American Wrestling Federation

[averagereddituser]

The year is 1987. The territory system that has underpinned the world of professional wrestling for decades is breaking down. Over the past 4 years, National Championship Wrestling (NCW) based out of Boston, has aggressively moved into markets outside the northeast, and have begun syndicating their programing across the country. Long standing territories in the Midwest and the West Coast are hemorrhaging money and might not last the year.

In 1985, Gulf Coast Wrestling (GWC), a promotion based out of New Orleans that has run between Houston and north Florida since the 1930’s, bought out South West Championship Wrestling (SWCC), which had operated in Texas and Oklahoma,  to create a “super territory” spanning from Tulsa to Jacksonville. Rechristened the American Wrestling Federation, the AWF is the only territory capable of challenging NCW’s burgeoning hegemony. However, internal AWF projections show they will be unable to compete with NCW by late 1989, if not sooner, unless aggressive action is taken.


Given these financial realities, the AFW decided to go national. The NCW already had exclusive arena deals in the major buildings up and down the East Coast, making penetrating those markets difficult. Rust Belt and West Coast cities have so far resisted exclusivity arrangements with NCW, making those markets available for competition. For now.


In late 1985, the AWF began syndicating their weekly show, AWF Power Pro Wrestling, on Saturday mornings in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Chicago. In April of 1986, they added Los Angeles, Seattle, Sacramento, and San Francisco. The AWF leveraged this momentum into the shocking heel turn of American hero Sgt. Slaughter, igniting an attendance surge as they began holding AWF events outside their traditional southern territory.


Strong ratings caught the eye of television executives, and in November of 1986 the AWF announced a national television deal with burgeoning ESPN, which penetrates 45.2 million homes nationwide (51% of American households with television), to begin in May 1987. On the back of this news, the AWF was able to enter into agreements with the Norfolk Scope and Richmond Coliseum, marking the company’s first foray into the mid-Atlantic. Soon after, in early 1987, the AWF bypassed Chicago Stadium and held their first Chicagoland event in the Rosemont Horizon, drawing a sell out crowd of over 18,000 fans to witness the now villainous Sgt. Slaughter capture the AWF World Title from Jimmy Snuka. Talks with the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale could see the AWF break into NCW’s home area, though the Boston Garden, Madison Square Garden, Philadelphia Spectrum, and Baltimore Civic Center all have long term exclusivity deals in place with NCW.


Some, particularly in the AWF’s home areas, believe the company is pushing too hard, too fast, and will overextend themselves, leading to eventual collapse. Others believe the AWF is pro wrestling’s only hope against NCW’s more cartoonish branding becoming ubiquitous within the industry. We pick up the story with the debut of AWF Championship Wrestling on ESPN.

[averagereddituser]

AWF Championship Wrestling on ESPN TV taping

Airing on Thursday, June 18th, 1987 – Mississippi Coast Coliseum

Card 1



SEGMENT: AWF Television Champion Curt Henning is interviewed by Lance Russell. He says he’s the PERFECT person to interview for the debut episode of AWF Championship Wrestling on ESPN. And seeing as he’s the AWF Television Champion, he feels it’s his duty to defend the title later tonight for the millions of fat slobs sitting at home on their couch. Sam Houston appears, who chastises Henning for insulting the fans and challenges him for a match tonight. Henning doubles over laughing and happily accepts, saying it will be a worse beating than the Lakers just put on the Celtics.

1. Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant defeated Danny Doring

2. Abdulah The Butcher pinned Disco Inferno

SEGMENT: It’s time for Piper’s Pit! The Rowdy one himself appears and mocks the crowd, before introducing his guest, AWF World Champion, Sgt. Slaughter! The World Champion appears as he and Piper begin lamenting the poor state of the American male. Slaughter singles out the “side show clown” Hacksaw Jim Duggan, who Piper agrees is a moron and indicative of the quality of man the United States is producing these days. Hacksaw appears and confronts Slaughter but is then ambushed by Piper and “Ace” Orton! Slaughter joins in and the trio begin stomping away at Duggan! Suddenly, Barry Windham and Magnum T.A. appear to rescue Hacksaw, and eventually make a challenge for a six-man tag. Any time anywhere says Piper! See you real soon!

