AWA: Best of the 80s

This is a video released by the AWA to showcase its history. Let’s see how good Verne used to have it.

To begin the show, an historical look at wrestling dates to the creation of man. Marshall lists numerous wrestlers who were popular in the early 20th century.

A spotlight on babyfaces highlights the Midnight Rockers to Brad Rheingans. After a brief interview segment involving Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka fly and Verne Gagne trap Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie in an inside cradle at WrestleRock ’86.

Next, the heels segment offers us Stan “The Lariat” Hansen beating up a fan at Super Clash along with “Pretty Boy” Doug Somers and “Playboy” Buddy Rose defeating Curt Hennig and Scott Hall for the tag team titles, the Destruction Crew’s abuse of Verne’s lawyer, Colonel DeBeers’ nasty toss of Snuka from the top turnbuckle down to the concrete floor, and DeBeers’ disgusting piledriver on the concrete floor of Snuka. How dastardly!

We cannot ignore the ugliest wrestlers. Included are a crazed Bruiser Brody, Kendo Nagasaki, and Silo Sam. While Silo Sam was tremendously tall, featuring him in the ugly section is a potshot to say the least.

WORLD TITLE MATCHES

Match 1 for the AWA World title: Verne Gagne (champion) versus Nick Bockwinkel (w/ Bobby “The Brain” Heenan)

This match occurred on May 10, 1981 in St. Paul, MN, and held a stipulation that if Verne lost he would retire.
When Verne hooked a sleeper, Bockwinkel sandwiched him in a corner to escape.
Bockwinkel then applied his own sleeper, but Verne countered with a belly-to-back suplex.
1-2-3.
Verne retained and retired as champion.

After Verne retired, the “championship committee” awarded Bockwinkel the championship.

Match 2 for the AWA World title: Nick Bockwinkel (champion w/ Bobby “The Brain” Heenan) versus the “Incredible” Hulk Hogan

This match occurred on April 18, 1982 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
As Hogan delivered an Axe bomber, he followed with an elbow drop for 2.
Bockwinkel hammered Hogan with double axe handles and a knee lift.
When Hogan blocked a shot to the top turnbuckle, he bestowed Bockwinkel a ten-top-turnbuckle count-along.
He then suplexed Bockwinkel and got 2.
After he hit the big boot, Hogan supplied Bockwinkel with his customary leg drop.
Behind referee Lord James Blears’ back, Heenan WALLOPED Hogan in the head. SNEAKY!
Hogan was BUSTED OPEN!
While Hogan hulked up, Heenan not only distracted Blears but also tossed a foreign object into the ring.
Ironically, Hogan grabbed the foreign object and CREAMED Bockwinkel with a loaded Popeye-style punch.

Do we have a new champion?
1-2-3.
WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!

Heenan complained to Blears about the foreign object, but Blears’ decision was final.

Summary: Or was it? I don’t recall Hogan ever winning the AWA World title. What happened?

The infamous “championship committee” noticed Hogan’s infraction and returned the belt to Bockwinkel.

Surprisingly, Otto Wanz upset Bockwinkel for the title on August 29, 1982 in St. Paul, yet Marshall describes Bockwinkel’s regaining the title on October 9, 1982.

Fast-forward to February 22, 1984, and Jumbo Tsuruta defeated Bockwinkel in Tokyo, Japan. It would not be the last time the AWA World title changed hands overseas.

Match 3 for the AWA World title: Jumbo Tsuruta (champion) versus Rick Martel

This match took place on May 13, 1984 in St. Paul, MN.
When Martel reversed an Irish whip, he countered a Thesz press with a stungun.
He then launched a cross body block and pinned Tsuruta.

Match 4 for the AWA World title: Rick Martel (champion) versus Stan “The Lariat” Hansen

This match took place on December 29, 1985 in East Rutherford, NJ as part of a Pro Wrestling USA card.
As Hansen mounted the top turnbuckle, he launched a cross body block for 2.
Hansen then hooked an abdominal stretch, but Martel escaped by sending Hansen through the ropes to the concrete floor.
When Martel hooked an inside cradle, he got 2.
With Martel’s back injured, Hansen trapped him in a Boston crab.
Although Martel tried to escape, Hansen used his head on the second turnbuckle to block it.

