7.12.2008
TWA HOF: Class of '08 - Gorgeous George
Who is the greatest heel of all-time? The great debate could last for eternity.There are front-runners like Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, and certainly Gorgeous George. Gorgeous George was a pioneer of his trade and was destined to put heels on the map. Born George Wagner, he broke into pro wrestling by visits to the YMCA and 
competing in carnivals like many others of his era. After dropping out of school three years earlier, the 17-year old Wagner got his first break getting booked by the area's top promoter Morris Seigel. Soon, Wagner gained the region's Middleweight and Light Heavyweight crowns. After meeting her in the business, he married Betty Hanson, but not in an ordinary ceremony. They were married in the squared circle, and the attraction become so popular that the couple performed it across the country. It was during that time that he read an article in Vanity magazine chronicling the flamboyant character of Lord Patrick Landsdowne who would be accompanied to the ring by two valets while sporting a long and fancy robe. Wagner decided to modify the character to his own liking and thus, Gorgeous George was born. At a Eugene, Oregon event in 1941, Wagner unveiled the gimmick by taunting the fans effeminately resulting in the ring announcer calling him "Gorgeous George". His flamboyance attracted great attention, and he became a big draw. "The Human Orchid", as he was called, was drawn to the Los Angeles area where he started to pull the character together. He grew long hair which was dyed bright, platinum blonde and held together with "Georgie" pins. Next, he adopted "Pomp and Circumstance" as his entrance music, which was extremely rare and unheard-of at the time. Jeffries was chosen as his valet who would follow him to the ring, leaving rose petals behind every step he took. He then assisted the brightly-dressed George by removing the robe and disinfecting the ring with the self-proclaimed "Chanel No.10" perfume. Often shouting "Get your filthy hands off me!" at the fans, George was hated even more for his in-ring tactics which were illegal and underhanded. Living by the motto "Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat!", he easily attracted the most "heat" of any wrestler ever at the time and became one of the country's top draws. Georgeous George made his television debut on November 11, 1947 and quickly became a nationwide celebrity. With the emergence of George on the tube, wrestling was elevated to unknown areas and completely new levels. Gone was the roughness and toughness of ring action and in was the glitz and glamor of the television era. Gorgeous George became the sole reason for many purchases of TV sets. As his following picked up, so did his success. The heel first earned the Los Angeles Heavyweight Title in March 1947 by defeating Enrique Torres. He brought wrestling back to Madison Square Garden for the first time in twelve years on February 22, 1949. During this time, George began earning half of what was gained at the front gate of most wrestling cards he appeared on, making him the country's highest paid wrestler and athlete. On May 6, 1950, George beat Don Eagle for the Boston version of the AWA World Heavyweight Title which he would lose to the legendary Lou Thesz in a monumental bout in the "Windy City". His most public bout would be in March 1959 when he lost his golden blonde hair to Whipper Billy Watson at the Maple Leaf Gardens. Towards the end of his career, the up-and-coming Bruno Sammartino would defeat him followed by a loss to the Destroyer in a hair
vs. mask match that lost him his golden mane once again. The bout was held on November 7, 1962, and would be the last match for George Wagner who was ordered to retire after 30 years of both in-ring and alcohol abuse. After his wrestling career came to an end, he had a 195-acre turkey ranch built in his resident California. He presented many of his prized turkeys at wrestling events before building "Gorgeous George's Ringside Restaurant" in Van Nuys, California. Soon after the end of his in-ring career, George had become broke due to alcoholism and meaningless investments. On December 26, 1963, George Wagner passed away after a fatal heart attack. Wagner left behind four children and a second wife. He also left an irreplaceable legacy. His character was duplicated by the likes of Buddy Rogers, Freddie Blassie, the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, and countless others. Muhammad Ali, James Brown, and Bob Dylan also claimed to have been widely influenced the ways of George. To be completely honest, every heel to ever enter the ring was greatly impacted by Gorgeous George. He may be without a doubt the greatest heel ever, bring the argument to an end. "That's not gonna happen because I'm th greatest wrestler in the world!" George once exclaimed in promotion for a bout against Freddie Blassie. At one time, that was the complete truth. Gorgeous George won't be remembered as a Champion or a favorite, but as a pioneer and one of the greatest heel in pro wrestling's existence.