3. Rookie Marty Jannetty defeated Jake Milliman.

SEGMENT: Jannetty is interviewed by Gordon Solie. A clean cut babyface, he announces his intention to make a name for himself in the AWF, because everybody coast to coast knows that if you want to be respected in professional wrestling, you must come to the AWF and prove yourself. He announces he’s looking for a tag team partner, with whom he can gain experience and eventually challenge for the Tag Team Titles.

4. In the main event, AWF World Television Champion Curt Henning puts on a show, eventually defeating Sam Houston with the Henning-Plex.

[averagereddituser]

Card 2
Friday, June 19th, 1987
Pensacola Civic Center, Pensacola Florida

1- In the opening match, Adrian Adonis took on Manny Fernandez. Despite jumping on the heel early and landing several FLYING BURRITO's, Manny was unable to keep him momentum going, and eventually fell to Adonis via pinfall. After the match, Adonis attacked his defeated opponent, targeting the knee. Adonis' tag team partner, Greg Valentine, appeared and joined in the fun. As the two walked back to the dressing room, Fernandez got to his feet and grabbed the microphone. He promised his revenged and challenged Valentine to meet him any time, any where! This match will air on a future episode of AWF Championship Wrestling on ESPN
2- "Dr. Death" Steve Williams put on a wrestling clinic in easily defeating George South.

3- Jimmy Hart came to the ring and introduced his newest client, Olympic Champion Masked Superstar! He told the crowd Masked Superstar is going straight to the top, baby! And to prove it, he will put up TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS of his own money to anybody in the back that defeat his new client! After a few seconds pause, Koko B Ware appeared and accepted the challenge! He got off to a good start, but ultimately was unable to overcome the mammoth newcomer, succumbing to the COBRA CLUTCH. Jimmy Hart took to the mic again to gloat. That's 1-0 baby! This match will air on a future episode of AWF Power Pro Wresting

4- The Midnight Express with Jim Cornette were next up, taking on The Pitbulls. The Midnight Express, former AWF World Tag Team Champions, put on a dazzling display of teamwork, eventually wearing out The Pitbulls to get the win via the ALABAMA JAM and pin on Pitbull #1.

5- In the Main Event, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan took on "Ace" Bob Orton. Hacksaw took the mic and promised revenge after what happened in Biloxi. Orton attempted to use a foreign object to start the match, but was thwarted by Duggan, who was given a rousing ovation by the Pensacola crowd. The crowd went home happy, as Duggan got the 1-2-3 after a knee drop. He then chased Orton to the back with a steel chair to end the show.

[averagereddituser]

Highlights from AWF Championship Wrestling on ESPN airing Thursday, June 25th, 1987

• Manny Fernandez appeared in the studio with Lance Russell. He vowed revenge against Adrian Adonis and Greg Valentine and introduced his new tag team partner to help him do it…..the rookie Marty Jannetty! Marty was humble as he thanked Manny for the opportunity, and promised to chase Adonis and valentine all around the good ole USA!


• We got another $10,000 challenge as Jimmy Hart once again put up his own money to ANYBODY that can beat Masked Superstar and his Cobra Clutch! This time Danny Doring answered the call, but Masked Superstar made quick work of him!


Coming to theatres July 17th, JAWS: THE REVENGE. This Time, it’s Personal!



• Bill Apter interviewed Rob Van Dam with Bill Alfonso after a squash match. He asked Bill to check his PWI rankings, shouldn’t RVD get a shot at least the Television Title? Commissioner Teddy Long appeared and said hey playa, if you want a shot at the gold, you gotta be bold. Beat Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant next week, and you’ll get your shot!


• Gordon Solie announced a big live event coming up! The Super Summer Sizzler Spectacular will take place Saturday, August 8th from the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York. This is the AWF’s first trip to Buffalo, and we can’t wait to see you all there! The card will be a good one as we can confirm AWF World Champion Sgt. Slaughter will team with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Ace” Bob Orton against the team of “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Magnum T.A, and Barry Windham! The Super Summer Sizzler Spectacular will be available on VHS for order, or at your local video store, from September the 15th.

