SOUTHEASTERN WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 01/09/2009
NEWS and NOTES
World Wrestling Entertainmentâs RAW/ECW crew will be in Winn*peg, MB, at the MTS Centre tonight. Advertised: John Cena defends the WWE World Heavyweight Title against Chris Jericho; Randy Orton & Cody Rhodes versus Rey Mysterio & CM Punk; William Regal defends the WWE Inter-Continental Heavyweight Title against Kofi Kingston; Matt Hardy defends the WWE ECW Heavyweight Title against Jack Swagger; and John Morrison & the Miz defend the WWE World Tag Team Title against Cryme Tyme. Bell time is 7:30 PM.
WWEâs SmackDown crew will be in Hot Springs, AR, at the Summit Arena tonight. Advertised: Jeff Hardy defends the WWE Heavyweight Title against Edge; and the Big Show versus the Great Khali. Also on the bill: Shelton Benjamin, Hurricane Helms, R-Truth, Vladimir Kozlov, Umaga, MVP, Brian Kendrick, Ezekiel Jackson, Maria, Jimmy Wang Yang, Maryse, and Carlito & Primo Colon. Bell time is 7:30 PM.
Tickets for the following WWE events go on sale Saturday: February 7, in Yakima, WA, at the Yakima Valley Sundome; February 8, in Sacramento, CA, at the ARCO Arena; February 8, in Bakersfield, CA, at the Rabobank Arena; February 10, in Fresno, CA, at the Save Mart Center; February 20, in Huntington, WV, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena; February 23, in Nashville, TN, at the Sommet Center; and June 13, in Nimes, FR, at Arenes de Nimes.
Total Nonstop Action will be in Wilson, NC, at the Bill Ellis Convention Center tonight. Advertised: Booker T defends the TNA Legends Title against Rhino; Beer Money, Inc., with Jacquline, defends the TNA World Tag Team Title against Jay Lethal & Consequences Creed; Awesome Kong defends the TNA Womenâs Title against Taylor Wilde; Kip James versus Abyss; and Eric Young versus Sheik Abdul Bashir. Also on the bill: Sonjay Dutt, Traci Brooks, and the Motor City Machine Guns. Bell time is 7:30 PM.
The final lineup for TNAâs Genesis PPV, which will be broadcast live from the Bojangles Arena in Charlotte, NC, on January 11, is as follows: Mick Foley, A.J. Styles & Brother Devon versus Scott Steiner, Kevin Nash & Booker T; Sting defends the TNA World Heavyweight Title against Rhino; Kurt Angle versus Jeff Jarrett in a grudge match; Awesome Kong defends the TNA Womenâs Title against Christy Hemme in a lumberjack match; referee Shane Sewell versus Sheik Abdul Bashir in a grudge match; and the finals of the tournament for the vacant TNA X Division Title, featuring Chris Sabin versus Alex Shelley.
TNA has announced the following events: February 22, at the University of North Florida Arena in Jacksonville, FL; March 13, at the Paroquet Springs Center in Shepherdsville, KY; March 14, at the Cincinnati Gardens Arena in Cincinnati, OH; March 26, at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, SD; March 27, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, MN; and March 28, at the Clay County Events Center in Spencer, IA.
NWA Prime Time returns to the Prime Time Arena (5000 Burnham Boulevard) in Columbus, GA, tonight with the following advertised card: “The Midnight Rocker” Marty Jannetty vs. Sonny Siaki. PTPW Heavyweight Title Match: Champion Iceberg vs. “The Durham Bull” Chris Stevens. Ace Rockwell & Truitt Fields & Kyle Matthews vs. Killer Instinct (Mike Stratus & Jake Slater) & Shaun Tempers. Chip Day vs. Josh Stone (with Colt Derringer). Also, two matches to conclude the first round of the Tag Team Title Tournament, Bulldog Raines & Bull Buchanan vs. Johnny Swinger & Zero Tolerance, and Micah & Tracy Taylor vs. The Exotic Ones (Simon Sermon & Rick Michaels with Thomas Britain). Bell time is 7:30.
Gimmicks Only Underground Grappling Entertainment will present âWinter Warsâ at Vintage 21 in Raleigh, NC, tonight. Doors open at 7:00 PM. Bell time 8:00 PM. Advertised: Leroye Greene (GOUGE Champ) takes on Seymour Snott. Fabulous Frankie & Trailer Park Model battle Krazy Killer Klowns. Lee Valiant & Nicky Richards square off against Tennessee Ernie Nord & Wallabee Joe. Damien Wayne & Charlie Dreamer take on Cowboy Willie Watts & Billy Watts. The Taker goes head to head against Shawn Alexander. B.J. Miracle battles Sean Cruise.