competing in carnivals like many others of his era. After dropping out of school three years earlier, the 17-year old Wagner got his first break getting booked by the area's top promoter Morris Seigel. Soon, Wagner gained the region's Middleweight and Light Heavyweight crowns. After meeting her in the business, he married Betty Hanson, but not in an ordinary ceremony. They were married in the squared circle, and the attraction become so popular that the couple performed it across the country. It was during that time that he read an article in Vanity magazine chronicling the flamboyant character of Lord Patrick Landsdowne who would be accompanied to the ring by two valets while sporting a long and fancy robe. Wagner decided to modify the character to his own liking and thus, Gorgeous George was born. At a Eugene, Oregon event in 1941, Wagner unveiled the gimmick by taunting the fans effeminately resulting in the ring announcer calling him "Gorgeous George". His flamboyance attracted great attention, and he became a big draw. "The Human Orchid", as he was called, was drawn to the Los Angeles area where he started to pull the character together. He grew long hair which was dyed bright, platinum blonde and held together with "Georgie" pins. Next, he adopted "Pomp and Circumstance" as his entrance music, which was extremely rare and unheard-of at the time. Jeffries was chosen as his valet who would follow him to the ring, leaving rose petals behind every step he took. He then assisted the brightly-dressed George by removing the robe and disinfecting the ring with the self-proclaimed "Chanel No.10" perfume. Often shouting "Get your filthy hands off me!" at the fans, George was hated even more for his in-ring tactics which were illegal and underhanded. Living by the motto "Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat!", he easily attracted the most "heat" of any wrestler ever at the time and became one of the country's top draws. Georgeous George made his television debut on November 11, 1947 and quickly became a nationwide celebrity. With the emergence of George on the tube, wrestling was elevated to unknown areas and completely new levels. Gone was the roughness and toughness of ring action and in was the glitz and glamor of the television era. Gorgeous George became the sole reason for many purchases of TV sets. As his following picked up, so did his success. The heel first earned the Los Angeles Heavyweight Title in March 1947 by defeating Enrique Torres. He brought wrestling back to Madison Square Garden for the first time in twelve years on February 22, 1949. During this time, George began earning half of what was gained at the front gate of most wrestling cards he appeared on, making him the country's highest paid wrestler and athlete. On May 6, 1950, George beat Don Eagle for the Boston version of the AWA World Heavyweight Title which he would lose to the legendary Lou Thesz in a monumental bout in the "Windy City". His most public bout would be in March 1959 when he lost his golden blonde hair to Whipper Billy Watson at the Maple Leaf Gardens. Towards the end of his career, the up-and-coming Bruno Sammartino would defeat him followed by a loss to the Destroyer in a hair
vs. mask match that lost him his golden mane once again. The bout was held on November 7, 1962, and would be the last match for George Wagner who was ordered to retire after 30 years of both in-ring and alcohol abuse. After his wrestling career came to an end, he had a 195-acre turkey ranch built in his resident California. He presented many of his prized turkeys at wrestling events before building "Gorgeous George's Ringside Restaurant" in Van Nuys, California. Soon after the end of his in-ring career, George had become broke due to alcoholism and meaningless investments. On December 26, 1963, George Wagner passed away after a fatal heart attack. Wagner left behind four children and a second wife. He also left an irreplaceable legacy. His character was duplicated by the likes of Buddy Rogers, Freddie Blassie, the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, and countless others. Muhammad Ali, James Brown, and Bob Dylan also claimed to have been widely influenced the ways of George. To be completely honest, every heel to ever enter the ring was greatly impacted by Gorgeous George. He may be without a doubt the greatest heel ever, bring the argument to an end. "That's not gonna happen because I'm th greatest wrestler in the world!" George once exclaimed in promotion for a bout against Freddie Blassie. At one time, that was the complete truth. Gorgeous George won't be remembered as a Champion or a favorite, but as a pioneer and one of the greatest heel in pro wrestling's existence.