[TTX]

I'm hoping for a battle of Cobra Clutches at some point though looks like Sarge is heel at the moment.

Adonis and Valentine is a nice team. Fernandez and Jannetty could work nicely.

[averagereddituser]

Thanks for the comment Troy! We'll see what the bookers have planned!




Card 3
Friday, June 26th, 1987
Riverside Centroplex- Baton Rouge, Louisiana

1. In the opener, Sam Houston pinned Disco Inferno. As Sam was celebrating, Disco recovered and attacked him from behind! He then stomped the defenseless Texan several times before leaving to a chorus of boos. This match will air on a future episode of AWF Power Pro Wresting

2. Jerry Lynn utilized several high flying maneuvers to beat Danny Doring.

3. Jimmy Hart came to the ring and introduced his client, Olympic Champion Masked Superstar. Jimmy this time put up $20,000 of his own money to anyone who can escape the COBRA CLUTCH! Jake Milliman appeared and accepted the challenge, but he was easily dispatched. Jimmy gloated after the match as Masked Superstar remained stonefaced. This match will air on a future episode of AWF Power Pro Wresting

4. Abdullah the Butcher was up next, this time with his manager Jim Cornette. Cornette put over Abdullah as follow:

    “Abdullah the Butcher, a name that strikes fear into the hearts of even the bravest souls. With his menacing figure and that trademark fork, he has carved a path of destruction throughout the annals of professional wrestling. The mere mention     of his name sends shivers down the spines of his opponents, and tonight, we have the honor of witnessing his greatness firsthand!”

His opponent, Special Delivery Jones, was no match for the Sudanese monster, quickly losing in a squash.

5. Next up, Adrian Adonis and Greg Valentine took on Manny Fernandez and Marty Jannetty. This match spilled out of the ring early and often and was a back and forth affair, with lots of tags and double teams. The inexperience of Manny and Jannetty as a team became more and more evident as the match went on, with Adonis and Valentine wearing them down and eventually getting the win.

6. In the MAIN EVENT, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, with “Ace” Bob Orton in his corner took on Barry Windham. Piper took the mic before the match and got some cheap heat by insulting the southern crowd. Windham snatched the mic away and took exception to Piper’s comments, but he was cut off by a cheap shot from the heel. Piper took control early, but the fan favorite fought back, eventually sensing defeat was near, “Ace” Bob Orton interfered but was caught by the referee and disqualified. He and Piper then began double teaming Windham after the bell, Piper then grabbed a mic and taunted Windham, mentioning that his new buddies weren’t there tonight to help him. This which drew a lot of heat until AWF World Tag Team Champion Road Warriors appeared to the delight of the crowd! They chased off Piper and Orton to end the show.

[averagereddituser]

Highlights from AWF Championship Wrestling on ESPN airing Thursday, July 2nd and 9th, 1987

The crowd was captivated as the AWF World Tag Team champions, The Road Warriors, took the spotlight. Hawk and Animal, sporting their championship belts, exuded a confident aura that commanded attention. Hawk grabbed the microphone and addressed the crowd with a composed intensity, stating, "We've proven time and time again that we're the best tag team in the world. No one can match our power, our chemistry, and our hunger to dominate. We'll continue to defend these titles with everything we've got, and anyone who thinks they can take us down is in for a rude awakening."

After a squash match, "Dr. Death" Steve Williams was presented with the wrestler of the month award by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. The audience applauded warmly, recognizing his accomplishments and contributions to the sport. However, the event took an unexpected turn when Abdullah the Butcher made his way to the ring, with his manager Jim Cornette in tow, interrupting the proceedings. In a shocking act, Abdullah spat what appeared to be blood onto Steve Williams. Before Williams could react, Jim Cornette nailed Williams with his tennis racket, enabling Abdullah to pick up Dr. Death's award and smash him over the head with it. The incident left Williams out cold and the crowd in a state of disbelief. Cronette then took the mic and ranted against Dr. Death, saying the wrestling media is biased against his client. He delivers another smash with his tennis racquet for good measure then the pair leave the ring and arena. 

