AWA World Heavyweight Championship: Difference between revisions
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== History == |
== History == |
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The AWA World Heavyweight Championship was established in May 1960, after the AWA became a separate promotion from the [[National Wrestling Alliance]], which had previously been a part of the NWA's [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]-area presence. The first champion was [[Pat O'Connor (wrestler)|Pat O'Connor]], who was recognized as the first champion upon the AWA's secession from the NWA as O'Connor held the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] as well, which he won on January 9, 1959. The creation of |
The AWA World Heavyweight Championship was established in May 1960, after the AWA became a separate promotion from the [[National Wrestling Alliance]], which had previously been a part of the NWA's [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]-area presence. The first champion was [[Pat O'Connor (wrestler)|Pat O'Connor]], who was recognized as the first champion upon the AWA's secession from the NWA as O'Connor held the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] as well, which he won on January 9, 1959. The creation of the AWA World Heavyweight Championship along with the NWA World Heavyweight Championship would pave the way for the creation of many other world championships in other wrestling promotions. American Wrestling Association and the title became inactive in 1990 and the organization officially closed down in 1991 with the title also being decommissioned. |
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==Trademark infringement== |
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The [[AWA Superstars World Heavyweight Championship|title]] was supposedly revived in 1996 in Dale Gagner's independent promotion [[AWA Superstars of Wrestling]], who relicensed the AWA name. However, [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] has sued Gagner for the use of the AWA name, citing trademark infringement, as the WWE owns the AWA tape library, trademarks, and logos. AWA Superstars of Wrestling has claimed lineage for [[AWA Superstars World Heavyweight Championship|their world title]] to the classic AWA title and control over the title history, but because there is no connection to the original organizations or individuals involved therein, no continuity in title reigns and questionable legal use of the AWA name, the claims made by AWA Superstars of Wrestling are in historical dispute and in legal jeopardy. |
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In 1996, Dale Gagner and Jonnie Stewart, two former [[American Wrestling Association]] (AWA) employees, began using the AWA name in the state of Minnesota and formed an organization known as [[Wrestling Superstars Live|AWA Superstars of Wrestling]], [[Copyright infringement|infringing]] on the AWA name. After the closure of the American Wrestling Association in 1991, no promotion had claimed succession to the organization, but once AWA Superstars of Wrestling surfaced in 1996, [[Fandom|fans]] willingly bought into AWA Superstars of Wrestling's claim to being a continuation of the American Wrestling Association. Dale Gagner, to further cultivate an heir of legitimacy to the promotion, began using the [[pseudonym]] "Dale Gagne", in reference to [[Verne Gagne]], the original owner of the American Wrestling Association. Finally on April 26, 2007 [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) sought legal action against Dale Gagner for the use of the AWA name, citing trademark infringement, as WWE owned the AWA tape library, trademarks, and logos, following the purchase of the all American Wrestling Association assets after it closure.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1146399.html|title=World Wrestling sues promoter|author=Browning, Dan|date=2007-04-28|publisher=[[Star Tribune]]|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070428030922/http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1146399.html|archivedate=2007-04-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.georgiawrestlinghistory.com/news-notes/2007/05/04.html|title=News and Notes, May 4, 2007|date=2007-05-04|publisher=GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1wrestling.com/news/newsline.asp?news=28334|title=WWE Files Lawsuit Against "Gagne" For Trademark Violations Associated With AWA|author=Ryder, Bob|date=2007-04-26|publisher=1wrestling.com}}</ref> On [[October 24]] [[2008]], WWE won the first of 23 counts in the copyright infringement case against Gagner, which effectively meant that Gagner and Stewart could no longer infringe upon the AWA trademarks owned by the World Wrestling Entertainment. As a result, Gagner was forced to rename his organization. The now '''Wrestling Superstars Live''' website merely indicates that the promotion is "sanctioned" by the AWA. |
