear at your wedding will match my tux).

Riviera Playboys will win your tag titles and hold them forever. Oh yeah, it's going to happen!

Checked out the title history thread - good stuff.

[Chad Olson]

AWA ALL STAR WRESTLING RESULTS FROM 6/2/07

***In a shocking interview with Marty O’Neill, the Destroyer further explained his actions from 5/27/07. He said that Mascaras always “sucked up” to Baba, and only befriended him so he could partake in the lucrative tours of Japan. “Mascaras’ own country is in economic shambles, no one can make money wrestling in Mexico!” said the Destroyer. He stated that he was proud to be associated with an honorable Japanese warrior like Giant Baba, and North American stars like Mil Mascaras and Bobo Brazil were “revolting and greedy”. “I’m glad I’m from Parts Unknown,” said the masked manager, “because if I was from the US or Mexico, I’d have to renounce my citizenship!” When O’Neill asked him how big of a cut of Baba’s winnings he was taking, the Destroyer slapped the microphone from his hand and stormed off!

***Bob Orton Jr., introduced his father, Bob Orton Sr., to AWA fans in another interview with O’Neill. Orton Sr. stated he was in the AWA to resume his rivalry with the Vachons, whom he had battled many times across the Midwest. Orton Jr. said he’s excited to continue teaming with Harley Race and begin teaming with his father, stating he would continue to improve under the eye of two legends.

***Promoter Wally Karbo announced a big showdown for July 4 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. World Champion Nick Bockwinkel and his partner Ted DiBiase will take on World Tag Team Champions the Valentines in a non title match! If Bockwinkel & DiBiase win, they will earn a title shot at a later date. Johnny Valentine is anxious to step into the ring with the World Heavyweight Champion. Who will win this tremendous encounter?

[Chad Olson]

AWA CARD #43
6/10/07
War Memorial Building, Bismarck, ND

1. Butcher & Mad Dog Vachon b. Koko Ware & George South **
2. Bob Orton Sr. b. SD Jones ** ¾
3. Jim Brunzell b. Larry Hennig DUD
4. Bob Orton Jr. b. the Destroyer *** ½
5. Johnny Valentine b. Ted DiBiase ***
6. Komrade Red & Ivan Koloff b. Bobo Brazil & Hacksaw Duggan ** ½
7. Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane b. Jimmy & Johnny Valiant **** ½
8. AWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – Nick Bockwinkel b. Don Leo Jonathan – DQ DUD

Summary: Koko Ware tried his best to put the Vachons on the mat, but they powered back and forced the tag. Once George South got in the ring, the Vachons swarmed him and Mad Dog got the pin with his piledriver. Bob Orton Sr. made an impressive debut, taking on a very game SD Jones. Jones fought hard, but Orton Sr. got the win with his version of the piledriver. Larry Hennig continued to struggle, as he was quickly beaten by Jim Brunzell and his impressive dropkick. The Destroyer came out of his “semi-retirement” to battle Bob Orton Jr. Orton Jr. has looked good in both singles and tag matches in recent weeks, the result of training with Harley Race and his father, Bob Orton Sr. “The Cowboy” was able to beat the Destroyer in a close encounter, putting the masked man down with his superplex.

Johnny Valentine took on Ted DiBiase in a prelude to the big showdown in Milwaukee. DiBiase attacked quickly at the opening bell, but Valentine was able to put him on the mat and keep him grounded. As usual, Valentine used a series of Atomic Skullcrushers to punish his opponent. After a third Skullcrusher, Valentine covered DiBiase for the victory.

Fans were excited to see Komrade Red and Ivan Koloff step into the ring with Bobo Brazil and his new partner, Hacksaw Duggan. They hoped that Brazil & Duggan could stop the Russian duo, and make them pay for the anti-American rhetoric they spout. If Brazil & Duggan expect to compete with the Russians, they will need to step up their game. Koloff & Komrade haven’t teamed much with each other, but both are expert tag team wrestlers. As a result, they were able to pummel Duggan and cut the ring off, not allowing Brazil to get in the ring. Koloff picked up Duggan in a back suplex position, while Komrade came off the second rope with a clothesline to get the pin.