After that we get an interview with Sgt. Slaughter, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, and "Ace" Bob Orton. Piper's began, his words dripped with venom as he addressed Magnum TA, Barry Windham, and Hacksaw Jim Duggan. He questioned their abilities, courage, and worthiness to step into the ring with the likes of himself and his allies. "Ace" Bob Orton confidently grabbed the microphone. He hinted at secret plans and strategies that he and his allies had concocted to gain an upper hand over their opponents. The crowd grew increasingly angry as AWF World Champion Sgt. Slaughter, with a sneer, seized the microphone, his voice dripping with disdain. He launched into a scathing diatribe, ridiculing the crowd and the values of America. Slaughter taunted the audience, challenging their patriotism and casting doubt on their support for the heroes. The crowd's boos and jeers intensified as they despised Slaughter's audacious insults, fueling their fervent desire to witness the heroes rise up and defend their honor against these villains.

In a match to receive a shot at the AWF Television Title, Rob Van Dam outlasted Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant, winning via the FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH. RVD will face Curt Henning for the gold on a future episode of AWF Championship Wrestling on ESPN!

[neilybob]

Excellent show awesome sauce rating of 4.5 .

[gnw2022]

This format and detail is awesome!!!!,HEELS RULE BAAABY!!!

[averagereddituser]

Thanks for the comments neilybob and gwc!



Card 4
Saturday, July 11th, 1987
Richmond Coliseum, Richmond VA

1- In the opener, S.D. Jones pinned Danny Doring after a Philly Shuffle.

2- Next we saw the debut of up and coming junior heavyweight Dynamite Kid. He took on Sam Houston and impressed with his technical abilities, getting the pin after cross body block from the top rope.

3- Next Jimmy Hart came to the ring with his client, Masked Superstar. He again issued an open challenge to the locker room, this time putting up $25,000 of his own money, holding a briefcase high, to anyone who can can escape the Cobra Hold and defeat his client! This time the challenge was answered by Fit Finlay! Masked Superstar had the edge early, but Finlay rallied several times as the urging of the crowd. A couple of near falls ensued but Finlay was unable to get the win. Masked Superstar rallied and appeared on the verge of winning when a reversal led to Fit Finaly hitting his patented TOMSTONE PILEDRIVER for the 1-2-3! The crowd went wild as Finlay grabbed the briefcase and chased Jimmy Hart and client to back! This match will air on a future episode of AWF Championship Wrestling on ESPN

4- In an absolute barnburner, the Midnight Express with Jim Cornette took on Manny Fernandez and Marty Jannetty. The young tag team rose to the occasion, utilizing teamwork beyond their experience level and keeping the veteran heels on their toes. Jim Cornette had to get involved on several occasions, and pin saves galore kept the Express in the match. Finally the tide turned and, utilizing teamwork of their own, Dennis Condrey landed the ROCKET LAUNCHER to pin Manny Ferdnandez. This match will air on a future episode of AWF Power Pro Wrestling

5- Next we saw "Dr. Death" Steve Williams take on Disco Inferno. The Oklahoma Sooner was clearly not himself, obviously rattled by his recent run in with Abdulah the Butcher. Williams seemed in a daze as Disco Inferno took control of the match early and seemed on the verge of a major upset. Eventually, Dr. Death was able to focus himself enough to rally and get the win, but as he returned to the back it was clear not all was well in the Williams camp....

6- In the main event, Magnum T.A and Barry Windham took on AWF World Champion Sgt. Slaughter and his henchman Dark Patriot. The champion avoided direct confrontation with his opponents, dumping out of the ring early and often, and frequently tagging in his underling. Eventually the pace of the match picked up, but neither hero was able to get an extended opportunity with the champion. Magnum TA used his BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX to pin Dark Patriot, with the heels quickly retreating to the back as the heroes took in the crowd to end the show.