7.11.2008
News + Notes from This Week
- In the past week, WWE and TNA have both said goodbye to some of their talent. Last Thursday, Trevor Murdoch was released by World Wrestling Entertainment after recently being drafted to Smackdown. Earlier this week, TNA announced that they would be sending Scott D'Amore on his way in the very near future. D'Amore, former manager of T
eam Canada, had been working as the TNA Knockout Division agent. The same day, James Mitchell, the sadistic former manager of Abyss, was released from his TNA contract after not appearing for months. And finally, Wednesday, Ashley Massaro, a WWE Diva, was let go apparently to aid her ill daughter. It might be expected that more wrestlers or other stars will be fired.
- The suspensions of Jimmy Wang Yang and William Regal are about to come to an end, and it is expected that the WWE should reinstate them soon.
- On Tuesday, WWE Home Video released Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection. It is the first WWE DVD released that features a documentary.
- WWE Smackdown has been canceled by the Chicago market by the station WGN. WGN, based in Chicago, is airing reruns of the sitcom Alf instead of Smackdown tonight.
- Sunday, Mickie Knuckles, who was to be signed by TNA as "Moose", was injured during an IWA Mid-South event in Joliet, Illinois. She suffered a broken right femur bone while jumping from a balcony. She went under the knife the next day. After a half-year of healing and rehab, it is possible she will be in shape to return to the ring.
- It has been rumored that Essa Rios and Dos Caras Jr. could be signed by WWE for the Smackdown brand. The WWE recently voiced the opinion of bringing more Hispanics to the brnad due to the Hispanic following of the show.
- Yesterday, the Long Island Press broke news of the closing of "Ric Flair Finance". The Nature Boy had opened the business last fall and had been looking to close out for quite some time due to the weak economy.
eam Canada, had been working as the TNA Knockout Division agent. The same day, James Mitchell, the sadistic former manager of Abyss, was released from his TNA contract after not appearing for months. And finally, Wednesday, Ashley Massaro, a WWE Diva, was let go apparently to aid her ill daughter. It might be expected that more wrestlers or other stars will be fired.- The suspensions of Jimmy Wang Yang and William Regal are about to come to an end, and it is expected that the WWE should reinstate them soon.
- On Tuesday, WWE Home Video released Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection. It is the first WWE DVD released that features a documentary.
- WWE Smackdown has been canceled by the Chicago market by the station WGN. WGN, based in Chicago, is airing reruns of the sitcom Alf instead of Smackdown tonight.
- Sunday, Mickie Knuckles, who was to be signed by TNA as "Moose", was injured during an IWA Mid-South event in Joliet, Illinois. She suffered a broken right femur bone while jumping from a balcony. She went under the knife the next day. After a half-year of healing and rehab, it is possible she will be in shape to return to the ring.
- It has been rumored that Essa Rios and Dos Caras Jr. could be signed by WWE for the Smackdown brand. The WWE recently voiced the opinion of bringing more Hispanics to the brnad due to the Hispanic following of the show.
- Yesterday, the Long Island Press broke news of the closing of "Ric Flair Finance". The Nature Boy had opened the business last fall and had been looking to close out for quite some time due to the weak economy.
7.10.2008
TWA Remembers Adrian Adonis: The Tag Teams
-The East-West ConnectionAdrian Adonis first established himself in the American Wrestling Association, but not as a singles wrestler. He teamed up with Jesse "The Body" Ventura to become the East-West Connection. The heel tandem was an immediate success. They were awarded the AWA World Tag Team Titles on July 20, 1980. Their main enemies were the team of Jim Brunzell and Greg Gagne - the High Flyers. The feud was one of the most engrossing for the fans. They eventually lost the titles nearly one
year later to Brunzell and Gagne.-The North-South Connection
After leaving the AWA, Adrian Adonis joined the World Wrestling Federation. There he remained a tag team specialist. His next partner in crime was "Dirty" Dick Murdoch. As was Adrian's AWA team, the N-S Connection was successful. The won the WWF World Tag Team Titles in April of 1984. Their reign came to an end in January 1985. The team broke up shortly after.