Jim Cornette challenged the Valiant Brothers to a tag match following card #41, where the Valiants cost the Midnight Express the tag team titles. Each team wanted to prove that they were the toughest duo in the AWA. This match was a wild affair, with both teams hammering each other with finishers, chairs, and anything else not nailed down at ringside! Only Stan Lane was not bleeding at the end of the match, which resembled a street fight more than a wrestling bout. Not surprisingly, Jim Cornette found a way to get involved, slipping his tennis racquet in the ring to Bobby Eaton and then distracting referee Gary DeRusha. Eaton slammed Johnny Valiant hard across the back while Stan Lane superkicked Jimmy Valiant out of the ring. Johnny was covered for the pin, but the assault wasn’t over. Cornette blasted Jimmy with the racquet, temporarily stunning him. The Midnight Express delivered a devastating Double Goozle on the concrete, with Johnny’s head striking the floor with a sickening thud. As the Midnight Express and Cornette bolted from ringside, medics attended to Johnny. Johnny was stretchered out of the arena, and the preliminary diagnosis expects him to be out for 4-5 months with a severe concussion and injured vertebrae in his neck.

Don Leo Jonathan was pumped up for his first shot at the AWA World title. Nick Bockwinkel came down to the ring to a mixture of cheers and boos, as his association has altered the fans perception of him. Jonathan may have been overanxious, as he went after Bockwinkel a little too recklessly. He threw him out of the ring, and hammered him into the ringside steps. Referee Bob Warren called for the bell immediately, gave the title belt to Bockwinkel and Heenan, and the duo rushed back to the dressing room. Fans voiced their displeasure with more boos and catcalls, and tossed debris at Warren as the official left the ringside area.

[Chad Olson]

AWA ALL STAR WRESTLING RESULTS FROM 6/16/07 & 6/23/07

***Vignettes promoting the debut of Larry Zybszko aired on 6/16 & 6/23. Footage was shown of Zybszko finishing off numerous opponents with his dreaded piledriver. Will Zybszko target the World Championship, or does he have other motives in mind?

***Don Leo Jonathan issued a challenge to the singles champions of the AWA! “Bockwinkel or Baba, it doesn’t matter! Give me another shot at the title and I’ll take it!” declared the Mormon giant. Hopefully, Jonathan can control his temper and keep his focus the next time he gets a title shot!

***Jimmy Valiant wants revenge against the Midnight Express! In a highly emotional interview with Marty O’Neill on 6/23, Valiant declared war on the Midnight Express. He said he was looking for a new partner to battle the Midnights, but wanted them in singles action in the interim.

[Cory Olson]

I want to see DLJ vs. Baba in the "Battle of the GIANTS"! Make it happen!

[Chad Olson]

coryolson said:

I want to see DLJ vs. Baba in the "Battle of the GIANTS"! Make it happen!

Buy a bus ticket for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, brother. It's happening in July!

[Chad Olson]

AWA CARD #44
7/4/07
Milwaukee Auditorium, Milwaukee, WI

1. Larry Zybszko b. George South *
2. Butcher & Mad Dog Vachon b. SD & ST Jones ***
3. B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell b. Buddy Rose & Larry Sharpe *** ¾
4. Hacksaw Duggan b. Larry Hennig – DQ * ½
5. Jimmy Valiant b. Stan Lane – DQ ***
6. Giant Baba & the Destroyer b. Don Leo Jonathan & Harley Race *** ½
7. Bobo Brazil b. Ivan Koloff – COR *
8. Non – Title Match - Greg & Johnny Valentine b. Nick Bockwinkel & Ted DiBiase – DQ ****

Summary: Larry Zybszko made his much ballyhooed debut, dropping South with his piledriver. The Vachons showed their savage side once again, as they pummeled ST Jones inside and outside of the ring, bloodying him with vicious ringpost smash. ST managed to tag his cousin SD, but Special Delivery didn’t fare much better against Mad Dog Vachon. Mad Dog hammered him against turnbuckles, and then pinned him with a double foot stomp to the abdomen. The Vachons have quickly become the most hated men in the AWA with the brutal tactics.

Has Larry Hennig found the partners he’s been looking for? Hennig squared off against Hacksaw Duggan, who was looking to establish himself in the AWA singles scene. Duggan dominated Hennig from the outset of the match, managing to overpower the muscular Minnesotan. Duggan hit Hennig with his flying spear move, when Mad Dog Vachon hit the ring and dropped a knee across Duggan’s neck. Referee Larry Lisowski called for the bell and gave the disqualification victory to Duggan. After the match, Vachon extended his hand to Hennig and they shook hands. What kind of unholy alliance has Hennig gotten himself into?

Jimmy Valiant squared off against Stan Lane, half of the duo that severely injured his brother Johnny. Valiant attacked at the bell, viciously pounding Lane’s head against the mat and the turnbuckle. He used his Super Elbow on Lane multiple times, and got a big near fall after a second rope knee drop. Lane managed to make a comeback, getting a pin attempt with a superkick, but Valiant cut him off with a clothesline and regained control. Valiant came off the top rope with the Super Elbow again when Jim Cornette jumped into the ring to break up the pin count. Valiant was a disqualification victor, but this war is far from settled.