Ultimately and shockingly, Martel submitted.
WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!

Summary: Hansen stole the title like the diabolical heel that he personified.

However, on June 28, 1986, the “championship committee” stripped Hansen of the title for “failing to appear for a title defense” and awarded the title to Bockwinkel again. What they don’t tell you is that Hansen had title obligations in All Japan, but the AWA wasn’t having any of it.

The ending to the famous yet bloody Bockwinkel-Hennig match from November 21, 1986 is shown. Afterward, we get the ending of the World title match at Super Clash II when Hennig received a roll of dimes from Larry Zbyszko and BELTED Bockwinkel. As a result, he not only turned heel but also became World champion. Despite Ray “the Crippler” Stevens’ argument and dimes all over the ring, Hennig remained champion…until May 9, 1988. Jerry “The King” Lawler defeated Henning in Memphis, TN on that day.

On January 20, 1989, the “championship committee” stripped Lawler of the title for missing several scheduled title defenses and scheduled a battle royal to crown a new champion.

Wayne Bloom, Colonel DeBeers, Paul Diamond, Derrick Dukes, Mike Enos, Manny Fernandez, Greg Gagne, Mike George, Tommy Jammer, Wahoo McDaniel, Ken Patera, Steve Ray, Ricky Rice, Akio Sato, Sergeant Slaughter, Pat Tanaka, Larry Zbyszko, & Tom Zenk

While Slaughter was shown eliminating DeBeers, Zenk attempted a cross body block.
Zbyszko caught and eliminated him over the top rope.
WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!

Summary: I apologize to fans of the “Wild Thing,” but he didn’t win. Perhaps Uncle Herbie can help him out.

Match 6 for the AWA World title: Larry Zbyszko (champion) versus Sergeant Slaughter

This match occurred on July 8, 1989 in Rochester, MN.
As Slaughter delivered a backbreaker for 2, he mounted the second turnbuckle and attempted a flying clothesline.
In lieu of nailing Zbyszko, Slaughter inadvertently wiped out referee Gary DeRusha.
With DeRusha down, Zbyszko tried to ram Slaughter into the top turnbuckle but ate it himself.
Slaughter then slapped on the Cobra Clutch.
Do we have a new champion?
Referee Tom Burton replaced DeRusha, checked on Zbyszko, and called for the bell.
WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!

Summary: A true American hero finally becomes the champion, but for how long?

Once again, the “championship committee” ruled against the title change and returned the title to Zbyszko.

WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES

Next, we segue into the realm of tag team titles as Marshall begins with the High Flyers—Jim Brunzell and Greg Gagne. Their biggest foes were the East-West Connection comprised of Jesse “The Body” Ventura and Adrian Adonis. The High Flyers would defeat their nemeses to win the titles on June 14, 1981 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Match 7 for the AWA World tag team titles: The High Flyers versus the Sheiks (w/ Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie)

This match occurred on June 26, 1983 in Minneapolis, MN.
When Brunzell dropkicked Blackwell, he applied a figure-four leg lock.
Patera tried to interfere, but Greg thwarted his efforts.
With referee Rocky Stone distracted, Al-Kaissie nailed Greg with the cast on his right arm. Nefarious!
Patera tagged in, but Brunzell backdropped him.
As Brunzell missed a dropkick, Patera slammed him.
He then mounted the second turnbuckle but missed a flying knee drop.
After Brunzell tied Patera in a figure-four leg lock, Al-Kaissie got up on the apron.
Greg came over and decked him, but Blackwell splashed Brunzell behind Stone’s back.
1-2-3.
WE HAVE NEW CHAMPIONS!

Summary: Thanks to Al-Kaissie’s distractions, the Sheiks stole the titles and broke many hearts that night.

The Sheiks held the titles until they encountered the Crusher and Baron Von Raschke on May 6, 1984 in Green Bay, WI. Who would challenge these true AWA legends?

Making their biggest splash to date, albeit as heels, the Road Warriors defeated the Crusher and Raschke on August 25, 1984.

Match 8 for the AWA World tag team titles: The Road Warriors (champions w/ “Precious” Paul Ellering) versus Jerry Blackwell & “Boom Boom” Bundy

This match occurred on November 22, 1984 in St. Paul, MN.
As Bundy reversed an Irish whip, he provided Hawk with a back elbow.
Blackwell and Bundy each gave Animal and Hawk cross corner whips followed by stereo avalanches.
When Bundy missed a second avalanche, Hawk pinned him.