7.09.2008
"An Astonishing Turn of Events"
Readers this is the first, and maybe the last time, a post will begin with a quote from Mike Adamle. "An astonishing turn of events" was Adamle's reaction to Tony Atlas, a WWE Hall of Fame inductee, allying himself with the self-proclaimed "World's Strongest Champion" Mark Henry. This occurred in a non-title bout between Henry and Tommy Dreamer. Henry was about to attack Colin Delaney, Dreamer's protege, when special guest announcer Tony Atlas did the job for him. Atlas then celebrated the supposed victory with the fellow strong man (Atlas was once Mr.USA). It is currently unknown whether Atlas will become the ECW Champion Henry's manager or if this was a one-off deal. If he does join Mark as his manager, I would be disappointed if they take promo time away from Henry because he is quite a polished talker. I find it rather weird that they would bring in Tony Atlas as a manage because of the company's lack of the role. He could be met by Paul Bearer. Bearer has been rumored to possibly return after Kane's "Is he alive or is he dead?" rant on Raw last Monday. I certainly hope he is the subject of Kane's craze instead of the other rumored names (Vince McMahon and the Undertaker.) Well, it seems we will have to tune into WWE programming Monday and Tuesday to see the fallout of both storylines.
7.08.2008
The Death of the AWA
In 1991, Verne Gagne made the heartbreaking decision to shut the doors of his American Wrestling Association. The company, founded in 1957, had become one of the last remaining traditional promotions. Based out of Minnesota, the AWA provided countless memories, and likewise, controversy."If I read one more sour wrestling book from a lonesome old wrestler who didn't save his money and is peed off because everybody cheated him, everybody did this to him, and everything did this to him, I'm gonna throw up," Blackjack Mulligan said of Verne Gagne. Gagne is generally blamed for the closure of his wrestling promotion, but it might not be completely fair to point a finger at him for everything. Several factors brought the AWA to an end. The following paragraphs are devoted to explanation of the factors.
Reason number one: By the mid-eighties, the AWA was running on fumes in terms of talent. Veterans like Jerry Blackwell, Nick Bockwinkel, and Baron Von Raschke hung on to wrestling well past their prime and continued to deteriorate. Therefore, a slew of new talent was introduced to the AWA. The answers to the disappearance of talent were wrestlers such as Mitch Snow, Kevin Kelly, Steve Olsonowski, and Nick Kiniski. However, all aforementioned youngsters struggled to stay relevant and were deprived of star quality. Future stars such as Marty Jannetty, Shawn Michaels, Curt Hennig, and Scott Hall were brought in and were strongly successful, but due to guaranteed money by the then-WWF, all promising young stars ventured elsewhere. Eventually, the AWA ran out of worthy stars and their roster dwindled significantly.
Reason number two: Towards the end of the eighties, the World Wrestling Federation began taking leaps and bounds like no other company. They had broken out of their territorial phase and become a conglomerate. On the other hand, the AWA remained conscious of old school patterns. On their television programs, flashy graphics and meaningful matches were replaced with stale production methods and hard-to-watch squashes. Their outlook seemed to vintage to popularize which conceived a lack of interest by several crucial markets. A lack of progression hindered the AWA from growth.
Reason number three: The Gagne name lived on in the squared circle when Verne's son Greg debuted in his father's promotion. Greg first established himself in a popular, championship-winning tag team with Jim Brunzell. Once the team dissolved upon Brunzell's departure, Greg's push as a singles wrestler began, and for the remainder of the company's existence, the second generation Gagne remained one of the AWA's major stars even though he had dismal charisma and an extremely small stature. Greg Gagne's position in the company earned his father the reputation of nepotism. After Greg became a star, Larry Zbyszko, Verne's son-in-law, entered the AWA. Larry often criticized for being boring and predictable, gained the AWA World Title twice furthering Verne's label of nepotism.