For the second card in a row, the Destroyer left his “semi-retirement” to get in the ring. This time, he joined his protégé/partner Giant Baba against Harley Race and the popular giant, Don Leo Jonathan. The match started off innocently enough, with all four men exchanging mat holds, slams and suplexes. As is usual lately, Jonathan lost his temper and his opponent took advantage of him. In this case, the Destroyer and Baba double teamed Jonathan and wore him down. After a Russian leg sweep by Baba, Jonathan was easy pickings for the neckbreaker drop.

Bobo Brazil took on Ivan Koloff in our next bout. Bobo wanted to defend the honor of the US on Independence Day. Brazil did some damage on Koloff, as Koloff showed weakness for the first time in his AWA stint. The evil Russian took a couple of Coco Butts, but then bailed out of the ring. He walked back to the dressing room as referee Larry Lisowski administered the ten count.

The highly anticipated matchup between the Valentines and Nick Bockwinkel and Ted DiBiase lived up to its billing. Bobby Heenan accompanied the World Champion to ringside, while DiBiase ignored Heenan’s comments before the match. DiBiase and Greg Valentine squared off first, as the second generation stars exchanged their versions of the figure four leglock. Next, Nick Bockwinkel came in the ring, and hit a devastating piledriver on Greg. The younger Valentine managed to tag out to his father, and Johnny lit up Bockwinkel with forearm hammers and chops. Bockwinkel clamped his sleeper on Johnny, but Johnny managed to grab the ropes and force the break. DiBiase got back in the ring and delivered a powerful fistdrop, but Johnny got his foot on the ropes. A frustrated DiBiase threw Johnny out of the ring and followed him out to deliver a guard rail whip. As DiBiase threw Johnny at the guard rails, Bobby Heenan threw a chair at Johnny’s head. Referee Gary DeRusha disqualified DiBiase for Heenan’s interference, which outraged DiBiase. Bockwinkel managed to separate DiBiase from Heenan, but DiBiase walked off ahead of his partner.

[Cory Olson]

isuchado said:

Buy a bus ticket for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, brother. It's happening in July!

Can we visit Lakefront Brewery while we're there?

Great results. Good to see Bobo get the win over the Russian on the 4th. Sounds the main event tag team match was a good one.

[TDalton]

isuchado said:

***Vignettes promoting the debut of Larry Zybszko aired on 6/16 & 6/23. Footage was shown of Zybszko finishing off numerous opponents with his dreaded piledriver

These would obviously be more effective than showing the vignettes of him refusing to lock up for 10 minutes. We should have stayed with that "relentless stall" wording for his card!

As far as Baba / Jonathan - the AWA does need a giant....

[Chad Olson]

coryolson said:

isuchado said:

Buy a bus ticket for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, brother. It's happening in July!

Can we visit Lakefront Brewery while we're there?

I think Larry Hennig might have stopped by the Lakefront Brewery. He sure didn't show up for the match!

[Chad Olson]

AWA ALL STAR WRESTLING HAPPENINGS FROM 7/17/07

***The Road Warriors will get their long awaited title shot against the Valentines in Chicago! They have vowed to win the belts on their first opportunity. Wally Karbo said the Warriors were the number one contenders based on their AWA performance and their international record. The Warriors have been on an extended tour of Japan since WrestleRock, leaving AWA fans clamoring to see them in the ring. The Valentines didn’t seem concerned with the challenge, stating they were ready to take on all comers.

[Chad Olson]

AWA CARD #45
8/19/07
International Amphitheater, Chicago, IL

1. Larry Sharpe b. Curt Hennig * ½
2. Larry Zybszko b. ST Jones *
3. Butcher Vachon b. SD Jones – COR ** ¾
4. Bob Orton, Sr. & Harley Race b. Larry Hennig & Mad Dog Vachon – DQ *** ½
5. Bobby Eaton b. Jimmy Valiant *** ¼
6. Giant Baba & Ivan Koloff b. Bobo Brazil & Don Leo Jonathan – DQ **
7. Komrade Red b. Hacksaw Duggan ** ½
8. AWA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP – Greg & Johnny Valentine b. Animal & Hawk *** ½

Summary: Curt Hennig returned to the area to visit family, on vacation from his current stint in the Pacific Northwest. While the youngster has gained experience in the PNW territory, it wasn’t enough to defeat the crafty veteran Larry Sharpe. Hennig had Sharpe backed into the corner, but Sharpe scooped Hennig’s legs and scored the win with his feet on the ropes. Larry Zybszko squared off against the always tough Soul Train Jones. Zybszko had little trouble with Jones, finishing him off with a piledriver. Butcher Vachon took on the other Jones cousin, Special Delivery Jones, in the next bout. Jones struck first with a head butt, stunning Vachon for a two count. Vachon fought back, getting Jones up in his Hangman submission hold. Jones made it to the ropes, but Vachon blasted Jones with a knee smash that knocked him to the floor. Vachon went out to the floor and delivered a bodyslam on the concrete. Jones couldn’t make it back into the ring before referee Bob Warren made his ten count, so Vachon was the countout winner.

