AWA Legends

[nWo]

AMERICAN WRESTLING ASSOCIATION

AWA Championship Wrestling

01.01.1980 from Minneapolis, MN

Gene Okerlund: "Welcome fans to AWA Championship Wrestling! I'm Gene Okerlund and this is the weekly program chronicling the very best this sport has to offer. The AWA stands alone as the pinnacle of professional wrestling action. You will see great stars like Nick Bockwinkle, Curt Hennig, The Road Warriors, Harley Race... and so many more. At this time, I'll send you ringside to our broadcast team, Ron Trongard and Lord James Bleers, who will call the action. Gentlemen..."

- Singles Match -

Bruiser Brody vs. Stan Lane

Bruiser Brody defeated Stan Lane with a JUMPING KNEE DROP

Match Notes: This was a great opening match, with both men hitting big moves. In the end, Bruiser Brody hit his twisting vertical suplex. While Lane was down, Brody delivered his JUMPING KNEE DROP to get the win.



- Tag Team Match -

Flying Redheads vs. Midnight Express

Dennis Condrey defeated Billy Red Lyons with a gut wrench suplex

Match Notes: This match was dominated by the Midnight Express. They used quick tags and powerful moves to stun the Flying Redheads. As Jim Cornette looked on, Dennis Condrey surprised Billy Red Lyons with a gut wrench suplex and a pin. Big win for the Midnight Express!



- Singles Match -

Mad Dog Vachon vs. Steve Regal

Mad Dog Vachon defeated Steve Regal with a backbreaker

Match Notes: Mad Dog Vachon destroyed Steve Regal with a series of power moves. Vachon ended the match with a backbreaker and a pin.



- Singles Match -

Curt Hennig vs. Bobby Fulton

Curt Hennig defeated Bobby Fulton with a HENNIG PLEX

Match Notes: Curt Hennig won easily as he overwhelmed the young Bobby Fulton. After softening Fulton up with a sleeper hold, Hennig executed a "perfect" HENNIG PLEX to get the win.

Gene Okerland: "At this time, I want to introduce a man who needs no introduction...  Nick Bockwinkle. Mr Bockwinkle... if you please..."
Nick Bockwinkle: "Thank you Gene for the opportunity to address all these... fans. I stand here, the greatest specimen of manhood, and I declare I will be the first AWA World Champion. I have it all... the athleticism, the intellect and the drive to be the very best. Unlike these fans at ringside, I know what it's like to work hard. I have my sights set on the AWA  World Title... and NOBODY can stop me.
Gene Okerlund: "Fans. well be right back."

- Tag Team Match -

Road Warriors vs. Sheepherders

Luke Williams defeated Animal with a DQ after a wild brawl outside the ring!

Match Notes: These two teams continued to brawl in the ringside area after the match. AWA officials, security and referees had to break up this wild brawl. There is bad blood between these teams!! Surprise win (via DQ) for the Sheepherders.



- Singles Match -

Nick Bockwinkel vs. The Grappler

Nick Bockwinkel defeated The Grappler with a FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK

Match Notes: This was a great match, with The Grappler getting the better of Bockwinkle early. The Grappler threw Bockwinkle into the turnbuckle and tried a running shoulder dive, but Bockwinkle moved and The Grappler hit the floor outside the ring. With The Grappler hurt, Bockwinkle tossed his opponent into the ring and applied the FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK to get the submission!

[nWo]

AWA Championship Wrestling

01.08.1980 from Tropicana Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ

Gene Okerlund: "Welcome to AWA Championship Wrestling. Tonight you will see The Road Warriors in a return match against The Sheepherders, singles matches for Larry Zbyszko and Harley Race as well as tag team action involving the Rock 'n Roll Express. Later on, I will interview Curt Hennig regarding his goals in the AWA.  So without further ado, I send you to Ron Trongard and Lord James Bleers with tonight's action. Gentlemen...