Reason number four: In attempt to raise pro wrestling to a completely new level, the WWF started creating phenomenons in the wrestling world. With the introduction of big-time Pay-per-views like Wrestlemania, the Survivor Series, and the Royal Rumble, the AWA started to feel the pressure. Therefore they responded with the creation of SuperClash and the Team Challenge Series. SuperClash was conceived as the meeting of several companies for a joint card that would out-perform the WWF. Jim Ross called the idea a "joke" and agreed with his employer Mid-South Wrestling when they declined entry into the event. In four installments of the event, very few gems can be found. One quality match is a AWA/WCCW title unification bout between Jerry Lawler and Kerry Von Erich at SuperClash III. The event stemmed controversy, though, as several competitors, including the AWA Champion Jerry Lawler, claimed to have never received compensation. The Team Challenge Series was configured by splitting the entire active roster into three teams. Each individual wrestler would gain points for their respective teams by winning matches. The idea wasn't received well, and the nearly yearlong event is pointed out as a major error by the AWA.
Reason number five: Months before the closing of the AWA, the state of Minnesota contacted Verne Gagne with sad news. The government desired to turn Gagne's property located next to Lake Minnetoka into a public park. In hopes of saving his lakeside residence, Verne acquired the services of several expensive attorneys. Ultimately, he lost the court case, and the Lake Minnetoka Regional Park was constructed. The loss of the case deprived Gagne, who had already filed for bankruptcy, from a large amount of money. This left the American Wrestling Association starving for cash that wasn't available. Not long after, the company met its end.
So, in closing, numerous things brought the kayfabe-era promotion to an end. Other unknown factors could have determined the company's fate, but known factors give imminent proof on why the AWA ceased to exist. Everything melded together to bring the walls of Verne's promotion crashing down. The American Wrestling Association was a victim of time.
Reason number one: By the mid-eighties, the AWA was running on fumes in terms of talent. Veterans like Jerry Blackwell, Nick Bockwinkel, and Baron Von Raschke hung on to wrestling well past their prime and continued to deteriorate. Therefore, a slew of new talent was introduced to the AWA. The answers to the disappearance of talent were wrestlers such as Mitch Snow, Kevin Kelly, Steve Olsonowski, and Nick Kiniski. However, all aforementioned youngsters struggled to stay relevant and were deprived of star quality. Future stars such as Marty Jannetty, Shawn Michaels, Curt Hennig, and Scott Hall were brought in and were strongly successful, but due to guaranteed money by the then-WWF, all promising young stars ventured elsewhere. Eventually, the AWA ran out of worthy stars and their roster dwindled significantly.
Reason number two: Towards the end of the eighties, the World Wrestling Federation began taking leaps and bounds like no other company. They had broken out of their territorial phase and become a conglomerate. On the other hand, the AWA remained conscious of old school patterns. On their television programs, flashy graphics and meaningful matches were replaced with stale production methods and hard-to-watch squashes. Their outlook seemed to vintage to popularize which conceived a lack of interest by several crucial markets. A lack of progression hindered the AWA from growth.
Reason number three: The Gagne name lived on in the squared circle when Verne's son Greg debuted in his father's promotion. Greg first established himself in a popular, championship-winning tag team with Jim Brunzell. Once the team dissolved upon Brunzell's departure, Greg's push as a singles wrestler began, and for the remainder of the company's existence, the second generation Gagne remained one of the AWA's major stars even though he had dismal charisma and an extremely small stature. Greg Gagne's position in the company earned his father the reputation of nepotism. After Greg became a star, Larry Zbyszko, Verne's son-in-law, entered the AWA. Larry often criticized for being boring and predictable, gained the AWA World Title twice furthering Verne's label of nepotism.