Action Packed Wrestling will be at the APW Arena in Chester, SC, tonight.
Alternative Pro Wrestling will be at the Royston Gym in Royston, GA, tonight.
Showtime All-Star Wrestling will be at the SAW Mill in Millersville, TN, tonight.
The Southern Wrestling Federation will be at the SWF Arena in Tullahoma, TN, tonight.
The United States Wrestling Organization will be at the Stadium Inn in Nashville, 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 contributions@georgiawrestlinghistory.com.
Todayâs Birthdays: Magnum Tokyo (1973) and Todd Grisham (1976).
Today In Memoriam: Wayne Munn (35, 1931), Oyama â~Greatâ Kato (42, 1961), Naoto Morishita (42, 2003), Les Kellet (86, 2003), Ray Villmer (92, 2005), and Cocoa Samoa (62, 2007).
Rampage Pro Wrestling will be at Johnny G’s Fun Center in Warner Robins, GA, on January 11. Advertised: Sal Rinauro vs. Dr. Johnny Gayton. RPW champion Micah Taylor vs. Johnny Swinger. Cru Jones & Colt Derringer vs. the Slaughter Pit. Johnny Slaughter & Scotty Blaze vs. Kodiak & Orion Bishop. Admission is $5. Bell time is at 4:00. For more information, call (478) 329-8002.
Dirty South Pro Wrestling will be at the Knights of Columbus in Pensacola, FL, on January 16 for âthe Ultimate Showdownâ. Advertised: Don Fargo is announced to be the special guest. Tickets are $10 ringside, $5 general admission, and free for kids ages 5 and under. Doors open at 6:30 and bell time is at 7:00.
NWA Main Event returns to Portland, TN, on January 24 at the Richland Park Gym, headlined by Jerry “The King” Lawler vs. Jeff “The Crippler” Daniels (with Dominique). Also advertised: Matt Boyce vs. Lani Kealoha, Pat Tanaka vs. Steve-O, “Magnum” Shane Smalls vs. Yoshi Kwan (with Charming Charles), and two other matches. Bell time is 7:30pm. Tickets will on sale at the gym beginning 5 pm the day of the show or for reservations call 615-262-4455. Lawler will also be making a personal appearance at the Hollywood Video Store in Henderson, TN, from 4-5pm on the day of the show.
!BANG! presents “Genesis” on February 1 at the Funking Conservatory in Ocala, FL. Advertised: 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.
Pro Wrestling Evolution will be reborn on February 22 in Woodstock, GA, at the Hot Wheels Skate Center (228 Farm Ridge Road) with “Return to Arms.” Advertised: Ace Rockwell vs. Kyle Matthew vs. Slaughter vs. Super Punk in a fatal four way to crown the first PWE Internet Champion, Tex Monroe & Chip Day vs. The Skeleton Crew, Kareem Abdul Jamar’s Half-Court Lounge, with special first guest PWE Peach Sheena Layne. Also, will Murder 1 answer Chris King’s Challenge? Bell time is 7:30pm.
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 9, 1888 (MONDAY) â” ATLANTA, GA â” CONCORDIA HALL (Promoter â” Unknown) > Mixed Styles Match: John Muhler defeated Greek George / Notes: It was reported that 200 were in attendance for this card. John Muhler won the first fall under Greco-Roman style, and was declared the winner of the match when Greek George was deemed unable to continue during the Catch-as-Catch Can style second fall. Mr. Hopper managed Muhler. James Lynch was credited as being the referee.
JANUARY 9, 1944 (SUNDAY) Notes: It was announced that Paul Jones would replace Sammy Friedman as promoter of professional wrestling in Atlanta. It is unclear as to why Friedman stepped down.
JANUARY 9, 1950 (MONDAY) â” AUGUSTA, GA â” AUGUSTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The Thin Man defeated Harry Knighton > Nick Carter defeated Bob Shipp > Tom Mahoney & Jim Coffield and Johnny Long & Louie Ross wrestled to a draw
JANUARY 9, 1953 (FRIDAY) â” ATLANTA, GA â” ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Herb Welch defeated Red Dugan > Aldo Bogni defeated Jerry Graham > Don McIntyre & Bill Heirs defeated Jack Steele & John Bulger > Leslie Carlton defeated Mayes McLain / Notes: Mayes McLain substituted for Argentina Rocca in the match with Leslie Carlton. James Hartley managed Carlton.
JANUARY 9, 1956 (MONDAY) â” AUGUSTA, GA â” WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don Roche defeated Bob Shipp by disqualification > Mike Paidousis and Roger Mackay wrestled to a draw > Roger Mackay & Don Roche defeated Mike Paidousis & Bob Shipp > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Jackie Nichols defeated Freddie Blassie* by disqualification (2-0) / Notes: Freddie Blassie had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Red McIntyre on November 25, 1955, in Atlanta. Billy Blassie was barred from ringside during the match between Freddie Blassie and Jackie Nichols.