- Tag Team Match -

Road Warriors vs. Sheepherders

Hawk defeated Butch Miller with an over the shoulder backbreaker

Match Notes: This contest started off fast as the Road Warriors hit the ring and all hell broke loose! When order was restored, Hawk hit a number of moves, including a devastating over the shoulder backbreaker to get the win. Both teams had to be separated after the match. I don't think this match settled anything.



- Singles Match -

Larry Zbyszko vs. Buddy Rose

Larry Zbyszko defeated Buddy Rose with a PILEDRIVER

Match Notes: This was a back and forth match, with both men getting their best shots in. In the end, Zbyszko delivered his PILEDRIVER and got the hard fought victory.



- Singles Match -

Terry Gordy vs. Doug Somers

Doug Somers defeated Terry Gordy with a DQ after chair shot

Match Notes: Terry Gordy was disqualified after delivering a crushing chair shot to Doug Somers. The referee had no choice in disqualifying Gordy.

Gene Okerlund: Alright fans, here's one of thr brightest young stars in the AWA. Of course I'm speaking of ... Curt Hennig."
Curt Hennig: "Thanks Gene. Glad to be home... in the AWA. The best competition is right here. It's perfect. Now, last week, I heard Bockwinkle out here running his yap. How he's the best? Well Nick, the measuring stick around here is ME! Maybe you and I should find out who's got the goods. That is, if you got the guts. Perfect."
Gene Okerlund: "Fans, we have more action ahead. Don't go away!"

- Tag Team Match -

The Vachon Brothers vs. Rock 'n Roll Express

Robert Gibson defeated Mad Dog Vachon with a DOUBLE DROPKICK

Match Notes: Using fast tags, the Rock 'n Roll Express confused the Vachons. After Robert Gibson was tagged in, the Rock 'n Roll Express hit their DOUBLE DROPKICK and Ricky Morton stopped the Butcher from making the pin save. The Rock 'n Roll Express win!



- Singles Match -

Stan Hansen vs. Dutch Savage

Dutch Savage defeated Stan Hansen with a DQ after chair shot

Match Notes: In a brutal match, Stan Hansel lost his temper and blasted Dutch Savage with two chair shots outside the ring. The referee quickly disqualifies Hanson, who was furious at the decision. The referee stood his ground. The DQ stands.



- Singles Match -

Harley Race vs. Billy Red Lyons

Harley Race defeated Billy Red Lyons with a backbreaker

Match Notes: This was a tough match. Billy Red Lyons put og a fight, but was worn down by Race. After race delivered a stunning backbreaker, Race got the easy pin.

[nWo]

AWA Championship Wrestling

01.15.1980 from The Showboat Casino, Las Vevas, NV

Gene Okerlund: "Hello fans and welcome to AWA Championship Wrestling. We are coming to you live from Las Vegas. Tonight you'll see Jimmy Snuka, Ray Stevens, The Crusher... all in singles action. Also... the Midnight Express will compete in a tag match. The action starts in mere moments. Don't go away, we'll be right back."

- Singles Match -

The Crusher vs. Bobby Fulton

The Crusher defeated Bobby Fulton with a CRUSHER NELSON

Match Notes: Both men fought both in and out of the ring. After kicking out of the CRUSHER BOLO, The Crusher made Fulton tap out to the CRUSHER NELSON. A solid opening match.



- Singles Match -

Ray Stevens vs. Stan Lane

Stan Lane defeated Ray Stevens with a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP

Match Notes: An aggressive Lane controlled Ray Stevens from the opening bell. After withstanding so much punishment, Stevens was pinned after a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP. What an upset!



- Tag Team Match -

Midnight Express vs. The Vachon Brothers

Dennis Condrey defeated Butcher Vachon with a FACE FIRST LEG SWEEP

Match Notes: This was an incredible tag match with so many near falls and power moves. The Midnight Express won on a FACE FIRST LEG SWEEP, delivered to Butcher Vachon by Dennis Condrey. Jim Cornette did not get physically involved, but distracted the referee at one crutial moment. A good win for Cornette's men.