Summary: Enough beef in the ring that the Wisconsin beef farmers were salivating.

Following the match, the Road Warriors face the Long Riders but the match ends in a double disqualification.

Thanks to the Fabulous Freebirds, the Road Warriors lost the titles to “Mr. Electricity” ~~Herb Abrams~~ Steve Regal and “Gorgeous” Jimmy Garvin on September 29, 1985.

Garvin and Regal’s title reign would last until Regal left the AWA in January for the WCWA.

Who were their successors? They were none other than Curt Hennig and Scott Hall.

Match 9 for the AWA World tag team titles: Curt Hennig & Scott Hall (champions) versus “Playboy” Buddy Rose & “Pretty Boy” Doug Somers (w/ Sherri Martel)

This match occurred on May 17, 1986 in Hammond, IN.
When Hall had Rose in a standing choke, DeBeers came to ringside and jumped on the apron.
DeBeers distracted Hall, so Rose made Hall HIT THE POLE causing him to be BUSTED OPEN.
As referee Marty Miller counted Hall out, he awarded the titles to Rose and Somers.
WE HAVE NEW CHAMPIONS!

Match 10 for the AWA World tag team titles: “Playboy” Buddy Rose & “Pretty Boy” Doug Somers (w/ Sherri Martel) versus the Midnight Rockers

This match took place on September 2, 1986 in Las Vegas, NV.
With Jannetty outside the ring, Rose belted referee Gary DeRusha.
Rose then pummeled Michaels, and Somers tossed referees left and right out of the ring.
As the babyface portion of the locker room emptied, they sent the champions packing.

Summary: Without question, I truly need to reflect upon this match in its entirety.

After the match, Michaels launches himself at Rose while the Vegas faithful have LOST THEIR MINDS.

On January 27, 1987, the Midnight Rockers would finally get their hands on the tag team titles in St. Paul, MN by beating Rose and Somers.

Unfortunately for the Rockers, they lost the titles to Boris Zhukov and Soldat Ustinov on May 25, 1987 in Lake Tahoe, NV. Perhaps they spent too much time fishing.

Although Zhukov fled to the WWF, Somers substituted for him. That didn’t help them against Lawler and Bill Dundee on October 11, 1987 as they lost the titles.

In an effort to boost attendance, Lawler and Dundee lost the titles on October 19 and regained them on October 26.

Methinks Verne wasn’t too thrilled with these shenanigans, so he booked Lawler and Dundee against the Original Midnight Express. Much to their dismay, Lawler and Dundee lost to them on October 30, 1987 in Whitewater, WI.

Match 11 for the AWA World tag team titles: The Original Midnight Express (w/ Paul E. Dangerously) versus the Midnight Rockers

This match occurred on December 27, 1987 in Las Vegas, NV.
When Jannetty supplied the Midnight Express with a double noggin knocker, Condrey reversed an Irish whip.
Jannetty then hooked an inside cradle for 2.
With all four wrestlers in the ring, Condrey suplexed Michaels, but referee Marty Miller was injured.
Rose held Jannetty for Condrey to nail him, but Jannetty mule-kicked Condrey.
As he delivered a Samoan drop, Jannetty pinned Rose.
WE HAVE NEW CHAMPIONS!

Match 12 for the AWA World tag team titles: The Midnight Rockers (champions) versus Badd Company

This match occurred on March 19, 1988 in Las Vegas, NV.
As Diamond launched Jannetty over the top rope to the concrete floor, Michaels distracted referee Gary DeRusha.
Badd Company then made Jannetty HIT THE POLE, and Jannetty was BUSTED OPEN.
When Diamond tossed him back into the ring, he pinned Jannetty.
WE HAVE NEW CHAMPIONS!

Summary: Methinks the Midnight Rockers got a call from Vince, and this chicanery was booked.

Badd Company would hang onto the titles for over a year before encountering the Olympians—Ken Patera and Brad Rheingans. When heel miscommunication from Diamond Dallas Page caused Diamond to be knocked OUT COLD, Rheingans pinned Diamond to win the titles on March 25, 1989.