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Dale Gagner's claim that his AWA Superstars of Wrestling resumed the operations of the original AWA was more than tenuous, and the quality of champions it produced seemed to pale in comparison to the original AWA. In 2005, in what some might call a publicity stunt, the AWA Superstars recognized Hulk Hogan as a two-time AWA champion based upon two pinfalls he scored over AWA world champion Nick Bockwinkel way back in 1982, and 1983. Both decisions by the referee were quickly reversed by the AWA president based upon dubious technicalities, and these title changes were never officially recognized. |
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AWA Superstars took it upon itself to revise the original AWA title history, and correct the alleged wrongs against Hulk Hogan, but the decision was not widely welcomed, or accepted, in pro-wrestling circles. However, the announcement was not altogether rejected, as some felt Hulk Hogan was deserving of the correction all along. Regardless of one's opinion, these once largely forgotten and unofficial AWA title transfers are now often mentioned as a footnote in world-title history discussions. In fact, some non-wrestling media sources now commonly note or report Hulk Hogan as an official two-time AWA champion when covering his career, all based upon Dale Gagner's 2005 announcement - perhaps unaware of the weak historical and legal standing which the AWA Superstars held, or in deference to the fame and likability of Hulk Hogan. |
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The question of a physical title belt has been answered, at least in part; the former AWA World Championship belt is being used in the Japanese promotion Zero-ONE as its heavyweight title, despite the AWA ending its working agreement with Zero-ONE some time ago. |
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==Title history== |
==Title history== |
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Revision as of 09:23, 22 October 2009
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The American Wrestling Association (AWA) World Heavyweight Championship is a professional wrestling world heavyweight championship and the highest ranked championship in the defunct American Wrestling Association. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious championships in professional wrestling history. All AWA trademarks, including the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, are now owned by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
History
The AWA World Heavyweight Championship was established in May 1960, after the AWA became a separate promotion from the National Wrestling Alliance, which had previously been a part of the NWA's Minneapolis, Minnesota-area presence. The first champion was Pat O'Connor, who was recognized as the first champion upon the AWA's secession from the NWA as O'Connor held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship as well, which he won on January 9, 1959. The creation of the AWA World Heavyweight Championship along with the NWA World Heavyweight Championship would pave the way for the creation of many other world championships in other wrestling promotions. American Wrestling Association and the title became inactive in 1990 and the organization officially closed down in 1991 with the title also being decommissioned.
Trademark infringement
In 1996, Dale Gagner and Jonnie Stewart, two former American Wrestling Association (AWA) employees, began using the AWA name in the state of Minnesota and formed an organization known as AWA Superstars of Wrestling, infringing on the AWA name. After the closure of the American Wrestling Association in 1991, no promotion had claimed succession to the organization, but once AWA Superstars of Wrestling surfaced in 1996, fans willingly bought into AWA Superstars of Wrestling's claim to being a continuation of the American Wrestling Association. Dale Gagner, to further cultivate an heir of legitimacy to the promotion, began using the pseudonym "Dale Gagne", in reference to Verne Gagne, the original owner of the American Wrestling Association. Finally on April 26, 2007 World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) sought legal action against Dale Gagner for the use of the AWA name, citing trademark infringement, as WWE owned the AWA tape library, trademarks, and logos, following the purchase of the all American Wrestling Association assets after it closure.[1][2][3] On October 24 2008, WWE won the first of 23 counts in the copyright infringement case against Gagner, which effectively meant that Gagner and Stewart could no longer infringe upon the AWA trademarks owned by the World Wrestling Entertainment. As a result, Gagner was forced to rename his organization. The now Wrestling Superstars Live website merely indicates that the promotion is "sanctioned" by the AWA.
Title history
†Title changes not officially recognized by the American Wrestling Association.