- Singles Match -

Nick Bockwinkel vs. Steve Regal

Nick Bockwinkel defeated Steve Regal with a BOCKWINKLE SLEEPER

Match Notes: Bockwinkle survived this grueling match, using his BOCKWINKLE SLEEPER to get the submission win.

Gene Okerland: "Mr Bockwinkle... can I get a word with you?"

Bockwinkle approaches Okerlund with his manager, Bobby Heenan after a tough match...

Bockwinkle: "I know Gene... you want to ask me about Mr Hennig's comments las week. Well, I have one thing to say. Here's a man that calls me out last week. A man who hasn't accomplished anything. He wants to make a name for himself by challenging me? No Mr Hennig, that wont do. I will face you when you deserve a match with me. Not before. Get in line Mr Hennig and earn your place."

Heenan: "Who does Hennig think he is? Challenging Nick Bockwinkle to a match? He's gotta be dumber than his old man was."

- Singles Match -

Jimmy Snuka vs. Buddy Rose

Jimmy Snuka defeated Buddy Rose with a SUPERFLY LEAP

Match Notes: Jimmy Snuka was on his game tonight. After delivering a SUPERFLY LEAP, Snuka climbed to the top rope and hit the move again... crushing Rose and securing the win! An exciting match!

[nWo]

AWA Championship Wrestling

01.22.1980 from Minneapolis, MN

- Non-Wrestling Segment -

Gene Okerlund: "Hello fans and welcome. AWA Championship Wrestling is on the air! Tonight we have so many great matches... you'll see none other than Bruiser Brody, Larry Zbyszko, Terry Gordy, Ray Stevens and even Harley Race... all in singles action. Plus, a very special announcement from AWA president Stanley Blackburn! So don't go away... you won't want to miss a moment tonight!"

- Singles Match -

Ray Stevens vs. The Grappler

The Grappler defeated Ray Stevens with a rolling pinning combination

Match Notes: Ray Stevens attempted a sunset flip, but The Grappler hooked the leg and pinned Stevens (while grabbing the tights). As the surprised Stevens got to his feet, The Grappler left the ring and quickly went to the back.

- Singles Match -

Terry Gordy vs. Doug Somers

Terry Gordy defeated Doug Somers with a turnbuckle smash cover and pin

Match Notes: Doug Somers whipped Gordy into the turnbuckle and attempted to deliver a running clothesline. As he charged, Terry Gordy moved and Somers slammed head first into the turnbuckle. Gordy rolled the dazed Somers up for the win! Wow!

- Tag Team Match -

Flying Redheads vs. Rock 'n Roll Express

Billy Red Lyons defeated Ricky Morton with an atomic drop and pin

Match Notes: Rickey Morton was stunned by an atomic drop. As Red Bastion prevented the pin save, Billy Red Lyons pinned Morton. What an upset!

- Non-Wrestling Segment -

Gene Okerlund: "Fans, I'd like to introduce AWA president, Stanley Blackburn. Come on out Mr Blackburn if you will. Thank you so much for taking the time to address the fans, with this special announcement."

Stanley Blackburn: "Thanks Gene. It's an honor to be here. As for my reason to be here tonight? I'm here to announce that our governing body, the AWA Championship Committee, will hold a tournament to decide the very first AWA World Heavyweight Champion. We will take the next few weeks to seed the brackets and the tournament will begin the first week in march. This is the most coveted title in professional wrestling... and only the best will compete for it."

Gene Okerlund: "Whoa... a championship tournament? Now that's a big announcement! Fans... we'll be right back!"

Bobby Fulton vs. Harley Race

Harley Race defeated Bobby Fulton with a cross body off top rope

Match Notes: This was a solid match, with both men hitting big moves. After kicking out Race's DIVING HEADBUTT, Fulton staggered to his feet only to be slammed by a top rope cross body and pin. Race a high flyer? Who'd have thought?

- Singles Match -

Bruiser Brody vs. Buddy Rose

Bruiser Brody defeated Buddy Rose with an one hand body slem

Match Notes: In the best match of the card, Bruiser Brody used his one hand body slam to beat Buddy Rose. Rose got his shots in, but was no match for the strength of Brody.