JANUARY 9, 1957 (WEDNESDAY) â” AUGUSTA, GA â” WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Mark & Donn Lewin versus Don & Red McIntyre > Ten-Round Boxing Match: Jerry Graham versus Chief Big Heart / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.
JANUARY 9, 1959 (FRIDAY) â” ATLANTA, GA â” ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Skull Murphy defeated Benny Matta > Doug & Johnny Gilbert defeated Prince Omar & Ali Bey > International Tag Team Title Match: Ray Gunkel & Don McIntyre* defeated Freddie Blassie & the Great Bolo / Notes: It is unclear as to how Ray Gunkel & Don McIntyre came to be recognized as International Tag Team Champions. The last reference we have shows Gunkel & Chief Little Eagle being recognized as such on November 28, 1958.
JANUARY 9, 1962 (TUESDAY) â” MACON, GA â” MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Vansky and Tito Carreon wrestled to a draw > Choo-Choo Lynn defeated Bulldog Lawley > Rito & Tito Carreon defeated Jack Vansky & Assassin #2
JANUARY 9, 1963 (WEDNESDAY) â” COLUMBUS, GA â” COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Derrell Cochran defeated Mike Paidousis by disqualification > Homer OâDell defeated Jose Quintero at 5:00 > The Bat defeated Chief Little Eagle at 11:00 > Bronko Lubich defeated Lenny Montana / Notes: Homer OâDell managed Bronko Lubich.
JANUARY 9, 1965 (SATURDAY) â” MARIETTA, GA â” LARRY BELL AUDITORIUM [P] (Elmo Chappell â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Derrell Cochran versus Bob Eisenburg > Midget Match: Lord Littlebrook versus Pee Wee James > Billy Hines versus Sputnik Monroe > Georgia Heavyweight Title Texas Death Match: Mario Galento* versus Bill Dromo / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Mario Galento had been the reigning Georgia Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Sputnik Monroe on November 13, 1964, in Atlanta. According to the program we have, the Marietta office staff includes Ann Chappell (Ticket Sales), Charles Austin (Timekeeper), and Ed Capral (Ring Announcer).
JANUARY 9, 1966 (SUNDAY) â” MARIETTA, GA â” FRANKLIN DRIVE ARENA (Elmo Chappell â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Al Costello versus Don Carson > Ken Hollis versus Louie Tillet > Dale Lewis versus Mario Galento > Sputnik Monroe versus Chin Lee / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.
JANUARY 9, 1968 (TUESDAY) â” MACON, GA â” MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Johnny Walker defeated Kenny Mack > Womenâs Match: Joyce Grable defeated Toni Rose > World Tag Team Title Match: Stan & Butcher Vachon defeated Enrique & Ramon Torres* to win the title > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Gene Kiniski* defeated the Kentuckian / Notes: Enrique & Ramon Torres had been the reigning World Tag Team Champions since they defeated Lars & Gene Anderson on May 12, 1967, in Atlanta. Gene Kiniski had been the reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Lou Thesz on January 7, 1966, in St. Louis, MO.
JANUARY 9, 1970 (FRIDAY) â” ATLANTA, GA â” ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The Spoiler defeated Chati Yokuchi > Les Wolff defeated Cyclone Soto > Bill Kane defeated Roberto Soto > Joe Scarpa & El Mongol and Paul DeMarco & Buddy Colt wrestled to a draw > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: the Assassins* defeated Alberto & Ramon Torres > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Nick Bockwinkel defeated Doug Gilbert* by disqualification / Notes: The Assassins had been the reigning Georgia Tag Team Champions since they, along with Nick Bockwinkel, defeated Doug Gilbert and then champions Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller in a special six-man tag team match with the title on the line on December 19, 1969, in Atlanta. Doug Gilbert had been the reigning Georgia Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Paul DeMarco on November 28, 1969, in Atlanta. Homer OâDell managed Paul DeMarco & Buddy Colt. It was announced that Dory Funk, Jr., would defend the NWA World Heavyweight Title against DeMarco on January 16, 1970. DeMarco had been claiming he was the real champion since October 10, 1969, after a reversed decision returned the belt to Funk following their match. It was reported that the only way OâDell would agree for DeMarco to wrestle Funk was that if he would be introduced as a âWorld Title claimantâ. During the match between Nick Bockwinkel and Doug Gilbert, Joe Scarpa charged the ring and attacked Bockwinkel, bringing the match to an end. The program for this card featured a photo of Gilbert with his wife and three children.