| # | Wrestler | Reigns | Date | Days held: | Location | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
Pat O'Connor | 1
|
May 18, 1959 | 90 | St. Louis, MO | Live event | Held NWA World Heavyweight Championship, won on January 9, 1959 in St. Louis, Missouri; recognized as the first AWA World Champion in May 1960, but was given 90 days to defend the title against Verne Gagne or be stripped of the title.[4] |
2
|
Verne Gagne | 1
|
August 16, 1960 | 329 | N/A | N/A | Awarded after O'Connor failed to defend the title.[4] |
3
|
Gene Kiniski | 1
|
July 11, 1961 | 28 | Minneapolis, MN | Live event | [4] |
4
|
Verne Gagne | 2
|
August 8, 1961 | 154 | Minneapolis, MN | Live event | [4] |
5
|
Mr. M | 1
|
January 9, 1962 | 224 | Minneapolis, MN | Live event | [4] |
6
|
Verne Gagne | 3
|
August 21, 1962 | 322 | Minneapolis, MN | Live event | [4] |
7
|
The Crusher | 1
|
July 9, 1963 | 11 | Minneapolis, MN | Live event | Also won Omaha version of World Heavyweight Championship from Verne Gagne on February 15, 1963 in Omaha, Nebraska.[4] |
8
|
Verne Gagne | 4
|
July 20, 1963 | 7 | Minneapolis, MN | Live event | Wins both the AWA title and the Omaha title.[4] |
9
|
Fritz Von Erich | 1
|
July 27, 1963 | 12 | Omaha, NE | Live event | Wins both the AWA title and the Omaha title.[4] |
10
|
Verne Gagne | 5
|
August 8, 1963 | 100 | Amarillo, TX | Live event | Wins AWA title only; also wins Omaha title from Fritz Von Erich on September 7, 1963 in Omaha, NE to unify the titles.[4] |
11
|
The Crusher | 2
|
November 16, 1963 | 28 | St. Paul, MN | Live event | [4] |
12
|
Verne Gagne | 6
|
December 14, 1963 | 140 | Minneapolis, MN | Live event | [4] |
13
|
Mad Dog Vachon | 1
|
May 2, 1964 | 14 | Omaha, NE | Live event | [4] |
14
|
Verne Gagne | 7
|
May 16, 1964 | 157 | Omaha, NE | Live event | [4] |
15
|
Mad Dog Vachon | 2
|
October 20, 1964 | 207 | Minneapolis, MN | Live event | [4] |
16
|
Mighty Igor Vodic | 1
|
May 15, 1965 | 7 | Omaha, NE | Live event | [4] |
17
|
Mad Dog Vachon | 3
|
May 22, 1965 | 91 | Omaha, NE | Live event | [4] |
18
|
The Crusher | 3
|
August 21, 1965 | 83 | St. Paul, MN | Live event | [4] |
19
|
Mad Dog Vachon | 4
|
November 12, 1965 | 365 | Denver, CO | Live event | [4] |
-
|
Tim Woods | 1†
|
January 8, 1966 | 6 | Omaha, NE | Live event | AWA president Stanley Blackburn reviews the match from January 8, 1966 and declares it "no contenst" on January 14, 1966 since Woods' legs are on the rope while pinning Vachon during the final fall.[4] |
-
|
Mad Dog Vachon | 4(5)
|
January 14, 1966 | 302 | Omaha, NE | Live event | Vachon defeats Woods in a rematch on January 14, 1966.[4] |
20
|
Dick The Bruiser | 1
|
November 12, 1966 | 7 | Omaha, NE | Live event | [4] |
21
|
Mad Dog Vachon | 5(6)
|
November 19, 1966 | 99 | Omaha, NE | Live event | [4] |
22
|
Verne Gagne | 8
|
February 26, 1967 | 538 | St. Paul, MN | Live event | [4] |
23
|
Dr. X | 1
|
August 17, 1968 | 14 | Bloomington, MN | Live event | [4] |
24
|
Verne Gagne | 9
|
August 31, 1968 | 2625 | Minneapolis, MN | Live event | [4] |
25
|
Nick Bockwinkel | 1
|
November 8, 1975 | 1714 | St. Paul, MN | Live event | Wrestled WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund to a double count-out on March 25, 1979 in Toronto, ON.[4] |
26
|
Verne Gagne | 10
|
July 18, 1980 | 305 | Chicago, IL | Live event | Gagne retired from active wrestling while still the champion.[4] |
27
|
Nick Bockwinkel | 2
|
May 19, 1981 | 467 | N/A | N/A | Awarded the title when Gagne retired.[4] |
-
|
Hulk Hogan | 1†
|
April 18, 1982 | 6 | St. Paul, MN | Live event | Hogan's victory was overturned by AWA President Stanley Blackburn on April 24, 1982 as a result of the use of a foreign object by Hogan on Bockwinkel in the course of the bout, with Hogan's reign being unrecognized.[4] |
-
|
Nick Bockwinkel | 2(3)
|
April 24, 1982 | 127 | N/A | N/A | Returned to Bockwinkel by AWA president Stanley Blackburn due to the involvement of a foreign object in the match. Since Hogan was never recognized as a champion, Bockwinkel was only recognized as a two-time champion.[4] |
28
|
Otto Wanz | 1
|