The next match featured two new teams trying to make their mark in the AWA. Harley Race was joined by newcomer Bob Orton Sr., while Mad Dog Vachon teamed up with new partner Larry Hennig. Hennig has never been accused of being a scientific wrestler, but even long time AWA observers were shocked by his new association with the ultraviolent Vachon. Both teams were worked over in this match, as all four men assaulted each other with everything in their arsenal. Both Race and Hennig were busted open as a result of the action. The end came when the brawl between Race and Vachon spilled out of the ring. Despite referee Larry Lisowski’s warnings, Vachon picked part of the guard rail and suplexed it onto Race! Lisowski called for the bell and awarded the disqualification victory to Race and Orton Sr.

Jimmy Valiant met up with Midnight Express member Bobby Eaton. Eaton was able to control the match, despite some offensive flurries by Valiant, and pinned him following an Alabama Jam. Valiant has found a partner, and will battle the Midnight Express in a tag match at card #46.

Don Leo Jonathan and Bobo Brazil reformed their popular partnership to take on the hated Americas champion, Giant Baba, and the evil Russian Ivan Koloff. To add the treachery, Baba & Koloff had the Destroyer and Komrade Red in their corner. This is a prelude to Baba’s title defense against Jonathan on 9/2/07 in LaCrosse, WI. Once again, Jonathan lost control of his emotions, and was disqualified by Lisowski for a slam on the timekeeper’s table.

Our main event was the highly anticipated first time match up between the AWA World Tag Team Champions, Greg & Johnny Valentine, and the All Japan International Tag Team Champions, the Road Warriors. The Warriors have been on an extended tour of Japan and were successful in two title defenses against highly ranked opposition. The Valentines’ first title reign was the longest in AWA history, and this was their first title defense since regaining the championship from the Midnight Express.

The Warriors struck first, flooring Greg with a powerful double clothesline, followed by a spike piledriver on Johnny. The double tough champions battled back with punishing offense. Johnny used his Atomic Skullcrusher twice on Animal, but was unable to get the pinfall. Greg and Hawk tagged in, and Greg began to work over Hawk’s leg. Greg clipped the knee, and applied the figure four leglock in the center of the ring. Animal tried to break up the submission hold, but Johnny struck with a hard forearm smash, so Hawk had no choice but to submit.

***Wow! Stunning developments in the main event. The Road Warriors had vowed to win the belts on their first attempt. What does the future hold for the Warriors in the AWA?

***Jimmy Valiant will face off against the Midnight Express in a grudge tag battle in LaCrosse, WI. Who will be his new partner?

***Also, in LaCrosse, Don Leo Jonathan gets his Americas title shot against Giant Baba. Every fed needs a giant, who will win this battle of the AWA giants?

[Cory Olson]

Cool to see the Valentines beat The Road Warriors. Kind of a surprise with Komrade Red over Hacksaw.

I'm predicting Jimmy Valiant's partner will be none other than...BUGSY MCGRAW!!

I don't know if anyone else on here showed interest, but I'd like to see your stats for "young" Curt Hennig. Too bad he got beat by the "Pretty Boy".

[Chad Olson]

AWA ALL STAR WRESTLING

HAPPENINGS FROM 8/25/07

*** “It’s disappointing,” said rookie Curt Hennig, of his father’s recent alliance with the Vachons. “You look up to someone your whole life for being his own man and he becomes a follower to a maniac like Mad Dog Vachon? It’s really hard for me to watch.” Hennig has had success while competing in the Pacific Northwest region recently, and competed on the recent Chicago AWA card while visiting family in the Midwest. He’s headed back to the PNW area, but doesn’t count out competing in the AWA sometime in the future.

***The Killer Bees conducted an interview with Marty O’Neill, where the denied the allegations that they are breaking up. Observers pointed out that the Bees have only teamed up twice in the past three months. The Bees were quick to point out that the AWA runs a reduced schedule in the summer. They also noted that they were both anxious to try their hand at singles wrestling, but were also ready to get into the title hunt for the AWA World tag titles, currently held by the Valentines.