According to Marshall, the up-and-coming team of the Destruction Crew put Patera on the shelf, and the titles were vacated on September 18, 1989.

Match 13 (final) for the AWA World tag team titles: The Destruction Crew (w/ “Luscious” Johnny Valiant) versus Paul Diamond & Greg Gagne

This match occurred on October 1, 1989 in Rochester, MN.
When Al-Kaissie yanked Greg down to the floor, Kokina Maximus (the future Yokozuna) mauled Greg.
Maximus then splashed Greg’s right leg on the concrete floor.

As Diamond delivered a front suplex to Bloom, he exited the ring to help his partner.
Enos tries to lift Diamond from the apron into the ring, but Diamond escaped and hooked an O’Connor roll.
Since referee Gary DeRusha was distracted with the Maximus debacle on the floor, Diamond merely earned a false pin.
Bloom then blasted Diamond and summoned DeRusha to the ring.
1-2-3.
WE HAVE NEW CHAMPIONS!

Summary: Another travesty of justice by the heels to attain glory. It was cool to see a young Rodney Anoa’i.

Next, Bischoff segues to the Ladies of the 80s. Wendi Richter, Judy Martin, Sherri Martel, Candi Divine, Madusa Miceli, Tina Moretti (the future Ivory), and Magnificent Mimi were highlighted.

Beginning with Super Sunday on April 24, 1983, Marshall describes 19,000 spectators in the St. Paul Civic Center along with another 10,000 folks “next door” watching on closed-circuit.

Subsequently, on September 27, 1985, Super Clash emanated from Comiskey Park in Chicago, IL mixing both AWA and NWA action.

Afterward, on April 20,1986, WrestleRock ’86 took place at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN. Highlights of the Road Warriors versus Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin are shown.

On May 2, 1987 from San Francisco, CA, Super Clash II featured the aforementioned title change when Hennig BLASTED Bockwinkel with a roll of dimes. Also, San Francisco 49er tight end Russ Francis wrestled in the main event tagging with “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka.

Thereafter, Marshall touts Super Clash III, held on December 13, 1988 in Chicago, IL. In a show assembled by “seven promoters,” Lawler unified the AWA and WCWA titles by beating Kerry Von Erich due to blood loss.

The next segment details the retirements of The Crusher, Superstar Billy Graham, Larry “The Axe” Hennig, Jesse “The Body” Ventura, “Mad Dog” Vachon, “Chief” Wahoo McDaniel, Billy Robinson, Ray “The Crippler” Stevens, Nick Bockwinkel, and Verne Gagne.

Unfortunately, during the 80s, we lost wrestlers such as Bruiser Brody, George “Scrap Iron” Gadaski, Scott “Hog” Irwin, and Adrian Adonis.

FAMOUS INTERVIEWS

Promos include the Crusher wearing a chapeau and bowtie, Dusty Rhodes wearing a Stetson in a swimming pool, an extremely young Curt Hennig dated May 12, 1984, and a clever but snide Jesse “The Body” Ventura wearing long sideburns and beard, “Mad Dog” Vachon in his attempt to build a casket, the “Incredible” Hulk Hogan, an always perturbed Stan “The Lariat” Hansen who touted “a big, fat wife and nine kids,” the Road Warriors, and a wrestler whom I cannot name who destroys the wall before getting screamed at by Larry Nelson.

WRESTLING’S GREATEST HITS

Devastating moves feature a lariat by Hansen, a back elbow by Animal, Jerry Sags’ of the Nasty Boys taking a header on the ring post (and possibly losing his front tooth), a big boot from Nord the Barbarian, a belly-to-back superplex from Paul Diamond, a Wrecking Ball from the Destruction Crew, and many others.

If you’re an AWA historian, then you realize the tape was created prior to Super Clash IV when Larry Zbyszko regained the AWA World title from Masa Saito on April 8, 1990. Back on February 10, 1990, Zbyszko had lost the title to Saito in Tokyo Japan.

If you’ve never seen AWA action and want to see your favorites blossom, then you owe it yourself to check it out.

If you’ve forgotten how fun the AWA was during the 80s, then put it on your calendar.

The video was a cash grab for the dying promotion that put a litany of wrestlers on the map yet let them go become legends elsewhere.