August 29, 1982 | 41 | St. Paul, MN | Live event | [4] |
29
|
Nick Bockwinkel | 3(4)
|
October 9, 1982 | 501 | Chicago, IL | Live event | [4] |
-
|
Jerry Lawler | 1†
|
December 27, 1982 | 14 | Memphis, TN | Live event | Title held up after the match.[4] |
-
|
Nick Bockwinkel | 3(5)
|
January 10, 1983 | 408 | Memphis, TN | Live event | Defeats Lawler in a rematch..[4] |
-
|
Hulk Hogan | 2†
|
April 24, 1983 | 0 | Minneapolis, MN | Live event | Hogan's victory was overturned by Stanley Blackburn immediately following the bout, with Hogan's reign unrecognised.[4] |
-
|
Nick Bockwinkel | 3(6)
|
April 24, 1983 | 304 | Minneapolis, MN | Live event | After the match Blackburn came down to the ring and tried to have Hogan disqualified for having thrown Bockwinkel over the top rope, but since this was a no disqualification match, Blackburn simply stripped Hogan of the belt and again returned it to Bockwinkel. Understandably upset at the way he had been treated, Hogan left the AWA shortly thereafter. Neither of the Hogan's wins were officially recognized by the AWA.[4] |
30
|
Jumbo Tsuruta | 1
|
February 22, 1984 | 81 | Tokyo, Japan | Live event | [4] |
31
|
Rick Martel | 1
|
May 13, 1984 | 595 | St. Paul, MN | Live event | Wrestled NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair to a double count-out on October 2, 1985 in Tokyo, Japan.[4] |
32
|
Stan Hansen | 1
|
December 29, 1985 | 181 | East Rutherford, NJ | Live event | [4] |
33
|
Nick Bockwinkel | 4(7)
|
June 28, 1986 | 308 | Denver, CO | Live event | Awarded when Hansen left the AWA.[4] |
34
|
Curt Hennig | 1
|
May 2, 1987 | 373 | San Francisco, CA | SuperClash 2 | Title held up immediately after the match due to controversy over interference by Larry Zbyszko on Hennig's behalf, but the title is returned to Hennig days later after the AWA Championship Committee (perhaps learning from their mistakes with Hogan) rules that there was no evidence of interference.[4] |
35
|
Jerry Lawler | 1(2)
|
May 9, 1988 | 256 | Memphis, TN | Live event | Lawler defeated Kerry Von Erich on December 13, 1988 in Chicago to win the WCWA World Heavyweight Championship, and become the first USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship.[4] |
-
|
Vacated | -
|
January 20, 1989 | 0 | N/A | N/A | Lawler was stripped of the title after the Continental Wrestling Association split with the AWA.[4] |
36
|
Larry Zbyszko | 1
|
February 7, 1989 | 368 | St. Paul, MN | Live event | Zbyszko won a battle royal, last eliminating Tom Zenk.[4] |
37
|
Mr. Saito | 1
|
February 10, 1990 | 57 | Tokyo, Japan | Live event | [4] |
38
|
Larry Zbyszko | 2
|
April 8, 1990 | 248 | St. Paul, MN | SuperClash 4 | [4] |
-
|
Title retired | -
|
December 12, 1990 | 0 | N/A | N/A | Title stripped when Zbyszko left the inactive AWA for WCW. The AWA closed in 1991.[4] |
List of top combined reigns
| Rank | Wrestler | # Of Reigns | Combined Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Verne Gagne | 10 | 4,677 |
| 2. | Nick Bockwinkel | 4 | 2,990 |
| 3. | Mad Dog Vachon | 5 | 776 |
| 4. | Larry Zbyszko | 2 | 616 |
| 5. | Rick Martel | 1 | 595 |
| 6. | Curt Hennig | 1 | 373 |
| 7. | Jerry Lawler | 1 | 256 |
| 8. | Mr. M | 1 | 224 |
| 9. | Stan Hansen | 1 | 181 |
| 10. | The Crusher | 3 | 122 |
| 11. | Pat O'Connor | 1 | 90 |
| 12. | Jumbo Tsuruta | 1 | 81 |
| 13. | Mr. Saito | 1 | 57 |
| 14. | Otto Wanz | 1 | 41 |
| 15. | Gene Kiniski | 1 | 28 |
| 16. | Dr. X | 1 | 14 |
| 17. | Fritz Von Erich | 1 | 12 |
| 18. | Mighty Igor Vodic | 1 | 7 |
| 19. | Dick The Bruiser | 1 | 7 |
References
- ^ Browning, Dan (2007-04-28). "World Wrestling sues promoter". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 2007-04-28.
- ^ "News and Notes, May 4, 2007". GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com. 2007-05-04.
- ^ Ryder, Bob (2007-04-26). "WWE Files Lawsuit Against "Gagne" For Trademark Violations Associated With AWA". 1wrestling.com.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av Royal Duncan & Gary Will (4th Edition 2006). Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
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