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About Us
The
Proud tradition and History
of the
American Wrestling Association
Founded by
wrestler/promoter Verne Gagne and associate Wally Karbo, Minneapolis
Boxing & Wrestling Club, Inc. originally held membership in the National
Wrestling Alliance until a dispute over recognition of the NWA World
heavyweight championship.
In 1960, the group dropped out of the NWA and formed its own brand name
(and "sanctioning body"), the American Wrestling Association. The AWA
had originally been used as a brand name by promoter Paul Bowser from
the late 1920's to the early 50's, and briefly in the 50's by Chicago
promoters Ray Fabiani and Leonard Schwartz.
Gagne existed as the top regional promoter in the midwest until the
mid-1980's, when, like every other promoter in the industry, he was
faced by the realities of cable television and promoter expansion. In
1985, the AWA debuted on ESPN.
The 1990's saw a whole new AWA. Re-named AWA Wrestling Entertainment,
Inc. under former Director of Talent and Events, Dale Gagne, along with
the last known AWA Light Heavyweight Champion, "The Illustrious" Jonnie
Stewart. As such, Stewart faced King Kong Bundy who was subsequently
named AWA World Champion. Shortly after, "The Underwear Model" Eric
Priest became the youngest AWA World Champion of all time.
Wrestling legends who have competed at some point during there career in
the AWA include Hulk Hogan, Jesse Ventura, Nick Bockwinkle, Harley Race,
Curt Hennig, Road Warrior Animal, Road Warrior Hawk, Fritz Von Erich,
Pat Patterson, Shawn Michaels, Jerry Lawler, Larry Zbyszko, Rick Martel,
Stan Hansen, and Sgt. Slaughter to name just a few.
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