Reason number four: In attempt to raise pro wrestling to a completely new level, the WWF started creating phenomenons in the wrestling world. With the introduction of big-time Pay-per-views like Wrestlemania, the Survivor Series, and the Royal Rumble, the AWA started to feel the pressure. Therefore they responded with the creation of SuperClash and the Team Challenge Series. SuperClash was conceived as the meeting of several companies for a joint card that would out-perform the WWF. Jim Ross called the idea a "joke" and agreed with his employer Mid-South Wrestling when they declined entry into the event. In four installments of the event, very few gems can be found. One quality match is a AWA/WCCW title unification bout between Jerry Lawler and Kerry Von Erich at SuperClash III. The event stemmed controversy, though, as several competitors, including the AWA Champion Jerry Lawler, claimed to have never received compensation. The Team Challenge Series was configured by splitting the entire active roster into three teams. Each individual wrestler would gain points for their respective teams by winning matches. The idea wasn't received well, and the nearly yearlong event is pointed out as a major error by the AWA.
Reason number five: Months before the closing of the AWA, the state of Minnesota contacted Verne Gagne with sad news. The government desired to turn Gagne's property located next to Lake Minnetoka into a public park. In hopes of saving his lakeside residence, Verne acquired the services of several expensive attorneys. Ultimately, he lost the court case, and the Lake Minnetoka Regional Park was constructed. The loss of the case deprived Gagne, who had already filed for bankruptcy, from a large amount of money. This left the American Wrestling Association starving for cash that wasn't available. Not long after, the company met its end.
So, in closing, numerous things brought the kayfabe-era promotion to an end. Other unknown factors could have determined the company's fate, but known factors give imminent proof on why the AWA ceased to exist. Everything melded together to bring the walls of Verne's promotion crashing down. The American Wrestling Association was a victim of time.
7.07.2008
TWA Remembers Adrian Adonis: The Flower Shop
In May 1986, Adrian Adonis became one of the most hated heels in the World Wrestling Federation. At the time, Piper's Pit, hosted by "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, was on hiatus for a number of months. "Adorable" Adrian was the answer as he became the flamboyant host of the Flower Shop. Appearing as a florist, Adonis interviewed the WWF's most popular heels and superstars including Paul Orndorff and Hulk Hogan. In the infamous Orndorff segment, Adonis tried his best to convince Paul that Hogan wasn't accepting his talents. Later on, "Ace" Bob Orton Jr., Piper's former bodyguard, began sporting a pink cowboy hat as Adonis' protection. When Piper eventually returned, Adonis, Orton, and Don Muraco brutalized the "Hot Rod" by injuring his leg and forcing him to wear lipstick. The onslaught didn't stop there as the trio demolished the Pit set. One week later, Piper retaliated with a baseball bat that dismantled the Flower Shop. Piper continued the feud by injuring "Adorable" Adrian and sidelining him for a month. The feud came to an end when Roddy took Adonis' hair in a Wrestlemania 3 bout. Soon after, Adonis disappeared from the Federation and his Flower Shop left behind irreplaceable memories and a forgettable feud.7.06.2008
TWA Remembers Adrian Adonis: Career Snapshot
Real Name: Keith Franke;Ring Name: "Adorable" Adrian Adonis
Height: 5'11" Weight: 245-400 + lbs.
Born: September 15, 1954
Died: July 4, 1988
Birthplace: New York City
Place of Death: Newfoundland, Canada
Debut: 1974 Trained By: Fred Atkins
Finisher: Goodnight, Irene
Managed By: Bobby Heenan, Freddie Blassie, "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart, Paul E. Dangerously, Sir Oliver Humperdink
Titleography: AWA World Tag Team Title (w/ Jesse Ventura), WWF Tag Team Title (w/ Dick Murdoch), NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title (w/ Ron Starr), NWA Americas Heavyweight Title, NWA Americas Tag Team Title (2 - 1 w/Roddy Piper, 1 w/ Black Gordman), SCW World Heavyweight Title, SCW Southwest Heavyweight Title
Accomplishments: PWI Editor's Award (1988), Wrestling Observer's Most Improved Wrestler (1981), PWI's Most Underrated Wrestler (1982), PWI ranked him #128 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the PWI Years in 2003, PWI ranked the team of Dick Murdoch and him #35 of the 100 best tag teams in PWI Years in 2003, PWI ranked the team of Jesse Ventura and him #67 of the 100 best tag teams in PWI Years in 2003
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