JANUARY 9, 1971 (SATURDAY) â” ATLANTA, GA â” WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Kubla Khan defeated Jim Dalton by disqualification > Michel Dubois & Fidel Castillo and Bobby Shane & Doug Gilbert wrestled to a draw / Notes: This was taped for the âAtlanta TV Wrestlingâ television program hosted by Ed Capral. Jack Crawford managed Kubla Khan.
JANUARY 9, 1973 (TUESDAY) â” ATLANTA, GA â” ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Ann Gunkel â” Promoter / All-South Wrestling Alliance) > Wayne Cowan versus the Champ > Bobby Garcia & Bobby Starr versus Pedro Godoy & Krusher Karlson > Juan Caruso versus the Grappler > Jesse James versus Oki Shikina > Bill Bowman & Joe Turner versus Ted Oates & Bearcat Wilkerson > Alfred Hayes versus Rock Hunter > Tommy Seigler & the Avenger versus the Hollywood Blonds > Georgia Television Title Match: Ox Baker defeated Dick Steinborn* to win title > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Assassin #2 defeated Roberto Soto* to win title / Notes: No documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found.
JANUARY 9, 1973 (TUESDAY) â” MACON, GA â” MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Midget Womenâs Match: Darling Dagmar defeated Diamond Lil > Roy Lee Welch defeated Frank Hickey > Jack Evans and Jerry Oates wrestled to a draw > Hiro Matsuda & Rocket Monroe defeated Bob Armstrong & Koa Tiki > Lights Out Match: Eddie Graham defeated Sputnik Monroe
JANUARY 9, 1974 (WEDNESDAY) â” COLUMBUS, GA â” COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Fred Ward â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Derrell Cochran versus Rasputin > Midget Match: Little Louie versus Billy the Kid > Tim Woods & Rufus R. Jones versus the Samoans > Ron & Terry Garvin versus Lou Thesz & Mr. Wrestling #2 > Lights Out Match: Bobby Shane versus Robert Fuller / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Jimmy Garvin managed Ron & Terry Garvin. Gary Hart managed the Samoans.
JANUARY 9, 1976 (FRIDAY) â” ATLANTA, GA â” ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Les Thornton and Mitsu Hata wrestled to a draw > Jay Clayton defeated Luke Graham > Tony Charles defeated Taru Hayashi > Jay Strongbow defeated Skandor Akbar > Dick Slater & Mr. Wrestling #2 versus Moondog Mayne & Abdullah the Butcher > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: the Spoiler* versus Bob Armstrong ruled a no contest / Notes: Dick Slater & Mr. Wrestling #2 and Moondog Mayne & Abdullah the Butcher were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card. Gary Hart managed the Spoiler.
JANUARY 9, 1978 (MONDAY) â” AUGUSTA, GA â” WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Battle Royal featuring Intern #1, Tony Atlas, Raymond Rougeau, Abdullah the Butcher, Dick Slater, Stan Hansen, Mr. Wrestling #2, Tommy Rich, Ole Anderson, Pak Song, Bob Armstrong, and Jacques Goulet > Tony Atlas versus Abdullah the Butcher / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Rock Hunter managed Abdullah the Butcher.
JANUARY 9, 1982 (SATURDAY) â” CHATTANOOGA, TN â” CHATTANOOGA MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > El Gran Apollo defeated Ricky Harris > Kevin Sullivan versus Jimmy Garvin ended in a double disqualification > Brad Armstrong and Buzz Sawyer wrestled to a draw > Bob Armstrong, Leroy Brown & Big Red defeated Ron Bass, the Masked Superstar & the Super Destroyer by disqualification > Indian Strap Match: Tommy Rich defeated Austin Idol
JANUARY 9, 1983 (SUNDAY) â” HUNTINGTON, WV â” HUNTINGTON MEMORIAL FIELD HOUSE (Les Thatcher â” Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The Super Destroyer defeated Joe Lightfoot > The Moondogs defeated Johnny Rich & Terry Gibbs > Ole Anderson defeated Brad Armstrong > Tommy Rich defeated the Iron Sheik > Butch Reed defeated Buzz Sawyer by disqualification > Chain Match: Paul Orndorff defeated Ivan Koloff / Notes: J.J. Dillon managed the Moondogs.
JANUARY 9, 1983 (SUNDAY) â” SAVANNAH, GA â” SAVANNAH CIVIC CENTER (Aaron Newman â” Promoter / Jim Crockett Promotions) > Abe Jacobs defeated Bill White > Larry Lane defeated Mike Davis > Porkchop Cash defeated Ricky Harris by disqualification > Jack Brisco, Mike Rotundo & Abdullah the Butcher defeated Larry Lane, Paul Jones & Gene Anderson > Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood defeated Don Kernodle & Sgt. Slaughter
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 OâSullivan.
